Would you be surprised to learn that people have been using toothpaste since the 1800s? Granted, this toothpaste was flavorless and came in a jar. Fortunately, there are a number of toothpaste options that have been made since then to meet a variety of needs. Still, how can you choose the ideal toothpaste for you? As you may have heard,... read more »

Have you ever thought that sharing or borrowing a toothbrush is probably harmless, especially if you rinse the brush off first? In reality, though, you shouldn’t share your toothbrush or ever let anyone else use your brush. As you may know, everyone has different bacteria in their mouth. Toothbrushes can actually harbor bad bacteria, and if you share a toothbrush,... read more »

Cavities are tooth decay that chews a hole in your tooth enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss consistently, a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, can form on your teeth. These bacteria make acid that eats at your teeth from the sugars you eat. There are many things you can do to help... read more »

Your dental bridge is strong and reliable, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take good care of it. In fact, you need to take care of it on a regular basis to keep it in tip-top shape for many years. So, to help you keep your dental bridge in pristine condition, our Magnificent Mile Family Dental dental team encourages you... read more »

It’s relatively common for a small piece of tough food, like meat fibers, popcorn hulls, fruit peels and even small, hard seeds, to become lodged in your gums while you’re eating. Sometimes it can be cleared away by brushing and rinsing. Unfortunately, there are also times when something gets stuck uncomfortably in your gums. In a situation like this, your... read more »

You know that brushing and flossing your teeth are both important, but do you know which should come first? Would you be surprised to learn that the order doesn’t really matter? In reality, it’s far more important that you brush and floss properly. As you may know, you should brush twice a day—but did you know that you should remember... read more »

Does your tongue look black or feel a little hairy? While this is uncommon, it is actually a harmless condition referred to as black hairy tongue. Luckily, while this isn’t a pleasant experience, it isn’t typically too difficult to prevent. You see, black hairy tongue is caused when too much yeast or bacteria grows in your mouth. On your tongue... read more »

Many people require a tooth replacement at least once in their lives. Over time, teeth can decay or wear down to the point that the best option is to extract them. They can also be irreparably damaged due to injury. Although there are various options to replace a missing tooth, one of the most popular is dental implants. One of... read more »

At Magnificent Mile Family Dental, the practice of Dr. Olaitan Okediji in Chicago, Illinois, we are pleased to offer mercury-free fillings for our patients' healthy smiles. Amalgam fillings, or mercury fillings, consist of a combination of silver, tin, copper, zinc and mercury. Because amalgam fillings have mercury in them, they release small amounts of mercury into your body which may be... read more »

There are many people who, for one reason or another, don’t like their smile. Regardless of the cause, feeling shame or self-consciousness about one’s smile is not anything anyone should have to live with. Cosmetic dentistry helps people with damaged or discolored teeth have a smile they are proud of again. Dental veneers are just one powerful tool to that... read more »