chicago

External and internal root resorption is a pathological process, which tends to occur following a range of mechanical or chemical stimuli. For example infection, pressure, trauma, or orthodontic tooth movement. It is predominantly detected by radiography, but in some cases root resorption may be identified by clinical symptoms such as pain, swelling, and mobility of the tooth. Treatment alternatives are case‐dependent and aim to address the cause of the resorption and aid the regeneration of the resorptive lesion. Sometimes root canal therapy and alleviate the condition, but many times, extraction and periodic evaluation are needed. There is still many unanswered questions about why root resorption occurs, but many doctors, specialist, and researchers agree it is an auto-immune condition. 

At Water Tower Dental Care in Chicago, we use either 2D or 3D imaging to help identify and track these lesions. If you have concerns about root resorption (external, internal, to blunted) root, please give us a call for a consultation. Here is a short video of a patient that had symptomatic root resorption and elected to have the tooth extracted, along with the contralateral tooth due to mobility. Our Periodontist removed the two lateral incisors, placed Nobel Biocare Dental Implants and we restored the teeth with e.Max Crowns cemented on Zirconia Abutments. The lab work was completed by Josh Walker @UtahValleyDentalLab, and the dentistry by Dr. Daniel Aneszko @WaterTowerDentalCare.

One of the most popular things that couples do on Valentine’s Day is to go out to eat. Maybe you’re looking to try a new restaurant, or maybe you have a place that you like to go to year after year. But regardless of where you go, it’s a great time to treat yourself. Splurge on the chocolate cake or have an extra glass of wine, but make sure you’re balancing it out with the rest of your meal. Foods like these can be damaging to your teeth, but did you know that when food is eaten as part of a meal, it causes less harm than snacking throughout the day? It’s true! More saliva is released during meals, which helps wash foods away from the teeth and lessens the effects of the acidity, which can harm teeth and cause cavities. So, splurge away this Valentine's Day!

There are some really fantastic restaurants where you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart right on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Here are some of our favorites:

1. The Purple Pig

Named one of Bon Appetit’s “10 Best New Restaurants in America” in 2010, the Purple Pig has a rustic feel with a focus on pork, although the menu has many other standout dishes. They have some shareable plates on the menu, too, which is a great way to share a Valentine’s Day meal with your sweetie.

Split the salt and vinegar beef tendon chips for an appetizer, and then try the milk braised pork shoulder with mashed potatoes or the Greek style chicken. Follow your meal with some brown butter panna cotta or pistachio cake.

2. NoMi Kitchen

Located in the Park Hyatt, NoMi Kitchen was named one of the 10 best hotel restaurants in the world. Sit in NoMi Kitchen and enjoy the chic, contemporary setting while looking out at the panoramic view of the city. Or, head up to the seventh floor of the hotel and enjoy the NoMi Lounge.

At the Kitchen, you can try the beef tartare to start, then order the rainbow trout to share with your date and a side of mac and cheese. For dessert, try their handmade ice cream of sorbet. Or, stop by the Lounge and try the handmade seasonal pickles for an appetizer and their sushi or sashimi for your main.

3. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak, and Stone Crab

If you’re looking for a place where you and your Valentine can feel fancy, have your Valentine’s Day meal at Joe’s. It has a supper club setting, and the tuxedoed staff will make your evening feel even more special. They have a wide range of seafood dishes to try, from stone crab to fish and chips to Chilean seabass.

Try the fried calamari or steak tartare for a starter, and then have a classic hamburger, porterhouse with a baked potato, or the crispy fried shrimp with a side of fried asparagus. For dessert, try the cheesecake.

4. Shanghai Terrace

Zagat named Shanghai Terrace the “Best Chinese Restaurant in Chicago.” It offers amazing cocktails, delicious food, and a 1930s supper club decor. Located in the Peninsula Hotel, they offer a special Valentine's Day menu that consists of five courses and dessert.

If you come here to celebrate, you can enjoy a dim sum trio, fried prawns, westlake beef chowder, sweet and sour chicken, spicy lamb with black bean sauce, and green tea and white chocolate raspberry cake for dessert.

5. Bandera

A Bandera, they have live jazz every night and a menu of American food with a southwestern twist. Stop in the comfortable and inviting restaurant and enjoy the view of Michigan Avenue while you enjoy the famous skillet cornbread, fresh and still warm from the oven.

Try the spinach and artichoke dip to start. For the main course, try a burger, Seattle style BBQ salmon, or their aged and seasoned prime rib. Add some tabbouleh, or some hand cut french fries as a side and finish it off with some apple walnut cobbler or homemade Oreo ice cream sandwiches.

