Is Vaping Bad For My Teeth?In recent years, vaping has surged in popularity as an alternative to traditional smoking, touted as a “safer” option. However, questions are being raised about the potential impact on oral health. Is vaping bad for your teeth, and what could it mean for your overall dental and oral systemic health? Our Elgin dentist, Dr. Dean Lodding, co-founded the American Academy… Continue Reading
How to Prevent Bone Loss After Tooth ExtractionThe jawbone not only securely holds the roots of a tooth in place, but is also dependent on healthy teeth to stimulate bone cells. When teeth are extracted or lost, bone tissue in that area recedes since the tooth roots are gone and are no longer able to enhance jawbone density. Bone deterioration after tooth loss can be a very… Continue Reading
Dental Care During PregnancyPregnancy can be a joyous but overwhelming time in a person’s life, and good dental care is rarely the first thing on an expectant mother’s mind. However, being mindful of your oral health is actually an important part of safeguarding the overall health of both you and your baby. Dr. Dean Lodding is an Elgin-based family and cosmetic dentist with… Continue Reading
How Can I Improve the Appearance of a Single Stained Tooth?Stains on the teeth are a common—but nonetheless frustrating—concern. Many factors can contribute to discoloration, including certain foods and drinks (such as coffee, berries, and wine), tobacco use, some medications (such as tetracycline), and poor oral hygiene. In order to address teeth stains, individuals often turn to over-the-counter teeth whitening remedies. However, these are rarely as effective as professional whitening,… Continue Reading
When Does a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?While we typically do whatever we can to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, in some cases, extraction is actually the best option for your health and comfort. Our Elgin dentists offer a range of dental care procedures designed to meet your specific needs. For patients experiencing pain or who have severe damage or decay, root… Continue Reading
Dental Emergencies During the Coronavirus/COVID-19 PandemicThe team at Smile for Life Dental want to be here for you in cases of a dental emergency during this unprecedented and challenging time. While our office is currently closed for routine procedures and other elective dental care options, our dentists are on standby for dental emergencies and can treat patients who are suffering from concerns that require immediate… Continue Reading
At-Home Dental Care and Oral Health Tips During the Coronavirus/COVID-19 CrisisMany of us across the United States are under shelter-in-place orders or are simply doing our part to follow social distancing guidelines by remaining at home as much as possible. In fact, to achieve maximum levels of risk-management during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, Smile for Life Dental has temporarily closed, with the exception of treatment availability for dental emergencies. Since routine… Continue Reading
Top 5 Tips for Preventing Childhood CavitiesTaking steps to prevent cavities in your child’s early development is the best way to start good oral health habits that continue throughout life. Educating them on proper daily oral hygiene, the importance of a nutritious diet, and other factors that are good for their oral health can go a long way toward minimizing the risk of cavities and other… Continue Reading
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?ums that bleed while flossing can be due to a number of issues; however, if it is a common occurrence, it may likely be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease. To be sure, bleeding gums while flossing and performing daily oral hygiene routines could be caused by factors other than gum disease. These include a vitamin deficiency, a reaction to… Continue Reading
How to Get Rid of a Tooth InfectionA tooth infection can endanger your oral health and your general health. Caused by a buildup of bacteria that affects the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues inside the tooth’s pulp, a tooth infection can result from severe decay, an untreated cavity, a fracture in the enamel, or even just poor oral hygiene routines. Some of the symptoms of a… Continue Reading