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Grayslake IL Dentist | Can Lemon Water Damage Your Teeth?

Dentist GrayslakeJennifer Aniston, Claudia Schiffer, Beyonce, and Gwyneth Paltrow are just some of the stars who have said they enjoy fresh lemon squeezed into warm water as a healthy drink.  Some people claim that warm lemon water can boost the immune system, aid digestion, and help with weight loss.  But could this lemon water drink be damaging to your teeth? We will discuss this here in more detail and feel free to ask about it more at your next dentist visit at our Grayslake office.

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C but lemon juice is highly acidic and can cause erosion in tooth enamel over time. If you sweeten that lemon water with sugar, you increase the risk of tooth decay as well. So how can you join the lemon water trend without damaging your teeth? 

Just follow these tips:

  • Brush your teeth before drinking.
  • Use juice from a fresh lemon, not the concentrated, commercial lemon juices.
  • Drink through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
  • Drink it quickly, rather than sipping over a long period of time.
  • Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking.
  • Wait two hours to brush your teeth after drinking to allow the calcium in your saliva to re-mineralize your teeth.

All acidic beverages have the potential to erode the enamel on your teeth, such as:

  • citrus fruits
  • fruit juices
  • soda, including diet soda
  • some wines

To prevent potential damage to your teeth, consume these drinks occasionally instead of daily and follow the tips above whenever possible. Here is more reading material.

Contact our office to schedule your next preventive dental appointment.

Dentist in Grayslake, IL | New Year, New You!

Dentist in GrayslakeMany of us spend the majority of our lives giving to others, caring for others and providing for others. This can be a very rewarding way to live.

However, at times it can leave you wondering when there will be time for me.

Many times, we put off prioritizing our own health and happiness, and this becomes our way of life.

We want to encourage you to make a resolution this year – involving you. It’s important to make your health and self-esteem a priority for a long and happy life.

If you’ve been considering cosmetic or restorative dentistry for years, but for one reason or another have not made your own wants and needs a priority…

Now is the time!

Contact us for a consultation or share this message with a friend who needs a reminder to make time for his or herself.

Grayslake Dentist | Save a life. Spread the word.

Dentist GrayslakeAccording to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 45,750 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,650 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of the 45,750 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years.

Oral cancer is often not detected in its earliest stages, leading to severe consequences. With almost any illness, early detection is key to effective treatment and survival.

Unfortunately, in many instances, oral cancer is present without any signs or symptoms. It has been called a silent killer. During a comprehensive exam, our dentists will exam your lips, gums, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth. If any irregular tissue is spotted, you may be sent for a diagnostic exam.

We know that at times our patients may request to skip an exam, which includes your annual oral cancer screening. We feel it to be a dangerous disservice to accommodate this request.

Please spread the word to your family and friends. Forwarding this message could save a life.

For more information, or to schedule your next dental visit, please contact us.

Dentist Grayslake | Use It or Lose It – Don’t Let Your Oral Health Benefits Expire

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are already around the corner!

Don’t forget to use your oral health benefits. In most instances, unused benefits expire at the end of the calendar year.

Now is a great time to schedule an extra cleaning at Four Lakes Dental. It’s always nice to enjoy a bright smile around friends and family. Reply to this email to request an appointment.

Also we want to thank you for your referrals and kind words online. To us, the highest compliment we receive at our office is the referral of your friends and family. If you haven’t already, please share your positive experience on Google+.

Help us help others to smile confidently this holiday season.

Grayslake Dentist | Are you at high risk for Periodontal Disease?

Grayslake IL DentistPeriodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. It can impact your overall health and is linked to various serious diseases, including: heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

We often talk about home oral hygiene and professional oral health care as ways to decrease your odds of developing periodontal disease. However, even with regular and thorough preventive care, you may be susceptible.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are several risk factors which contribute to the likelihood of developing periodontal disease, including:

  • Smoking – Tobacco use is of the most significant risk factors associated with periodontal disease, according to recent studies.
  • Stress – Stress can make it difficult for your body to fight infections, including periodontal disease.
  • Medication – Some medications can have adverse effects on your oral health. Certain anti-depressants, oral contraceptives and heart medicines have been linked to higher rates of periodontal disease. Be sure to update us of any new medications you may be taking.
  • Bruxism/Clenching/Grinding – Grinding your teeth can put extra stress on the soft tissue and supporting structures of your teeth. This could speed up the rate at which periodontal disease progresses.
  • Systemic Diseases – Other systemic diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease contribute to the body’s inflammatory response and can increase the odds of developing periodontal disease, as well as increase the rate of progression.
  • Genetics – Studies have linked genetic factors to the odds of developing periodontal disease.

We have seen the damaging oral and overall effects of periodontal disease many times. It is our goal to help you attain optimal oral and overall health. If you feel you may have risk factors making you more susceptible to periodontal disease, please contact our Grayslake dentist. We will provide an individual care plan to decrease your odds of developing this disease. Just like any disease, prevention and early detection are best.