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At-Home Dental Care and Oral Health Tips During the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Crisis

Many 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

Man at dentist

How to Remove Yellow Stains from Teeth

One of the most common concerns relating to smile aesthetics is the yellow discoloration that often affects the teeth over time. Some level of tooth yellowing is likely for most individuals at some point, even those who take great care of their teeth. While tooth discoloration can eventually develop from tobacco use, regular consumption of foods and beverages containing ingredients… Continue Reading

Child at dentist

Top 5 Tips for Preventing Childhood Cavities

Taking 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

man flossing

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 Infection

A 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

Does Smoking Affect Dental Implants?

Our dentists believe that smoking just before dental implants are placed, and anytime after the procedure, can have a significantly negative effect on a variety of levels. In addition to increasing the risk of infection, smoking may dramatically slow the rate of healing after surgery. Plus, research has shown that there are high implant failure rates among individuals who smoke…. Continue Reading

Model

What to Eat After Teeth Whitening

After a professional teeth whitening treatment, you’ll naturally want to keep the results of your whiter, brighter smile going for as long as possible. While the effects of teeth whitening won’t be permanent, they can last for extensive periods as long as you take a few precautions, particularly when it comes to the food and beverages you consume after you’ve… Continue Reading

How to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Even the smallest chip in a tooth can have a noticeable effect on the appearance of your smile. These very common dental conditions can result from traumatic impact, falls, or trying to open a bottle or a package with your teeth. Thankfully, Dr. Dean Lodding and our experienced team of dentists offer numerous treatments that can address chipped teeth and… Continue Reading

How Many Dental Implants Will I Need for My Implant Denture?

An implant denture essentially offers patients a hybrid version of dental implants and custom dentures, reaping the benefits of both of these advanced treatments to provide exemplary missing teeth replacement results. Implant dentures do not require a dental implant for each missing tooth; instead, only a select number of implants will be necessary, and these implants will work to provide… Continue Reading

Elgin Dentist

How Do you Design a Smile

Do you hate the color, shape, size, or spacing of your teeth? Then you’re in luck! (Well… not luck, but we have the answer that you have been searching for.) The advancements in dentistry have been truly remarkable (triple backflip with one leg remark-able) — especially when it comes to porcelain veneers. Not only have the materials used to make… Continue Reading