Did you know that 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they are in kindergarten? Read about how to maintain and achieve a healthy smile.  If you would like to schedule an appointment with our Grayslake dentist, contact us at our Grayslake dental office.

Here are some interesting facts about your amazing teeth:

•  Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, according to Dr. Leslie Seldin, a spokeswoman for the American Dental Association.
• A quarter of all of the adults in the United States have lost all of their teeth due to improper at home and professional care.
• Teeth are already forming before birth.
• The term “wisdom teeth” was given because these teeth come in later in life.
• Saliva is produced in our mouth in order to assist in breaking down food. It also helps to prevent tooth decay.
• In regards to diseases, tooth decay is the second most common after the everyday cold.
• When the general public goes to the store to buy a toothbrush, they prefer the color blue over red.
• During the middle ages, it was custom to kiss a donkey when a person had a toothache.
• A person only buys 18 yards of dental floss per year when reality, it should be 122 yards.
• It is important to visit your dentist at least twice a year to maintain healthy teeth.

Enjoy these fun dental facts. We hope to see you soon at our Grayslake dental office.

Did you know that you know that you should replace your toothbrush after illness? Read more about dental myths, facts and oddities.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with our Grayslake dentist.

Toothpaste does a great job of cleaning teeth, but there are many other uses for toothpaste that you might not expect. The same ingredients that help polish our teeth can also soothe some common ailments, make items sparkle, and get rid of stains and pungent smells. Read these tricks on how toothpaste can do much more than leave your smile looking bright.

Relieve irritation from bee stings and insect bites. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the sting/bite to stop the itching and decrease any swelling. The toothpaste dries up the wound and helps it heal faster.

Remove crayon and other marks from painted walls. Rub a damp cloth with toothpaste gently on the marked-up wall and watch the marks disappear. The best part is that it won’t remove the paint off the walls.

Prevent mirrors from fogging. Rub toothpaste on the mirrors and wipe it off before your next shower. This will help you save time during your morning routine by not waiting for the mirror to clear up.

Remove scuffs from dirty shoes. Apply toothpaste directly to the dirty or scuffed area, then scrub with a brush and wipe clean. Stubborn stains may require additional toothpaste or multiple applications to remove completely.Make silver jewelry and diamonds sparkle. Rub toothpaste onto jewelry and leave overnight. Wipe clean with a soft cloth in the morning. You can also shine diamonds by gently scrubbing them using a toothbrush, toothpaste and water.

Remove scratches on DVDs and CDs. This technique works well on only shallow scratches and smudges. Apply a thin coating of toothpaste to the disc, rub gently and rinse clean. Repeat the process if there are many scratches.

Decrease the size of a pimple. Apply toothpaste to the affected area at night before bed and wash it off in the morning. Toothpaste will dry out the area and speed up the healing process.

Deodorize hands. Pungent foods, cleaning products and fragrances can linger on your hands no matter how many times you wash them. Try washing your hands using a small dab of toothpaste in addition to soap and water.

Fill in small nail holes in walls. Squeeze toothpaste into the hole and use a putty knife to remove excess toothpaste. Let the toothpaste dry and your wall will look good as new. If needed, you can also touch up the paint.

At your next dental appointment, be sure to tell our Grayslake dentist how you decided to use toothpaste other than for your teeth!

Studies show that more than 99% of adults say an attractive smile is an important personal asset. Read more about the surprising benefits for achieving a healthy and beautiful smile below.

We welcome new patients. It is our promise to provide dental care that will give you a healthy smile for your lifetime. To schedule an appointment, please contact our Grayslake dentist.

Dental problems are never fun. Not being able to eat or speak properly can drastically decrease your overall confidence. If you are experiencing a dental problem, it is never too late to get it fixed. Brushing and flossing twice a day along with regular dental cleanings are essential in preventing dental issues.

Here are some common dental problems and how to fix them.

Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. Over time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, causing tooth decay. Patients suffering from a toothache are likely to have tooth decay. Depending on the severity of the decay, the best treatment is either a filling or a dental crown.

Missing Teeth
Having missing teeth makes eating and speaking more difficult. There are multiple options for those who have missing teeth, including dentures, partials or bridges. However, dental implants are the ideal treatment because they are a permanent solution that looks and feels natural.

Discolored Teeth
Teeth whitening may be a great option if you have dull, discolored or stained teeth. It can also be used to help reverse effects of aging or stains from food and tobacco. Teeth whitening may be an excellent way to restore your smile, while contributing to a healthier and more youthful appearance.

Gum Disease
Over half of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth and is one of the main causes of tooth loss. Studies have shown that gum disease is also linked to heart attacks and strokes. Proper brushing and flossing twice a day can help prevent this disease.

Wisdom Teeth
About 10 million wisdom teeth are removed each year from 5 million people. Just because your wisdom teeth are not a source of pain doesn’t mean that there is nothing wrong. Most of the time, wisdom teeth need to be removed because they don’t have room to grow properly and may cause problems. Having the wisdom teeth extracted is often the best option for many patients.

For more information on common dental problems, contact our Grayslake dentist. We offer a variety of dental services to meet your general, cosmetic and restorative needs.

Tips for Healthy Teeth for Your Children

Our top priority is to provide you and your family with the highest level of service and quality dental care. In order for you to maintain great oral health, this level of quality needs to extend to your personal oral hygiene routine. Taking proper care of your teeth at home can help you prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay from developing.

Watch this video on how to maintain and achieve healthy teeth with your children.

We will help you and your family to establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Contact our dentist in Grayslake for more information.

According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Ask our Grayslake dentist for more information on how to brush your teeth for a healthier smile.