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Choosing a dentist is an important part of our lives and health, especially if you have a family with children who need care for their growing teeth. There are a lot of different things to think about when picking a primary dentist, and though several areas should be thought about, narrowing it down into five categories of importance is a great way to start. Keeping these questions and issues in mind, begin to look at local dentist offices and start making a list of ones that fit your families needs.

It is always best to go and visit the office before making a final decision to get a personal feel for the environment. Talking with the staff and getting a feel for their personality can help the decision process. Friendly, informative, and enthusiastic staff members and dentists are a sign of a great practice and is important because you will be establishing a relationship with these people as they will be taking care of your teeth for the years to come.

Latest Dental Technology

There has been an explosive growth in technology related to oral health, and while many practices choose to stick with the tried and tested methods, others are choosing innovative routes. Newer technology can offer faster results, less painful procedures, and in some cases, they can come cheaper than the older technology that has been used for years.

Ask the staff and dentists what kind of new technology they have implemented in their practices. Ask questions about cosmetic dentistry, lasers, and other areas you may have heard or read about. Listening to them speak about the positive and progressive changes they've made to their systems and operations can help steer you in the right direction when choosing a dentist.

Will They Accept My Insurance?

Many dentist offices have specific approved insurance companies and policies, so it's important to talk with them about which ones they accept. If you don't have dental insurance, be sure to ask about whether the staff might be able to work with you on payment options. Without insurance, dental procedures can become costly, but it is still extremely important to make sure you are visiting your dentist on a regular basis.

Depending on your insurance, you may be limited in the options available to you. Be sure to ask straight away whether or not a dental office will accept your insurance so that you don't waste your time, or get your heart set on an office, only be left down when you find out they don't accept your plan. Always make sure you and the staff have an understanding of your needs and what you're expecting to get out their services.

Office Location

For some, traveling isn't a problem. However, it is entirely dependent on the family and their needs. Finding a practice close to where you live or in a town you visit often is your best option unless you don't mind driving a bit to reach the office. Once you've taken the time to decide how far you're willing to go, make a list of the offices within that area to consider.

Another thing to think about is what is around the practice. Some are located in downtown areas with plenty of activities to experience and places to go afterward, while others are nestled into quieter, residential areas. Look at the area around the practice you're thinking about, and decide if it meets your needs.

Online Reviews and Referrals

A great way to dig deeper into a practice is by searching online for reviews and testimonials from existing/former patients. By reading reviews, you can get a more personal look at what other people have personally experienced. This will give you a better overview of the practice than just reading their website will. Be sure to look at a multitude of reviews, and don't focus specifically on one or two bad reviews. There are always going to be people that didn't like something about a business, and they are more likely to air their grievances online in the form of a bad review. So be sure to take a look at the general consensus throughout a range of reviews to get a true idea of what the dentist office is like.

Referrals from friends and family members is also a great way to find a new dentist in your area. Hearing positive or negative feedback from those you trust can give you great insight to what the dentists is really like and the quality of care you can expect. Get opinions from everyone and see if there are any that overlap and check out those offices first!

The Continuing Education of Dentists and Staff

In a field that is constantly changing, it's important that those you are trusting to care for you and your family's oral health is continuing to learn and adapt to the new discoveries and advancements being made every day. Take a look on their website to see if you can find any information about recent classes or workshops, and if you don't find the information you're looking for, ask the staff when you go in for a visit. Learning about the different advancements they are learning about can help give you an idea of what to expect in their care.

A sign of a good dentist is one that is knowledgeable and capable of sharing that wisdom with you. Being curious and asking questions is a great way to not only learn more about the practice and the staff themselves, but about what you need to know, as well, when making a decision. If you find a dentist who is willing to take the time to talk to you about concerns or answer your questions, you're probably looking in the right place.

Think Water Tower Dental Care might be the right Chicago dentist for you? Contact us today and come get to know us!

While dreams can sometimes seem a little bizarre, often times these dreams are derived in our minds because of things that are happening in our every day lives. Regardless of how strange a dream may seem, these dream sequences can have both positive and negative interpretations that can give a little insight into things that may be happening in our lives. Instead of jumping to conclusions about what a dream may mean, it is always a important to write down what you remember from the dream in order to best interpret what the details may mean. Some dreams may seem completely irrelevant to what is happening in your life, but it’s not until you start looking at their meanings, do they make more sense.

Dreams that involved teeth falling out are actually a very common dream scenario, especially during moments of transition in your life. Whether they fall out one by one, all at once, crumble away, or in some other manner, teeth falling out and leaving your mouth completely empty can have several meanings. There are many different theories about what it means when your teeth fall out in your dreams, so it’s best to use those theories as a guideline that may relate back to what is happening in your current situation.

