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Winter Warning: Be Safe With These 5 Tip Videos!
Now that winter’s in full swing, the slopes, trails and frozen ponds are calling. Time to get out there! But before you do, watch these helpful videos to keep you happy and safe in the great frozen outdoors…
Don’t Let Phantom Tooth Discomfort Haunt You
Stacy was a patient with tooth pain that radiated from her lower right jaw. Her history showed that she, awhile back, had a filling in that location, which led to a root canal and crown, and then finally a tooth implant six years ago.
Winter Warning: Be Safe With These 5 Tip Videos!
Now that winter’s in full swing, the slopes, trails and frozen ponds are calling. Time to get out there! But before you do, watch these helpful videos to keep you happy and safe in the great frozen outdoors…
Don’t Let Phantom Tooth Discomfort Haunt You
Stacy was a patient with tooth pain that radiated from her lower right jaw. Her history showed that she, awhile back, had a filling in that location, which led to a root canal and crown, and then finally a tooth implant six years ago.
The Grind on Bruxism: What to Do
What condition can cause damage to your teeth, jaw pain and other uncomfortable symptoms? You may have heard of “bruxism” – learn what it is, and how to stop it.
6 Habits of Highly Successful People
We’ve all had moments where we wish we could be more like the successful people around us, whether it’s the wealthy guy who lives next door, your super-productive sibling, or a celebrity idol. It’s easy to believe that these success stories are freaks of nature or just plain lucky but that’s generally not the case. The people we look up to tend to have certain habits in common which you can integrate into your daily life to help you succeed.
The Grind on Bruxism: What to Do
What condition can cause damage to your teeth, jaw pain and other uncomfortable symptoms? You may have heard of “bruxism” – learn what it is, and how to stop it.
6 Habits of Highly Successful People
We’ve all had moments where we wish we could be more like the successful people around us, whether it’s the wealthy guy who lives next door, your super-productive sibling, or a celebrity idol. It’s easy to believe that these success stories are freaks of nature or just plain lucky but that’s generally not the case. The people we look up to tend to have certain habits in common which you can integrate into your daily life to help you succeed.
Mothers-To-Be: Mind Your Mouth!
Pregnancy is a busy time, but for your mouth, it can be a dangerous one. Hormonal changes in your body can leave your oral health, and your overall health, at risk.
Six Ways to Help You Banish Lower Back Pain
People spend almost $50 billion a year trying to relieve back pain with medication, chiropractic work, acupuncture, and other remedies. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do right at home to bring immediate relief and fight off future back pain.
Mothers-To-Be: Mind Your Mouth!
Pregnancy is a busy time, but for your mouth, it can be a dangerous one. Hormonal changes in your body can leave your oral health, and your overall health, at risk.
Six Ways to Help You Banish Lower Back Pain
People spend almost $50 billion a year trying to relieve back pain with medication, chiropractic work, acupuncture, and other remedies. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do right at home to bring immediate relief and fight off future back pain.
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Wear Braces? 4 Reasons Why Adjustment Dates Are A Must!
If you or your child wears braces, you’re probably making and keeping those periodic adjustment appointments. Sometimes, however, you may let them slip. Here are four reasons why that’s not a good idea…
Reason 1: “Where the Rubber Meets the Tooth”
The main thing to remember about braces is, while they may look stable in the mouth, an awful lot of movement is actually going on!
When treatment begins, and once the braces (brackets and wires) are placed, the wire portions are secured into the braces with very small rubber bands known as elastic ties. These ties come in a variety of colors, and can be the “fun” part of wearing braces. Clear, colorless ties can also be used if you want to minimize the appearance of the braces.
Wires are very flexible and they return to their original shape, which results in a continuous and gentle force on the teeth. As the ties holding the wire into the brackets are stretched, they also grow weaker. And as they grow weaker, the braces are less likely to move the teeth as they were designed to do. That is why orthodontists use regular “adjustment” appointments to replace the weakened ties and maintain that all-important movement of the teeth.
Reason 2: The Changing Course of Your Smile
During the time you wear braces, your teeth are on the move, often with results that are hard to predict! That means, orthodontists must use their knowledge and experience to help keep your teeth moving to their final destination. Missing adjustment appointments could result in no progress, or the wrong progress.
Reason 3: “Pick A Color, Any Color!”
As mentioned, elastic ties wear out and need to be replaced. Now’s your chance to pick a new color or colors that reflect your mood!
Reason 4: “Brush and Floss”
Since wires will be temporarily out of your mouth, adjustment appointments present a great opportunity to do some cleaning that may not have been possible with the wires in! Keeping your mouth and teeth clean with braces can be tricky, so it’s important to catch debris before it causes cavities!
Attention: Please come to the front desk!
So how often should you be scheduling your adjustments? Since the effects of adjusting tooth movement often requires three or more weeks to take effect, your orthodontist will probably suggest times in the three to eight week range. However, many of the wires used today last a lot longer, and more frequent visits may not be necessary. It’s all up to you and your practitioner.
