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Springtime: Time for New Beginnings | Chicago Dentist

As the snow begins to thaw and the sun brightens our world on a more consistent basis, we know that springtime is afoot. The planet is beginning to come back to life and thus breathing new life into everything it touches, including us. There is just something about spring that makes us feel like starting over. The winter may have our resolutions, but it’s the spring that makes us really amped to get out and start fresh.

April 19th is National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day, so while you are making your spring cleaning to do list, think about your dental health. It is important take a moment to not only evaluate our current dental hygiene practices, but make sure that our tools are also the most useful products we can have to maintain our pearly whites.

It is a good idea to change out your soft-bristled toothbrush every three months, or after we catch a cold in order to have a clean scrubber that can reach all of your teeth, even those in back. Because we need to brush for at least two minutes twice a day, having a frayed or hard-bristled toothbrush can cause harm to our gums. Not only do you want to keep your teeth clean, but you need to be gentle to your gums in order to prevent damage down the road.

When it comes to floss, toothpaste and mouthwash, these are products that depend on your own taste. If you have questions as to which are best for your particular smile, ask your dentist. Not only do they know which issues you may need to address, but they can also help improve your routine.

If you would like more information about dental hygiene, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Flu Season Is No Joke for Our Smiles | Chicago Dentist

During the winter months, it is easy to catch a cold if we aren’t careful. Germs are running rampant and flu season is the worst, especially for a family with little ones that love to share everything, even germs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children can catch a cold as soon as 6 months old. This is why it is important to take extra precautions during this time of year to keep the entire family happy and healthy. So, as we ride out the final months of the dreaded flu season, keep these health tips in mind. After all, taking proactive measures is the key to prevention.

Eat and stay hydrated. Feed a cold, starve a fever is a general rule we all seem to follow, but saliva is one of our best defenses against bacteria. Staying hydrated will cause saliva production to rinse our mouths of these bad bacteria. Eating lots of crunchy foods like apples and carrots also keep our mouths bacteria-free.

No medications before bed. Lots of cold medicines and cough syrups are very sugary and thick in order to coat and soothe our throats. Avoid taking these remedies before bed as the sugar and acids will remain in your mouth, making homes in our teeth’s crevices and causing cavities and other dental issues as we sleep. Instead, opt for a pill form of medication during these times so there is no sugary residue left in your mouth to wreak havoc.

If you would like more information about flu season, call Dr. Peter Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Diabetes and Oral Health: Closer than You Think | Chicago Dentist

Diabetes is a disease that runs rampant through our country. So much so, over 29 million Americans suffer from diabetes – and that’s just counting those that have been diagnosed. Because of this, it is no surprise that many of us are focused on keeping ourselves healthy as much as possible. But did you know that diabetes is directly affected by our oral health, and vice versa? It’s true. Diabetes is a disease focused on sugar levels, and sugar is terrible for our oral health. See, how this can become an issue? Our mouths are the main line of defense to many of our illnesses, so if it becomes compromised, our overall health is affected.

November is National Diabetes Month, so to celebrate, let’s take a look at just how closely diabetes and our oral health is linked. One symptom of diabetes is being excessively thirsty. If you are thirsty, you are not producing saliva, the main defense against bacteria. These bacteria are left to create cavities and other dental issues like gum disease. Bleeding and inflamed gums are common symptoms of gum disease and because diabetes make it harder for wounds to heal, you are more susceptible to more issues if left untreated.

Thankfully, your periodontist will be able to help with this cyclical predicament, but it starts with an appointment. By treating gum disease, you are going to help keep your blood sugar levels in check much easier, as gum disease increases these levels but is rarely taken into account. Proper dental hygiene (including dentures), changing bad habits like smoking and poor diet, and in-office deep cleanings will keep your smiles healthy and diabetes in check.

If you would like more information about diabetes, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.