Smile File -Fall 2006

Gourmet or Gourmand?

If you enjoy preparing gourmet foods & beverages, then chances are you are a gourmand too...

...In fact, doesn't everyone love eating and drinking fine cuisine? The pleasures of drinking fine gourmet coffees and distinctive teas are also about more than just good taste: the rewards include lingering social exchanges. Sadly, savoring the flavor can cost your best social smile! Tannic acid can etch into your tooth enamel, and wine, blueberries, and other foods can stain teeth. Don't worry - dentistry has smile solutions you'll like.

Teeth whitening may lighten your teeth up to eight shades!

The procedure involves the lightening of dental discoloration by application of a safe, reliable, and predictable whitening agent under our supervision. You can have your smile back in a matter of days.

Bonding can cover the deepest stains!

Using a special tooth-colored material that is bonded directly onto your teeth, we can also rebuild damaged teeth or make cosmetic improvements to your smile, including replacing old silver fillings. Bonding is so natural-looking, only we will know the difference!

The best way to discover which smile brightening option is right for you is to go to the dentist for a consultation. Factors like your age, oral health, budget, and lifestyle will be taken into consideration.

Whether you're a gourmet or a gourmand, you can continue savoring the flavor.

Yogurt and Bad Breath

Chicago Cosmetic Dentist According to research, sugarless yogurt can help beat bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. How? The active bacteria reduces levels of odor-causing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide in the mouth and at the same time, lowers the readings of plaque and gum disease in subjects.

Hard to swallow? Consider that two Australian scientists won the Nobel Prize for a discovery that revolutionized research. In 1982, they proved that painful stomach and intestinal ulcers were caused by bacteria, and not by stress. Since then, microbes have been linked to many systemic inflammatory diseases and gum disease.

Nothing can replace good dental care, but if a natural, widely accessible, sugar-free product like yogurt can help, we're all for it!

EXPLODING ANOTHER MYSTERY

Why do some popcorn kernels pop while others don't? The answer is that good popcorn holds its moisture while bad popcorn releases moisture like water through a sieve. If you've ever cracked a tooth or gotten a kernel caught between them, then you know that this is science that could matter. But there's more you need to know about corn and your dental health.

According to nutritionists, consumption of high-fructose corn sweeteners (HFCS) has increased by more than 1,000%. HFCS are cheaper and nearly twenty times sweeter than table sugar, and are used in:

Soft drinks ... fruit juices .., baked goods ... canned fruits ... dairy products.., cookies ... gum ... jams and jellies...

So don't be fooled. Your best defense is making educated choices combined with a consistent and effective home care routine and regular dental visits.

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Dr. Thomas L. Meyer - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening to the areas of Chicago and Des Plaines, Illinois.