Are regular checkups really that important? You bet.

Are you remembering to brush your teeth twice a day, especially after meals? If yes, that’s wonderful. But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit our office conveniently located in Chicago's Loop every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day and flossing. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Drs. Gilleran and Van Fossen can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam we will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not visited our office during the past six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment by calling 312-368-8771! Summer is a great time for a quick visit!

Ask Drs. Gilleran & Van Fossen: How do I avoid bad breath?

At the office of Drs. Gilleran and Van Fossen, we know bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you're out on a date or at an important social function! However, we want you to know bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as Drs. Gilleran & Van Fossen call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell.

Here are three ways you can prevent bad breath:

1. Brush your tongue.

2. Keep your mouth hydrated.

3. Freshen your mouth.

Also, here are some common myths about halitosis:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

For more information on halitosis, we encourage you to give us a call at 312-368-8771!

What’s on your reading list this summer?

With summer 2011 almost here, our staff at Gilleran and Van Fossen DDS want to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. We know it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is actually a vital step in brain development. And, it can help you ward off that dreaded “summer slide.”

This week, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites?

Out of ideas for summer reads? Then check out these summer reading ideas that we came across this week, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading, and be sure to share your summer picks with us on our Facebook page! We hope you have an outstanding summer!!

Smile! June marks National Smile Month!

Our friends at the American Dental Association discovered that a person's smile was important than their eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature. After all, there's a big reason why Americans spend as much as they do each year on general and cosmetic dentistry each year: they want to look (and feel) great.

That brings us to June, also known as National Smile Month. It's a great time for Drs. Gilleran and Van Fossen to remind all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our office.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
* Visit Drs. Gilleran or Van Fossen regularly (usually every six months).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at 312-368-8771. We hope you have a great rest of the week! Get out there and share your smiles with Chicago!