The connections between oral health and general health are truly amazing. If you think you might have periodontal disease – it could be an indicator that something more serious is going in with your health. You should consult with a  Chicago dentist to get an oral check up as soon as possible.

Periodontal disease has been shown to have a strong relationship (causative in many cases) to the following medical situations:

• Cardiovascular issues (heart attacks and strokes) – Studies are ongoing to establish periodontal disease as having a causative effect.
• Premature delivery/low birth weight – Observations and studies show a strong tie to the mother’s gum disease, if it exists.
• Diabetes control – That people with diabetes are prone to gum disease has been known for many, many decades, but newer studies suggest that untreated gum disease can make it hard to control blood sugar levels.
• Respiratory health – In hospitals and nursing homes, evidence suggests that severe gum disease can result in inhalation of bacteria and the development of bacterial pneumonia. Studies are also being used to determine whether gum disease causes flares of respiratory disease in people with COPD.

Our staff at Windy City Smiles will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention before and after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Cavero. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children’s smaller mouths and hands. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles have the ability to harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

But what about toothpaste? It doesn’t matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth and gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we’ll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child’s mouth as healthy as possible!

Waterlase dentistry combines the precision of surgical lasers and the elemental power of water to gently perform several procedures that keep Windy City Smiles’ patients’ teeth healthy. This treatment method can be used to handle major dental work such as filling, bondings, cavity removal, decay removal, and many more procedures.

“Whether we’re caring for the patient’s teeth, bone, or gums, Waterlase technology is always our first choice for treatment,” says the Chicago cosmetic dentist. “The benefits are endless. From less anesthesia, to less bleeding, to fewer appointments, to improved efficiency and accuracy, we’re providing the absolute cutting edge in dentistry, and the best part is that our patients reap all the benefits.”

Whereas older procedures require cutting, scraping, and drilling, Waterlase laser dentistry uses water and laser energy with far greater accuracy than drills and scalpels. This eliminates vibrations and sounds of drilling.

“The more accurate the treatment, the more healthy tissue we preserve,” exclaims Dr. Cavero, a Illinois laser dentist. “Often with older methods healthy tooth and gum tissue is damaged during treatment. Obviously, the dental community’s job is to promote and preserve healthy teeth and gum tissue, and with the Waterlase, dentists can do just that.”

“Waterlase treatment not only removes damaged or decayed tissue more efficiently, it does so with less pain,” adds the Chicago dentist. Because the laser essentially desensitizes nerves during treatment and pain is greatly reduced.

With more accuracy and less pain, dentists are able to cover more treatment in less time. “With Waterlase alone, we’re eliminating multiple appointments for treatment and reduced recovery times as well,” says Dr. Cavero, Windy City Smiles’ Chicago dentist. “Our patients are getting through their treatments and back to their normal lifestyle faster than ever. What’s not to like?”