September 2015: Celebrating 25 Years Serving Aurora     September is a month of transition, and it's not just the weather that's changing! Many people have kids who are heading back to school and you, yourself, may need to adjust to a more demanding routine. Added stress may have you looking for ways to save time, but two things that should not be skipped during your morning routine are a nutritious breakfast and regular brushing and flossing. From the classroom to the boardroom, a healthy breakfast improves performance, concentration and overall health. You don't need a three course sit-down meal; keep it simple with a healthy bowl of oatmeal and fruit for a healthy boost to start your day. Brushing and flossing can provide the opportunity to think positively about your day to help you reduce stress while maintaining your oral health. Time for Your Cleaning Is it time for a cleaning or to have unfinished dental work completed? If your dental benefits are based on the calendar year, your maximums may not roll over into the new year. Our calendar fills up quickly this time of year, so we encourage you to call today if you need an appointment before the new year. Dr. Charles Weingarten has proudly served the Aurora region now for 25 years and is still going strong! Thanks to everyone who has been a part of our continued success. Have a healthy and safe month! Now Offering IV Sedation! Sedation dentistry is a term that refers to the use of anesthesia during treatment to put patients into a relaxed state, almost like sleep. Sedation dentistry is often used during procedures that require an extensive amount of time in the treatment chair, and sedation is ideal for patients who exhibit dental phobia or have difficulty controlling their movements (this includes children). Patients who have experienced IV sedation often feel like they've slept through the entire procedure. It is administered via direct injection into the bloodstream, which means it's effects are immediate. Sometimes patients feel groggy and sleepy after the procedure so it is important to bring a designated driver for the drive home. If you have any questions or concerns regarding sedation dentistry, please contact our office. How to Prevent Tooth Decay! Tooth Decay describes the break down of strong healthy teeth over time. Your tooth's surface is composed of a hard mineral coating called enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue in your body, but by no means indestructible. Actually, enamel is exposed to bacteria all day which produce plaque. Plaque is the substance that covers your teeth and eats away at the enamel causing the holes known as cavities. Brushing your teeth, flossing and regular dental visits will help keep plaque under control. Leaving plaque on your teeth leads to tartar buildup which brushing and flossing alone can not remove. Letting plaque get out of control can lead to many oral problems ranging from bad breath and cavities to gum recession Periodontal disease and tooth loss. Even teeth with fillings aren't immune to plaque. The acidic substance damages fillings and other dental work and can lead to future problems. Under your enamel is a layer of the tooth made of dentin. Dentin is also high in mineral content, but much softer and more vulnerable to plaque. Once a cavity has reached this layer it starts effecting blood vessels and eventually the root. This is why dentists often fill small cavities long before they reach a level where they become problematic. Click here to continue reading! Dips for Friends If you are entertaining friends and family, chances are you were considering serving chips and dip. While many dips are quick and easy, they are also loaded with fats, salt, sugar and preservatives. Undoubtedly, people will eat too much and complain about tummy aches. Is this any way to treat a friend? Why not surprise your guests with something delicious and secretly nutritious? Here are three dips that will leave your friends talking, and while they may have seconds, they will be left with energy rather than guilt. Click here for the recipe!