One of the most popular interpretations to teeth falling out in our dreams is related to anxiety, usually involving personal appearance and insecurities. It’s natural to care about how you look, and missing teeth can cause a whirlwind of anxiety in real life, hence the powerful, exaggerated message in our dreams. If you are suffering from low self-esteem, this could be a common image experienced in dreams. It can also mean insecurity due to a personal loss. The loss of teeth serves as a metaphor for something, either physical or non-physical, that has left you feeling insecure. It could mean a fear of rejection, making a fool out of yourself, or being embarrassed. This dream is a common in women who are going through menopause, leading researchers to believe it surrounds the fear of getting older and feeling less attractive and/or feminine. It can also come from the stressed felt by being overwhelmed by changes.

Another interpretation of this dream can also be related to a costly compromise. Perhaps you have agreed to something that will require a lot of your time and energy or possibly cost a lot of money. It could also be about an unpleasant decision you have to make, like being stuck in a job you hate or in a degree program that you are falling out of love with. If you have to make a costly choice, missing teeth could indicate a situation that you may have to “chew” on for a while. It could also represent the inability to make a decision and the consequences of that.

Teeth are also a strong, powerful tool our body uses to tear, chew, and grind food. Losing teeth in dreams can also mean a feeling of helplessness or losing power. Take this as a sign to be more assertive and speak up for yourself. Also, in regards to your body, it can mean a fear about your health. Losing teeth in real life may indicate poor diet or malnutrition so losing them in a dream could be playing on that fear.

Dreams about losing teeth don’t always represent something negative. Teeth falling out could mean you’re growing as a person. When you lose your teeth as a child, it means that your body is making room for adult teeth and therefore growing up. This can be seen as a transition into a new life chapter. Psychologist Carl Jung suggested that dreams about tooth loss indicate rebirth, or giving life. Although this particularly applies to women, it can relate to men too. Losing teeth in your dreams can represent letting go of tension and other negative emotions currently being experienced, usually during a transition or some sort of change. You are letting go of the bad to make way for the new and good.

Ultimately, dreams are over-exaggerations of what is happening in your every day life, and it is important to realize that while dreams can symbolize feelings we are experiencing, they are just scenarios in our mind that are often much worse than what we are actually experiencing. Most of the time, there is nothing to worry about, and our fears could be playing tricks on us in the forms of dreams.

Next time you dream about teeth falling out, consider what is going on in your life and use these dream interpretations to your advantage to either try to turn the situation around or to give you more insight into your well-being.

Cavities are a common dental problem that impact children and adults alike. Other than brushing your teeth regularly and maintaining a healthy diet, the best way to avoid cavities is to understand what causes them. There are various myths that surround their formation and treatment, but with a deeper understanding of what is true and what is not, you can prevent cavities for yourself and your family.

The Truth: What Causes Cavities

Cavity formation begins when bacteria damages the outer, hard surface of your teeth. As we consume food and beverages, naturally-occurring bacteria in our mouth feeds off of the sugar and produces acid. When this acid is left on the surface of our teeth, it begins to wear down the hard outer surface of our enamel and causes small holes to form – cavities. Without proper treatment, these acids can continue to eat their way through the tooth and can lead to sensitivity and tooth decay.

