February is American Heart Month, from Drs. Gilleran and Van Fossen

Did you know February is Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, say Drs. Gilleran and Van Fossen. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Gilleran and Van Fossen Cosmetic Dentistry. In observance of Heart Month, Drs. Van Fossen and Gilleran say it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at Gilleran and Van Fossen Cosmetic Dentistry, please give us a call today.

Access your account—any day, any time—at Gilleran and Van Fossen

Access to your account any time, any day. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it? At Gilleran and Van Fossen, we embrace new technology, whether it's through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Chicago's Loop.

Patients at Gilleran and Van Fossen Cosmetic Dentistry enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—on our web site. You may look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service:

"Reviewing patient billing and insurance payments is great!!!" ~ Penelope H.

"This rocks. It is so nice to be able to keep track of what is going on with my appointments and bills whenever I think about it, i.e. 11 p.m., not whenever I think about it during business hours." ~ JaLyn S.

"WOWOWOWOWOW - I can get text on my appointments and confirm." ~ Mark S.

"It is helpful to see my financial information. Very interesting to see my x-rays online too." ~ Dana R.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Gilleran and Van Fossen, staying on the cutting edge of dental research

On Tuesday February 9, Dr. Van Fossen and hygienist Jean Waters attended a lecture on the link between tartar and systemic health. The presentation was given by our referring oral surgeon, Dr. Larry Zager. They braved the snowstorm to stay on the cutting edge of research. Stay tuned for updates on this hot topic.

Dr. Gilleran, Dr. Van Fossen and staff thank you for being our patient. If you have any questions about what we learned, or have questions about your treatment at Gilleran and Van Fossen Cosmetic Dentistry, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 312-368-8771

Talking dairy and gum disease with Drs. Gilleran & Van Fossen

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease, or gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, give us a call at Gilleran & Van Fossen Cosmetic Dentistry. Or, you may post your questions here. Have a great rest of your Tuesday!