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Westgate Dental Care Blog

Cosmetic Dentist in Can Predict a Child’s Success in Marriage

September 16, 2017

young child smiling happy What if you could look at your child’s smile and predict whether their future marriage would be successful or a total failure. Sounds like some psychic mumbo-jumbo, right?

Actually, research conducted at DePauw University found that according to scientists it is possible to predict whose marriages will fail by looking at photographs taken decades earlier. But how? Your cosmetic dentist in Arlington Heights is prepared to dive into how powerful our smiles truly are.

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Improve Teeth with Porcelain Veneers in Arlington Heights

August 15, 2017

woman smiling, porcelain veneers, woman at dentist

We believe it’s safe to say that when you look good, you feel good. When you’re comfortable with your smile, you are more than willing to showcase it. It’s more important than ever to walk confidently in your smile.  Society’s desire to put their best smile forward, has greatly affected the dental industry. In fact, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has found that there has been an increase in:

  • The growth of at-home whitening products.
  • Aging baby boomers wanting to look and feel younger.
  • The publics fascination with celebrity lifestyles.

With that being said, do you want to improve your smile? Westgate Dental Care can help you put your best smile forward with a confident smile. Let’s look at how porcelain veneers in Arlington Heights can help you reach your goals.

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Learn the Benefits of Dental Implants

July 11, 2017

girl wearing sunglasses and smiling

IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED TOOTH LOSS, you are not alone. In fact, more than 35 million Americans are missing all of their teeth, while 178 million are missing at least one tooth. Here’s the good news: there are Arlington Heights dental implants solutions for you.

Dental Implants Function Much Like Natural Teeth

While there are other tooth replacement options, dental implants have many advantages over other treatments. They are called “implants” because an artificial tooth root is placed, or implanted, in your jawbone. It is then covered by a natural-looking tooth replacement. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that incorporate an artificial root, allowing them to function much like natural teeth.

There Are Many Benefits to Choosing Implants

Here are five major benefits to consider when deciding between dental implants and other tooth restoration options:

#1: Dental implants are convenient and long-lasting.

Unlike dentures, you don’t need to take them out to eat or clean and there’s no need to reapply them with adhesive. Implants also provide a permanent solution to tooth loss–they are built to last a lifetime if they are well taken care of.

#2: Get the look, feel and function of your natural teeth.

Dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth so you can look and feel your best. They also function like real teeth, meaning you can bite naturally and eat the foods you love without hesitation. Implants also don’t interfere with speech like some other replacement options.

#3: Oral hygiene isn’t complicated by implants.

You can take care of your teeth as usual, flossing once a day and brushing twice daily. With implants, it’s easy to maintain that bright, beautiful smile!

#4: Implants prevent bone deterioration and loss.

When you lose teeth the jawbone deteriorates, causing your face to appear sunken over time. Implants act as an artificial tooth root, stimulating the jawbone and promoting bone growth. This helps maintain the natural shape of your face and jaw.

#5: Leave your natural teeth unaltered.

Some treatment options, like a dental bridge, require grinding down other healthy teeth to support the bridge. Implants replace lost teeth but do not require any alteration of your existing healthy teeth.

Here’s A Behind-the-scenes Look At How Arlington Heights Dental Implants Are Made

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v7AncbtMK0?rel=0

Don’t Let Tooth Loss Keep You From Smiling

You should never let tooth loss keep you from a healthy, beautiful smile. If you have experienced tooth loss, come and talk with us today. We will consult about what tooth restoration options will be best for you, your lifestyle and health.

Our patients’ smiles make it all worthwhile!


Image by Flickr user Vanessa Porter used underCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original. The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Need a “Dentist Near Me” Because of Tooth Sensitivity?

June 18, 2017

 woman with dental pain, tooth pain, tooth sensitivityDid you know that tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients? Tooth sensitivity can cause sharp pains and discomfort, eventually leading to more pressing dental problems. Most patients will experience it when exposed to hot or cold substances, like in the summer when a patient tries to enjoy a cold ice cream cone, they may not even be able to withstand the shooting pains their teeth experience. But, what causes tooth sensitivity? More importantly, how can Westgate Dental Care help you before you’re frantically searching online for a “dentist near me” in pain?

