Arlington Heights IL Dentist | How Chocolate Affects the Health of Your Teeth

Did you know that chocolate might not be as bad for your teeth as people may have thought? You can now eat your favorite treat without feeling guilty. Studies have shown that there are benefits to eating chocolate, however, not all chocolate is created equal. It is important to note that these benefits apply to dark chocolate, not milk chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and a few other minerals.

Arlington Heights IL Dentist

A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains:

  • 11 grams of fiber
  • 67% Iron
  • 58% Magnesium
  • 89% Copper
  • 98% Manganese
  • It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium

Here are more advantages to eating dark chocolate and how to maintain good oral health while doing so.

Chocolate and Your Teeth

Chocolate is a candy that dissolves quickly in your mouth, resulting in less time on your teeth. It does less damage than a chewy or sticky candy because the sugar doesn’t cling to your teeth as long.

Chocolate and Your Health

Cocoa and dark chocolate are also a powerful source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Many experts believe this damage is a factor in the development of blood vessel disease, cancer, and other conditions. The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

Chocolate Benefits

Eating chocolate can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. A study also showed that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it against sun-induced damage.

Remember to eat responsibly as too much sugary food can be harmful, regardless of the benefits. Eating dark chocolate and brushing your teeth after will reduce the negative effects of chocolate.

While you can indulge on your favorite chocolate treat occasionally, be sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Brush at least twice each day for two minutes, and floss regularly. To schedule your next visit to our Arlington Heights dentist, please contact John J. Dzakovich DDS of Arlington Heights.

John J. Dzakovich DDS of Arlington Heights
Phone: (847) 255-4889
1608 N Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Arlington Heights IL Dentist | Help! 5 Tips to Know When You Can’t Brush

Occasionally you might find yourself in a situation where you won’t be able to brush your teeth, perhaps through a lack of time or your location. Though it is vital to brush twice each day, here are a few steps you can take if you find yourself in a bind.

Drink Water

When you are in a spot where you won’t be able to brush your teeth for a while, water can be your friend. Drink water to help wash away sugars and acids that are in your mouth and on your teeth. Much of the public water supply is also fluorinated, meaning it contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to build strong teeth. Water also helps your mouth produce more saliva, which works to keep enamel strong. Our Arlington Heights dentist suggests drinking water regularly, not just when you can’t brush your teeth.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Try chewing some gum to help keep your teeth clean. The American Dental Association (ADA) approves certain chewing gum brands with their seal on the package. ADA approved gums are sugar-free and do not contain other decay causing sweeteners. Like drinking water, chewing gum is good for saliva production, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel.

Floss Your Teeth

We suggest always carrying dental floss; it’s usually small enough to fit almost anywhere. Flossing is not a replacement for brushing, just as brushing does not replace the need for flossing, however in a pinch it is essential that you remove any plaque and build up that you can. The ADA suggests flossing once a day. Flossing will help improve your gum health too.

Use a Disposable Toothbrush

If you know you might be out of the house for a while, perhaps because of a long day at work or an overnight stay, we recommend you consider a disposable toothbrush. Disposable brushes usually come with toothpaste already applied and are easy to store and carry. They are an excellent alternative that allow you to still thoroughly clean your teeth.

Avoid Sugary Foods

A helpful step you can take if you find yourself in a situation where brushing isn’t possible is to avoid eating or drinking sugary or acidic things. Acids and sugars are what contribute to decay, as they weaken your teeth’s enamel. If you cannot brush your teeth, then don’t eat foods that lead to decay. Avoid sugary soft drinks, juices, sports drinks, and energy drinks as these drinks will leave behind sugars and acids that sit on your teeth.

Keep a Routine

Your oral health depends on your ability to brush your teeth twice-daily. Sometimes however, you might find yourself in a situation where that’s not an option. We suggest following these steps to minimize the damage to your teeth.

For more helpful tips on keeping your smile healthy, contact John J. Dzakovich DDS of Arlington Heights and schedule your visit with our Arlington Heights dentist.

 

John J. Dzakovich DDS of Arlington Heights
Phone: (847) 255-4889
1608 N Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Dentist in Arlington Heights | Whiter Teeth for Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Dental Office of Dr. John Dzakovich!

Dentist in Arlington Heights, IL

This is the time of year for lovers, roses, candy, hearts, and cards. In fact, it’s estimated that one billion cards are given on Valentine’s Day in the United States alone.

If you want to look your best for Valentine this year, consider coming in for a teeth whitening.  One of the best ways to instantly improve your appearance is with a teeth whitening procedure.     

When you pay for a professional teeth cleaning, this is actually good for the mind and the body.

Listed below are the reasons you might consider a teeth whitening just before Valentine’s Day this year.

  1. Improved confidence – Being proud of how you look can make a difference in your attitude. When you look good, you’ll feel more ready to get out and do things.
  2. Pain-free – Many teeth whitening procedures that help you look better aren’t that fun and can be downright painful. Our practice utilizes pain free dental whitening products from Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions.
  3. Instant results – Who wants to wait weeks or months to see the results of a cosmetic procedure?  You will see a noticeable difference after the very first treatment!
  4. Check Up – It never hurts to have a check up.  While you are in for your teeth whitening, we can also schedule a cleaning or perform x-rays.   Regular check ups help your teeth last for the long-term and keep your dental bills lower.

Whether you are single, dating, or married for 30+ years, nothing is more unattractive than yellow or damaged teeth. Set up your teeth whitening appointment today. Our practice utilizes dental whitening products that are both safe and effective. We offer in-office professional teeth whitening, and send you home with an in-home whitening kit to complement our work and extend the benefits even longer. Life-Like’s teeth whitening products come with the industry’s only 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee.

Contact our dental office with any questions you have about your teeth, diet, cosmetic dentistry, oral hygiene, or dental teeth whitening. Remember first impressions are everything! We hope you will consider discussing the benefits of teeth whitening with our dental professional, and wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day!