10 Common Myths About Cavities

• Sugar is the Main Cause of Cavities: The reason that this is considered a myth is because it is usually targeted at the sugar you find in a candy bar, ice cream, or other “junk foods.” Yes, sugar can cause cavities. However, sugar can be found in a variety of different food and beverages – even ones that are considered “healthy” for us. The fact is that cavity formation begins as the enzymes in our mouth react to the sugars in what we consume. The main cause of cavities is not from the sugar, but rather the improper and/or inconsistent dental care.
• Children Get More Cavities Than Adults: Cavity formation is not biased towards an age group. It is a process that kids and adults, alike, experience. Some children and adults can be cavity prone, based on genetics, diet, or oral hygiene. Teeth are susceptible to cavity formation at any point – “from the time the first tooth erupts to the time that the last tooth falls out.”
• Cavities Cause Bad Breath: Cavities, like bad breath, are symptoms of an underlying problem – tooth decay. As the acids and bacteria are breaking down the enamel on your teeth, causing cavities, they are also combining with other particles in your mouth and breaking those down as well. The “decay” of your enamel and other substances in your mouth is what leads to bad breath – not the cavity itself.
• Fruit Causes Cavities: This is a myth because it is not the fruit that causes or increases the likelihood of cavities; it is the combined effort of the acids in most fruits and poor dental care. Remember, the acids that form from food particles, saliva, and other bacteria begins to wear down the enamel of our teeth. Maintaining quality dental hygiene can prevent this wear.
• Babies Cannot Get Cavities: Although babies’ teeth are considered temporary, the tooth itself is made up of the same compounds as an adult tooth. This means that they are just as susceptible to cavities as older children and adults.
• Sugar-Free Gum Prevents Cavities: Although there are more benefits to chewing sugar-free gum than chewing non-sugar-free gum, it is not a replacement for proper oral care. Sugar-free gum contains Xylitol (a natural sweetener) that helps prevent acid from sticking to the teeth, but it does not, and will not, ever fully protect a tooth from developing a cavity.
• Cavities Make Your Teeth Fall Out: Similar to a few of the myths above, cavities are not the cause of a tooth falling out, but it can be a symptom of tooth decay. Cavities begin as small holes in the enamel of the tooth. If acid continues to wear down the area, the result can be gum disease which weakens the support of the gum surrounding your teeth which can increase the likelihood of losing a tooth.
• Cavities Are Contagious: Although bacteria that contributes to cavity formation can be transmitted, the cavity itself is not contagious. The best way to ensure the strength of your teeth is to maintain your own oral care.
• Cavities Can Heal On Their Own: Some researchers do believe that you can “reverse” cavity formation if the symptoms are caught early enough. However, enamel does not re-grow and once the damage has occurred – it’s irreversible (at least for now).
• Cavity Fillings Do Not Last: This myth is somewhat factual. Fillings are designed to last quite awhile, but if they are not properly cared for they can deteriorate from clenching, grinding, or continuous exposure to acids and bacteria.

Treating yourself to proper and consistent oral care is the best method to avoid cavities and tooth decay. This includes, but is not limited to, brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once, and regularly rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. Understanding the causes (and myths) of cavity formation is one of the best remedies for preventing them.

The chilly weather of winter has finally begun to fade, allowing for the fresh air and light showers that can only mean one thing – Spring is here! As we all start to do our early season cleaning and get ready for the much-anticipated warmer months, a visit to your local dental care specialist should make your to-do list.

Water Tower Dental Care is conveniently located in downtown Chicago, and we're surrounded by plenty of great places and activities that can help you enjoy the Spring. Don't waste the great weather by staying home! Come early for your appointment, or make time for some fun afterwards by visiting some of these great Downtown Chicago locations:

1. The Lookingglass Theater. Enjoy incredible performances and shows by talented singers, actors, and dancers. Founded in 1988, the Lookingglass Theater has been providing entertainment for decades. Catch one of their upcoming shows after an appointment.
2. Chicago Water Tower. The heart of the city stands with this water tower, a historical landmark over a century old. Explore the beautiful architecture or check out one of their art gallery exhibits. You may even recognize the area from the finale of The Amazing Race 6.
3. Water Tower Place Shopping Mall. Dive into shopping, dining, and more inside of the massive shopping center. Visit the American Girl Store or the Art of Dr. Seuss gallery currently on display if you're a family with kids.
4. Sister's Salon. Get exfoliated and relaxed after caring for your teeth, or help ease those nerves that dentist appointments sometimes bring on. An excellent way to practice self-care while enjoying the Spring weather.
5. Seneca Playlot Park. Another great option for families with kids, this outdoor playground area is huge with lots of equipment and space to run free in the sunshine. There is even an area for smaller children to enjoy themselves.
6. Millennium Park. One of the most iconic spots in Chicago, and less than 10 minutes away from Water Tower Dental Care. Enjoy the outdoor town square with amazing sights, wildlife, and plenty of events during the spring and summer months.
7. Wrigley Field. Are you a Cubs fan? Do you enjoy watching sports? Wrigley Field is home to the new World Series Champions Chicago Cubs and hosts one of the best baseball experiences. Catch one with your family the next time you come by.
8. Lincoln Park Zoo. See exotic animals and watch a few amazing shows at the best zoo the city has to offer, and it's only 5 minutes away, too. This zoo is open all year, but you'll get the most out of visiting in the spring, summer, and early fall.
9. The Lakefront Trail. Get active and see the best sights of Chicago. Follow the Lakefront Trail by foot or bike through a total of 18 miles worth of seaside beauty and attractions. You'll pass fun places like the Lincoln Park Zoo as well as several grassy parks to rest at.
10. North Avenue Beach. As the sun grows warmer against our backs, the water calls to Chicago natives to pack a bag and visit the beach. Less than 10 minutes away from our office is one of the most famous beaches in the Midwest, complete with free WiFi and dining choices.

Now that you've gotten a hint at how fun this side of Chicago can get during the Spring, come by for an exam before hitting Downtown and exploring the great things available to you in our lovely city. We at Water Tower Dental Care are eager to hear from you – contact us for an appointment today.