Feeling A Little Funky
Remember that your orthodontist probably made some corrections in the movement of your teeth during your adjustment. That’s got to make your mouth feel a little strange. In fact, feeling tightness, then soreness later in the day, is very common after a braces adjustment. The recommendations for managing the pain, if any, are over-the-counter pain medication. But no fear, the pain will usually decrease over the next three to five days.
The main thing to remember is, keep your appointments, maintain and care for your braces, and keep your teeth as clean as possible. That’s the ticket for a great smile!
5 Tips to Get Your Toddler to Brush Teeth
As a parent, it’s important to teach your child about dental hygiene. The earlier you can instill good habits in them, the more likely they are to continue!
Ideally, you should get them to brush as early as possible, but realistically, they will start when they are good and ready. Just bear in mind that they’re probably not going to do a very good job for quite a while.
Most dentists suggest that a child won’t be able to properly brush their own teeth until they are around six years old. They just don’t have the strength or dexterity required. Parents should let their children practice brushing their teeth first, and then brush again themselves to ensure a proper cleaning.
Of course, even getting your toddler to attempt to brush their teeth can be a challenge. Here are some tips to make tooth brushing time more fun and also more productive.
NUMBER 1: Teamwork
Brush your teeth together. Your child will see you brushing your teeth and with any luck will try to mimic you. You can then make a point of “checking” each other’s teeth to see if they are clean and can use this as an opportunity to brush your child’s teeth yourself, just to get the spots they missed.
NUMBER 2: Make Brushing Fun
There is a huge range of novelty toothbrushes on the market. If your child has a favorite cartoon character, see if you can find a corresponding toothbrush. Even just having brightly colored toothbrushes can hold their attention long enough to get the job done.
NUMBER 3: Tasty Toothpaste
In the early days you would be well advised to let your toddler brush with training toothpaste. This is specially designed for young children and contains no fluoride. While they are still learning how to brush, there is a good chance they will swallow quite a bit of toothpaste. Brushing with trainer toothpaste will ensure no upset tummies. Pay attention to your child’s reaction to the taste of the toothpaste. If they don’t like it, try a different flavor. With a bit of trial and error you will eventually find something they like. If they enjoy the taste they will be more likely to want to brush their teeth.
NUMBER 4: The Power of Music
Try a musical toothbrush. There are many toothbrushes on the market that play music while your child brushes. Some even have a selection of tunes, so you can change it up every time your child brushes. Many have an in-built timer, so the music will play for two minutes. This will ensure that your child brushes for the recommended time for a proper brushing.
NUMBER 5: Make Brushing a Game
You can make your child want to brush by making it into a game. Start off by finding a favorite doll or toy dinosaur. Explain to your child that they have to look after their toy’s teeth. You can get them to brush the doll’s teeth and then, when they’re finished move on to brushing their own.
Teaching your child to brush their teeth at an early age is vital for the development of good oral hygiene habits. Sure, it may take some work on your part. You may have to spend a bit of money before you find the right brush for your toddler. Ultimately the time and money you spend now is a small price to pay for your child’s ongoing dental health.
Wisdom Teeth, Out, Pain and Suffering, In
Video blogger, and former impacted wisdom tooth sufferer, Vanessa, relates her experience with wisdom teeth, and offers some practical advice. Click to play! Wisdom teeth removal can be a nightmare if you’re not prepared. If you’re scheduled for this procedure, plan...
How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
Considering how many adults fear going to see the dentist, it’s hardly surprising that children feel deeply concerned when it comes to their very first oral check-up. Going to the dentist for the first time is a big step in a child’s life, and one they are unlikely to...
Wear Braces? 4 Reasons Why Adjustment Dates Are A Must!
If you or your child wears braces, you’re probably making and keeping those periodic adjustment appointments. Sometimes, however, you may let them slip. Here are four reasons why that’s not a good idea…
Reason 1: “Where the Rubber Meets the Tooth”
The main thing to remember about braces is, while they may look stable in the mouth, an awful lot of movement is actually going on!
When treatment begins, and once the braces (brackets and wires) are placed, the wire portions are secured into the braces with very small rubber bands known as elastic ties. These ties come in a variety of colors, and can be the “fun” part of wearing braces. Clear, colorless ties can also be used if you want to minimize the appearance of the braces.
Wires are very flexible and they return to their original shape, which results in a continuous and gentle force on the teeth. As the ties holding the wire into the brackets are stretched, they also grow weaker. And as they grow weaker, the braces are less likely to move the teeth as they were designed to do. That is why orthodontists use regular “adjustment” appointments to replace the weakened ties and maintain that all-important movement of the teeth.
Reason 2: The Changing Course of Your Smile
During the time you wear braces, your teeth are on the move, often with results that are hard to predict! That means, orthodontists must use their knowledge and experience to help keep your teeth moving to their final destination. Missing adjustment appointments could result in no progress, or the wrong progress.
Reason 3: “Pick A Color, Any Color!”
As mentioned, elastic ties wear out and need to be replaced. Now’s your chance to pick a new color or colors that reflect your mood!
Reason 4: “Brush and Floss”
Since wires will be temporarily out of your mouth, adjustment appointments present a great opportunity to do some cleaning that may not have been possible with the wires in! Keeping your mouth and teeth clean with braces can be tricky, so it’s important to catch debris before it causes cavities!
