Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! We are certainly thankful for each and every one of you this holiday season, so be sure to stay safe if you're traveling


Stuffing, rolls, pies, cakes…the holidays are a time full of carbohydrate-rich, sugary foods. This can really do a number on your oral health, but there are some simple ways you can help combat cavities while still enjoying the holidays. 

If you can, eat those carb-heavy foods with a balanced meal consisting of some protein. This helps to counteract some of the acids produced when sugars and bacteria in the mouth come together. Also, limit your consumption of sticky foods and if you can't brush, rinse your mouth out with water to remove as much debris and acid as possible.

By following these simple holiday dental care tips, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while still enjoying your Thanksgiving goodies. 

Don't Let Your Dental Insurance Run Out

Fall is a good cue to make a dental appointment because your dental insurance has seasons too. 90% of plans are based on the calendar year. If you don't use the benefits your are entitled to, they are gone on 12/31 and are not carried forward into the next year. 


If you have dental issues that are detected during your check-up you'll want to get those resolved BEFORE your 2011 dental insurance expires.

Braces Wearers Beware at Halloween Time

Braces-­‐Wearers Beware: Certain Sweet Treats Can Bite Back
The American Association of Orthodontists will provide recipes and tips to help avoid unwanted office visits during the Halloween season


Halloween is a time when the vampire fangs come out in full force. However, for orthodontic patients – certain sweet treats can bite back. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has teamed up with Pam Waterman, author of The Braces Cookbook, to bring orthodontic-­‐ friendly recipes and treats to trick-­‐or-­‐treaters and their parents. It’s no trick -­‐ these recipes are fun to make, fun to eat, and they won’t put a dent in the smiles of the nearly five million orthodontic patients currently in North America who wear braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances to help them achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.


Halloween tends to be one of the busiest times of the year at orthodontists’ offices, primarily because patients indulge in treats that they should not be eating. Candies and other treats that are hard, chewy, sticky or crunchy can cause damage to braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic appliances. In addition to patient discomfort, a broken bracket or loose wire may prolong treatment and require additional orthodontic appointments. As part of October’s National Orthodontic Health Month, the AAO is providing orthodontic-­‐friendly Halloween recipes and tips to help patients and their families enjoy the holiday.


“Halloween should be a fun time for all kids – including those in orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Lee W. Graber, orthodontist and president of the American Association of Orthodontists. “We’re pleased to team up with Pam Waterman, author of the Braces Cookbooks, and offer tips and recipes that will help keep braces intact and patients satisfied this Halloween season.”


Featured Halloween recipes include Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Softies and Black Cherry Fruit Bats -­‐ a complete list of orthodontic-­‐friendly recipes are at the AAO’s Web site, braces.org.


“The recipes we’ve developed are delicious and allow orthodontic patients, like my son, to enjoy the holiday without causing harm to their braces,” says author Pam Waterman. “Plus, they are fun to make together.”


What kinds of Halloween treats are “orthodontic-­‐friendly”?
The good news is that there are plenty of food options for orthodontic patients – and with a little creativity, orthodontic patients can still enjoy Halloween treats. In general, orthodontic patients should look for softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-­‐in-­‐your-­‐mouth foods. Those with braces or retainers should avoid any foods that are sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel, Nuts, Popcorn, Taffy, Jelly beans, Hard pretzels, Licorice, Bubblegum, Taco chips and Ice

Is it okay for orthodontic patients to eat sweets?
A few sweets can be okay occasionally, if the patient remembers to brush and floss afterwards. Orthodontic patients need to pay special attention to keeping braces or other orthodontic appliances clean, as well as teeth and gums. Orthodontists can advise patients on how best to brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. Dr. Graber reminds patients that if they follow their orthodontist’s recommendations, practice good oral hygiene, and are careful about the foods they eat, they should be able to finish treatment on time and with good results.


What should orthodontic patients do if food damages their braces?
If a patient chews on the wrong type of treat and damage occurs, they should call their orthodontist so that arrangements can be made to correct the problem. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some orthodontic wax until the patient can come into the office.


Who is an orthodontist?
When it comes to getting a healthy straight smile, education is key. Orthodontists receive an additional two-­‐to-­‐three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. As experts in creating healthy, beautiful smiles, orthodontists have the education, experience and expertise to recommend the best treatment option.


For orthodontic-­‐friendly recipes and tips, visit www.braces.org. Additional tips and information can be found on the AAO’s Facebook, Twitter (@Braces) and YouTube pages. To locate an orthodontist, click on “Find an Orthodontist” at braces.org or ask your dentist for a referral. 

Halloween Teeth Care Tips That Scare Away Cavities

It’s never to early to start caring for your little one’s teeth. Especially during this Halloween season when treats and sweets rule. Toddlers, older children and even new eaters given baby-safe Halloween treats are at risk of developing cavities if you don’t make sure to provide proper dental care.

With this in mind the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has some helpful tips for parents that allow your child to enjoy Halloween while keeping their teeth healthy…

• Mix in healthy snacks along with Halloween candy: A balanced diet is one that includes cheese, fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meat, milk and yogurt. Healthy snacks not only build strong kids, but actually help keep teeth healthy.
• Be the tooth-healthy house on the block: Pass out alternative treats to ghouls and goblins such as cracker snack-packs, trail mix packs, rice crispy treats, etc.
• Avoid chewy treats that tend to stick to teeth and cause more damage.
• Monitor candy consumption: Only allow Halloween treats in moderation.
• Take the fear out of flossing: Teach children flossing techniques for improved oral health at Halloween.
• Make tooth brushing fun: Seasonal tooth brushes featuring Halloween themes get children excited about taking care of their tiny teeth. Remember, even newborn babies aren’t too young for tooth and gum care.
• Don’t be afraid of the dentist: With all of the sweet treats consumed around Halloween, now is a great time for parents to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for their children. Babies as young as one year need a dentist. In fact the newest NIH recommendations note that you should schedule a dentist appointment for your baby by his first birthday.

Also remember, baby bottles full of apple juice or even milk can cause tooth damage too.

Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) Capital Conference 9/8/11-9/10/11

ISDS Capital Conference 2011 in St. Louis - McHenry County Delegates 

Annual Session gives members the opportunity to update their scientific knowledge, participate in the decision making process of the House of Delegates, exchange ideas and join colleagues in business and social aspects of the society.

Strawberries are great for your gums!

They're bursting with vitamin C, which builds collagen, an important component of healthy gum tissue. In fact, people who consume less than 60 mg of C each day (@ 6 large strawberries) are 150% more likely to develop gingivitis. But stay away from fizzy vitamin supplement drinks; they have been shown to erode tooth enamel.

Are cavities really contagious?

Yes!  According to two studies people can pass along S. mutans, the bacteria that causes cavities.  In one, the germs were transmitted between spouses who kissed; in the other, between a baby and a mother who shared food, drinks and utensils.  To stay cavity free, brush twice a day, floss nightly and visit your dentist every six months.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!