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Why it’s Wise to Remove Wisdom Teeth Before College

May 5, 2017

Wisdom teeth extraction may be a good idea for your college-bound teen.

Is your recent high school graduate heading to college this fall? Whether your teen is moving away or planning to attend a local school, it’s vital to set him or her up to succeed – both in school, but also in health matters.

If your teenage son or daughter hasn’t had their wisdom teeth removed yet, you may want to consider having them removed now, before he or she heads to college in the fall. As parents, we certainly don’t want our kids to experience adverse effects later on. Choosing to remove wisdom teeth before college could help your son or daughter avoid missed classes, failing grades, or severe pain!

The wisdom of wisdom teeth extraction now, not later

It’s generally recommended to remove wisdom teeth before the age of 25. Preventive wisdom teeth removal could save your child from future complications or painful symptoms.

If left in place, impacted wisdom teeth could cause many problems, including:

  • pain
  • swelling
  • headaches
  • earaches
  • jaw pain
  • sinus pain
  • swollen glands
  • damage to other teeth

Additionally, wisdom teeth that crowd against other teeth could make it difficult to floss. Food particles can become trapped, leading to cavities or periodontal disease.

Most dental insurance plans cover wisdom teeth extraction between the ages of 18-25. Your dental team can help determine if your plan will cover this for your kids.

Learn why it's a good idea for teens to remove wisdom teeth before heading off to college

If wisdom teeth don’t hurt, why do they need to be removed?

Your teen’s wisdom teeth may not be causing discomfort, but they could still lead to problems in the future. Wisdom teeth could be growing at an awkward angle and could push against their other teeth, causing pain or even damage to healthy teeth.

Another reason preventive wisdom teeth extraction is recommended is to prevent surgical complications. As your child gets older, they increase their risk for problems after the surgery, including bleeding, severe numbness, loss of movement in the jaw, or even fractured teeth. If wisdom teeth are removed when the patient is younger, before the roots are fully formed, he or she will be in a better position to recover easily from oral surgery.

Get your college-bound teen ready to “make the grade” by scheduling his or her wisdom teeth extraction this summer!

Call us to schedule your appointment 847-577-7171.


The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.’

Re-posted with permission. Source.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month: Are You at Risk?

April 7, 2017

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Are you familiar with this deadly disease? According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), an estimated 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer EVERY YEAR and 9,000 U.S. citizens will die from this horrifying disease.

Oral cancer’s mortality rate isn’t because it’s hard to diagnose, but because cancer is discovered late in its development. You can take action to stop this disease before it gets deadly.

Know the risk factors

Everyone is at risk for oral cancer. Whether you’re in your early 20’s or an active 40-year-old, you’re just as likely to get oral cancer. However, some factors increase your chances of getting oral cancer, including:

  • Smoking and chewing tobacco
  • Excessive drinking
  • Exposure to HPV (Human papillomavirus)
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Poor diet
  • Physical trauma

If any of these factors apply to you, consider changing your habits to lower your chances of oral cancer.

Learn the risks of oral cancer during oral cancer awareness month

Recognize the symptoms

It’s important to perform a self-examination every month to catch any signs of oral cancer before it gets worse. Using a bright light and a mirror, check your cheek, tongue, the inside of your lips, and gums for:

  • White or red patches of tissue
  • Sores that bleed easily
  • Abnormal lumps
  • A chronic sore throat
  • A mass or lump in the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing

If you’ve noticed these symptoms, it’s critical to contact your family dentist as soon as possible for an oral cancer screening.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month: Get screened

Getting regular screenings performed by your general dentist puts you in the best position to detect oral cancer in its early stages. This is just one more critical reason to keep up with your checkups and cleanings twice a year!

Schedule your appointment today, we’re open 6 days a week | 847-754-4480!

In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, help us spread the word by sharing this blog post. It could save a life!


The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission. Source.

5 Reasons to Follow Us on Facebook

February 21, 2017

Learn why you should follow us on Facebook right away!

Do you follow us on Facebook yet? Following a business on Facebook is easy and beneficial. We work hard to ensure the content on our page is personal, entertaining, relevant, and interesting – but most importantly, we want it to be valuable and beneficial to YOU! Here are five reasons you should follow our Facebook page right away:

1. Because You Love Us

Many of you are part of our family. You have been a patient or a friend for many years. You personally know one or more of us and are interested in what we are doing. When you follow us on Facebook, you’ll see what we are up to and enjoy our journey with us! After all, we love to keep our patients and friends updated – Facebook is the number one way we do that.

2. Because You are Part of Our Community

We love our community! And as a team made up of members of the community, we like to talk to talk from time to time about things that are happening locally.

If you are interested in health, family, charity, local events, etc., following us on Facebook is an easy way to stay current and share in our excitement as we experience all that our neighborhood has to offer!

3. Because You Want to Get to Know Us

Are you looking for a dentist? Do you wonder who we are and whether we are a good fit for you and your family? Following us socially is a great way to check us out before coming in.

We try to stay as transparent as possible so that you can get to know each one of us through our Facebook page. Keep up with the latest:

  • Read reviews from current patients.
  • See what we are up to in our office.
  • Be the first to know when we add new technology or services.
  • See the faces and personalities of our friendly team.
  • Get current information about our location, opening times, services, and more.
  • Get a behind-the-scenes look at our practice.

Do you follow us on Facebook? Learn 5 reasons you should.

4. Because You Want to Interact With Us

As a business, we feel it’s very important to listen and respond to everyone. Following us on facebook creates a channel where you can interact with us easily.

Do you wish to leave a review? Do you have a question you’d like to ask? Is there some way we can serve you better? Let us know and we’ll do the best we can to improve or educate you more fully to the best of our ability. Get speedy responses and interact with our team on a personal level.

5. Because You are Interested in Getting Great Value

A final advantage to following us is that you can receive exclusive offers that others just won’t get. You’ll become a VIP – very important patient – and we feel it’s important to reward that from time to time! Be the first to know about valuable money-saving offers; they’re easily accessible directly from our Facebook page.

Please take the time to follow us on Facebook today. We are sure you’ll be glad you did!

Re-posted with permission. Sourcehttps://www.roadsidedentalmarketing.com/blog/dental-articles/

February is American Heart Month – Are You Listening?

February 12, 2017

Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer for women in America?

Since 1964, American presidents have been warning the American public about the very real danger of heart disease. Why? Each year, one out of every three deaths in America is caused by heart disease. This is more than any other deadly disease, including cancer.

Because of this, the month of February has been designated as American Heart Month. Each year, focus is given to education and awareness about heart health.

Heart Disease Awareness

Awareness of the facts surrounding heart disease can save lives. Here are some helpful sites that can save your life:

  • Facts. Watch, Learn, and Live using the American Heart Association’s Interactive Cardiovascular Library.
  • Risk factors. What is your heart disease risk factor? Use this tool from the Mayo Clinic to calculate your risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Prevention. The World Heart Federation explains how you can reduce risk by making specific lifestyle changes.
  • Barriers. The Million Hearts® website lists some common barriers that prevent some from taking needed actions.
  • Symptoms. Learn the five AHA’s Common Heart Attack Warning Signs. Pay attention to your body and act quickly if you feel these symptoms.

February 3rd – A Focus on Women’s Heart Disease

On Friday, February 3, 2017, people across America will be wearing red to raise awareness about women and heart health. This awareness event is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute which is part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer for women also? Facts show that in 2010, one out of four deaths of women were because of this disease. And the truth is that it can happen to women of all ages, not just the elderly.

A red dress has been chosen as a symbol to remind women of the very real dangers of cardiovascular disease. Look for the red dress and its accompanying message this month as a reminder for women to take action and lower their risk of heart disease.

Conclusion

How has heart disease affected lives? Read these real stories. If you have a story or comment to share we’d love to hear it!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Teeth Tips: How to Use an Electric Toothbrush

January 16, 2017

Learn how to use an electric toothbrush properly for best results.

Have you recently started using an electric powered toothbrush? Whether you’re new to the electric toothbrush or you’ve been using one for many years, you’ll want to ensure you’re using it properly to gain the maximum benefits.

There are many valuable reasons to switch to an electric powered toothbrush:

  • Most have built-in timers that help you ensure you brush for the full recommended two minutes.
  • Powered toothbrushes literally make thousands more brush strokes than you could manually, resulting in more plaque removal and a healthier mouth.
  • Easy to hold and maneuver, they’re more effective at reaching tough-to-reach areas of your mouth.

To really get the most out of your brushing routine, you’ll need to brush with the proper technique. This article will teach you how to use an electric toothbrush most effectively.

4 tips to properly use your electric toothbrush

Enjoy a clean and healthy mouth by brushing properly with your powered toothbrush. Here are four tips to get the best results:

1. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline, where the gums and teeth meet.

2. Gently and lightly pull the brush along the gum line, allowing the vibrations to clean the area thoroughly. There’s no need to vigorously brush back and forth as you would with a manual toothbrush.

3. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Word to the wise: Don’t turn the brush on until it’s inside your mouth – otherwise, you could shoot that pea-sized dab of toothpaste across the bathroom!

4. Use the timer. Most electric toothbrushes have built-in two-minute timers. Some, such as Philips Sonicare, beep throughout the two minutes so you can spend an equal amount of time brushing each quadrant in your mouth.

Video: Tips to get the best clean from your toothbrush

Watch this brief video to see a demonstration showing how to use a Philips Sonicare toothbrush:

No matter which brand you choose, you can count on improved oral health if you learn how to use an electric toothbrush properly! Now that you’ve chosen an electric brush over a manual one, make sure you use it two times every day.

Of course, you can’t count on brushing alone – maintain a healthy hygiene routine by flossing daily and scheduling dental exams and cleanings twice a year.

What type of toothbrush do you prefer? Comment below!


The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission. Sourcehttps://www.roadsidedentalmarketing.com/blog/dental-articles/

Protect Your Smile by Checking for These 6 Signs of Gum Disease

January 3, 2017

Gum disease can have serious consequences. Protect yourself and check for these 6 signs of gum disease.

Gum disease is one of the least noticeable yet most common oral conditions worldwide. Given gum disease’s potentially serious yet invisible signs, how can you protect yourself from losing your smile?

Gum disease is no laughing matter. Millions of Americans are diagnosed with it each year and millions more remain untreated, leading to rapid decay and tooth loss. Additionally, gum disease has been linked with other serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and other issues.

For these reasons, it’s highly important to understand the invisible signs of gum disease to reduce your risk of developing serious health conditions, as well as the need for costly invasive dental treatments later on.

This article will expose the top six signs of gum disease and what you can do to protect your healthy smile.

Exposing six signs of gum disease

These are some of the commonly overlooked signs of gum disease. Have you been ignoring them?

  1. Reddish or swollen gums.
  2. Bleeding gums.
  3. Loose teeth.
  4. Gaps forming between teeth.
  5. Bad breath.
  6. Receding gums.

In the initial stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, you may notice your gums becoming inflamed or reddish. This condition is typically solved with proper hygiene and a simple hygiene treatment with your dentist.

If left untreated, gum disease may progress to the next stage, called periodontitis. Here is where you may begin to notice small amounts of blood in the sink when brushing or flossing. Other signs of this disease may include loose or sensitive teeth since the infection has likely spread and is now slowly harming the teeth and gum tissue.

The good news is that there are practical treatment plans designed to save your smile and health if you do have gum disease. If you are experiencing the symptoms described above, contact your dentist immediately to address the problem before matters get worse.

Assess your risk of gum disease with this quiz

Did you know 80% of adults will have gum disease during their lifetime?

Take this five-minute online quiz by Delta Dental to find out if you are at risk of developing gum disease.

Protect yourself by checking for 6 signs of gum disease and by following these tips to prevent it.

How to prevent gum disease at home

When it comes to your self-image and health, be proactive and prevent problems from developing in the first place. To protect yourself and your family from gum disease, proper hygiene, and regular dental checkups are necessary.

Prevent gum disease by following these important steps:

  • Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.
  • Floss daily.
  • Schedule a dental exam and cleaning every six months.
  • If you smoke, quit. Talk to your medical doctor for assistance to break this harmful habit.

Do not ignore the signs of gum disease

Gum disease’s invisible signs and multiple stages may build up secretly until a potentially severe condition develops!

If you experience swollen or bleeding gums, loosening teeth, or receding gums, be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Maintain good hygiene at home and make it a priority to have regular dental visits. With planning and prevention, gum disease doesn’t have to rob you of your health and happiness!


The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. 

Re-posted with permission. Sourcehttps://www.roadsidedentalmarketing.com/blog/dental-articles/