Attention: Please come to the front desk!
So how often should you be scheduling your adjustments? Since the effects of adjusting tooth movement often requires three or more weeks to take effect, your orthodontist will probably suggest times in the three to eight week range. However, many of the wires used today last a lot longer, and more frequent visits may not be necessary. It’s all up to you and your practitioner.
Feeling A Little Funky
Remember that your orthodontist probably made some corrections in the movement of your teeth during your adjustment. That’s got to make your mouth feel a little strange. In fact, feeling tightness, then soreness later in the day, is very common after a braces adjustment. The recommendations for managing the pain, if any, are over-the-counter pain medication. But no fear, the pain will usually decrease over the next three to five days.
The main thing to remember is, keep your appointments, maintain and care for your braces, and keep your teeth as clean as possible. That’s the ticket for a great smile!
5 Tips to Get Your Toddler to Brush Teeth
As a parent, it’s important to teach your child about dental hygiene. The earlier you can instill good habits in them, the more likely they are to continue!
Ideally, you should get them to brush as early as possible, but realistically, they will start when they are good and ready. Just bear in mind that they’re probably not going to do a very good job for quite a while.
Most dentists suggest that a child won’t be able to properly brush their own teeth until they are around six years old. They just don’t have the strength or dexterity required. Parents should let their children practice brushing their teeth first, and then brush again themselves to ensure a proper cleaning.
Of course, even getting your toddler to attempt to brush their teeth can be a challenge. Here are some tips to make tooth brushing time more fun and also more productive.
NUMBER 1: Teamwork
Brush your teeth together. Your child will see you brushing your teeth and with any luck will try to mimic you. You can then make a point of “checking” each other’s teeth to see if they are clean and can use this as an opportunity to brush your child’s teeth yourself, just to get the spots they missed.
NUMBER 2: Make Brushing Fun
There is a huge range of novelty toothbrushes on the market. If your child has a favorite cartoon character, see if you can find a corresponding toothbrush. Even just having brightly colored toothbrushes can hold their attention long enough to get the job done.
NUMBER 3: Tasty Toothpaste
In the early days you would be well advised to let your toddler brush with training toothpaste. This is specially designed for young children and contains no fluoride. While they are still learning how to brush, there is a good chance they will swallow quite a bit of toothpaste. Brushing with trainer toothpaste will ensure no upset tummies. Pay attention to your child’s reaction to the taste of the toothpaste. If they don’t like it, try a different flavor. With a bit of trial and error you will eventually find something they like. If they enjoy the taste they will be more likely to want to brush their teeth.
NUMBER 4: The Power of Music
Try a musical toothbrush. There are many toothbrushes on the market that play music while your child brushes. Some even have a selection of tunes, so you can change it up every time your child brushes. Many have an in-built timer, so the music will play for two minutes. This will ensure that your child brushes for the recommended time for a proper brushing.
NUMBER 5: Make Brushing a Game
You can make your child want to brush by making it into a game. Start off by finding a favorite doll or toy dinosaur. Explain to your child that they have to look after their toy’s teeth. You can get them to brush the doll’s teeth and then, when they’re finished move on to brushing their own.
Teaching your child to brush their teeth at an early age is vital for the development of good oral hygiene habits. Sure, it may take some work on your part. You may have to spend a bit of money before you find the right brush for your toddler. Ultimately the time and money you spend now is a small price to pay for your child’s ongoing dental health.
Wisdom Teeth, Out, Pain and Suffering, In
Video blogger, and former impacted wisdom tooth sufferer, Vanessa, relates her experience with wisdom teeth, and offers some practical advice. Click to play! Wisdom teeth removal can be a nightmare if you’re not prepared. If you’re scheduled for this procedure, plan...
How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
Considering how many adults fear going to see the dentist, it’s hardly surprising that children feel deeply concerned when it comes to their very first oral check-up. Going to the dentist for the first time is a big step in a child’s life, and one they are unlikely to...
TIMES TO SMILE
It's Wednesday 4:58 PM — We’re currently closed, but please do contact us online, or leave a message. Thank you!
| Monday | 8:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM — 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM — 4:00 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
MEET DR. JOHN J. KELLY
Chicago dentist, John J. Kelly, DDS, practices Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry at his Chicago dental office in Edgebrook.
He delivers a wide range of dental therapeutics, in addition to treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing, including Sleep Apnea, Child Facial Development issues and TMJ/Jaw Pain. MORE ON DR. KELLY
FREE VIRTUAL DENTAL CONSULT!
TIMES TO SMILE
It's Wednesday 4:58 PM — We’re currently closed, but please do contact us online, or leave a message. Thank you!
| Monday | 8:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM — 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM — 4:00 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
MEET DR. JOHN J. KELLY
Chicago dentist, John J. Kelly, DDS, practices Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry at his Chicago dental office in Edgebrook.
He delivers a wide range of dental therapeutics, in addition to treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing, including Sleep Apnea, Child Facial Development issues and TMJ/Jaw Pain. MORE ON DR. KELLY
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU