La Grange Dental Associates Blog
Dental Myths – BUSTED!
There are many dental “facts” going around that just aren’t true, and can actually be quite harmful to your dental health. So what should you believe? At La Grange Dental Associates, we know fact from fiction – so here are the top five dental myths busted!
Are You Grinding Your Teeth Into Sawdust?
Bruxism. That's the technical term for grinding your teeth. Most teeth grinding happens at night, and you may not even be aware of it. Your spouse may notice (and complain about) the noise, or other common symptoms might indicate you have a teeth-grinding problem. The constant muscular strain of grinding can cause all kinds of damage, including wear and tear on your teeth and jaw muscles. Severe bruxism can actually change the way you bite! You might unconsciously alter the way you bite and chew in order to use the undamaged parts of your teeth.
Beware Of Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you may be getting ready for some big fat kisses to come your way. So even though at the office of La Grange Dental Associates, we’re concerned about cavities, gum disease, bad breath and lots of saliva, we won’t use this month’s blog entry to gross you out about kissing. But we will tell you some interesting facts that you can tell your kissing partner right after they smack one on you!!
BOO! Have a Healthy Halloween!
Halloween is just around the corner, and besides the hayrides and haunted houses, most kids are thinking about……candy. At La Grange Dental Associates, we’re not going to be spoil-sports and say kids should avoid trick-or-treating completely. But here are some tips for when they come back home with a sack full of sweets.
Back to School Dental Tips for Kids
Back to school means more than just a new backpack and sneakers. It’s also a good time to refresh some healthy habits that may have slipped a little during the summer. Here are a few back to school dental health tips to make sure your kids stay at their best during the new school year.
Last Minute Christmas Gifts
If you are the type to procrastinate in shopping for Christmas gifts, we have a solution for you. Even the hardest to buy for will enjoy whiter teeth! We have a method and price range for any budget. Call 708-354-1990 for more information. Merry Christmas from La Grange Dental Associates!
Halloween Candy Buy Back!
La Grange Dental Associates has partnered with a charitable organization that collects Halloween candy for shipment to troops overseas. Please consider participating with our Halloween Candy Buy Back.
42nd Western Springs Tower Trot
La Grange Dental Associates will sponsor the 42nd Western Springs Tower Trot for the third year in a row. The Healing Hearts for Ashley Foundation was founded in 2017 to honor the memory of Ashley Jurjovec. The foundation is committed to raising awareness for ARVC.
Wine Polyphenols Could Fend Off Bacteria That Cause Cavities and Gum Disease!
A 2018 study indicates that two red wine polyphenols could fend off bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in natural plant foods. Does this sound too good to be true? Perhaps not.
Coffee, Tea, Flavored and Carbonated Waters!
People are used to looking for sugar in the list of ingredients on food labels. What about our more modern day beverages such as coffee, tea, flavored and carbonated waters?
What To Do If My Child Knocks His/Her Tooth Out!
It is a frightening experience for any adult or child to have a tooth knocked out. This condition is also known as an avulsed tooth. The steps you take immediately following the event directly impact whether or not the tooth can be saved.
Show Your Mouth a Little Love This Valentine's Day!
It may be the most romantic time of the year, but we are reminding people searching for the perfect gift not to neglect your oral hygiene. Show your loved one how much you care by keeping your pucker perfect.
New Year's Resolution!
Did you make a New Year's resolution? It isn't too late to turn over a new leaf this year. How about committing to better oral health for a New Year's Resolution? Current research shows that there are numerous links between oral health and systemic health.
Dreaming of a Snowy White Smile for Christmas?
La Grange Dental Associates offers three types of teeth whitening to Chicagoland patients. We offer universal take home trays, customized take-home whitening trays and in office whitening. Both the universal and customized take-home whitening kits allow you to control the color change of your teeth in the comfort of your own home.
Use It or Lose It, Dental Benefits!
Most dental insurance companies provide benefits based on a 12 month calendar year. Eligibility is usually from January 1 through December 31. Unfortunately, benefits do not role over into the next year. Any unused dollars that remain on December 31 are kept by the insurance company.
Are dental x-rays safe? Are dental x-rays necessary?
Stated simply, catching a small problem early can prevent major problems later on. The images below can clearly show a very typical scenario. Image A is what we would see upon visible examination. Image B would allow us to diagnose the presence of significant decay. Image C shows how decay penetrates deep into the tooth. Image D shows bleeding from the pulp or chamber where the nerves and blood vessels are housed. Treatment once the nerve is involved is Root Canal Treatment. Only then can restoration of the lost tooth structure can be initiated.
Welcome to our practice, Dr. Joseph Balice!
La Grange Dental Associates would like to introduce and welcome Dr. Joseph Balice! Dr. Ron Smith has decided to retire and put a great deal of thought into choosing a stellar individual to take care of his patients. Dr. Balice is passionate about learning and new technology. He graduated from Loyola Dental School in 1989, and then completed a residency program at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago.