The Magnificent Mile is a wonderful place to spend Valentine’s Day with that special someone. As you can see, there are a variety of cuisines available, each with its own distinct atmosphere. You’re sure to find the perfect place for a meal with your Valentine. Remember, Valentine’s Day dinner is a great time to indulge. Just remember to brush your teeth when you get home.

If you have any questions about how to take care of your teeth, or if you'd like to book an appointment with Chicago's number one dentistry, Water Tower Dental Care, contact us today.

Dental hypersensitivity, also known as sensitive teeth, happens because of receding gums and/or because the enamel protecting the teeth has somehow become thinner. Brushing too hard can push back the gums and expose the roots of teeth, while acidic food and drinks, such as wine, can weaken the structure of the enamel and cause sensitivity. You know your teeth are sensitive when it’s painful to consume hot or cold foods and beverages.

In addition to certain food, did you know that breathing in the cold air can also trigger sensitivity? If you're in Chicago, where the winter temperature can reach -20 or lower, tooth sensitivity can be worsened by chilly air. Here are some ways for you to enjoy holiday treats and breathe in the winter air without worrying about painful teeth.

Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

There are numerous types of toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Some of them are also formulated to whiten teeth and prevent cavities. This kind of toothpaste works to coat your enamel and lessen the sensitivity that your nerves feel. Look for American Dental Association (ADA) approved toothpaste brands with fluoride, potassium nitrate, or strontium chloride. Your dental care provider can also use professional strength toothpaste for additional relief and protection from hypersensitivity.

Use a Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments in toothpaste or mouth rinse can prevent sensitivity. Fluoride reinforces the enamel to resist food acid and it also prevents tooth decay. Fluoride intake is important for children, as their permanent teeth erupt, but adults can still use fluoride treatments for overall oral health. While there are over-the-counter fluoride treatments available, their concentrations are lower than professional treatments provided by dentists. Whichever option you choose, fluoride treatments can still benefit you even as an adult.

Treat Receding Gums

If your gums are receding from aggressive brushing or gum disease, visit your dentist to discuss treatment options. Make sure to maintain good oral hygiene. Your periodontist may recommend deep cleaning or, in worst cases, surgery (gingivoplasty) to correct your gums. Treating receded gums can protect your roots and prevent tooth loss.

Avoid Over-Brushing

The recommended number of brushing is two times—first thing in the morning and before bedtime. Brush for two minutes using a soft bristle toothbrush. Avoid brushing immediately after meals. The acids in the food and drink we consume weaken our teeth and brushing right after will only strip the teeth of more minerals, therefore resulting in more sensitivity.

After meals, rinse using water to neutralize the mouth’s pH balance and let saliva break down the acids and sugars first. If you must brush, wait at least 30 minutes after eating to do so. Learn more about how to avoid over-brushing here!

Avoid Acidic and Sugary Food and Drinks

Make conscious choices about your diet to prevent cavity formation and enamel breakdown. Avoid eating sugary food like candy and drinking carbonated drinks, such as sodas. Wine is highly acidic, but if you pair cheese with it, the cheese's enzymes help break down the acids. Choose food high in phosphorus such as fatty fish and tofu, and low-acid fruits like apples and bananas.

Get Your Teeth Checked Out

See your dentist once or twice a year for checkup and cleaning. You may need to visit more often if you are prone to getting frequent cavities or if you have a gum disease. Your dentist can provide you with a combination of solutions if you suffer from sensitive teeth. Dental appointments are crucial for your oral health. Until then, brave the Chicago winter with these tips to reduce sensitive teeth.

We hope these tips help you face Chicago’s chilly winter with a grin! If you struggle with sensitive teeth, it’s very important to see a dentist to find out what’s at the root of your sensitivity problem. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Chicago’s number one dentistry, Water Tower Dental Care, today!

There’s nothing like a little Chicago crosstown rivalry to get the blood boiling. While we’ll leave the big game analysis up to the professional players, we’re here to compare the teams in a new, but equally important way: by their mascot’s teeth. After all, who wants to follow a team that represents bad dental health?

White Sox: Southpaw

White Sox definitely wins the award for one of the most random mascots. Southpaw, the White Sox’s mascot, is not an alligator, frog, or a dirty sock, despite people’s assumptions. In reality, he’s just a big, strong green guy with big love for the Chicago White Sox.

But what about his dental health?

We can’t actually see Southpaw’s teeth, which is not typically normal for such a big guy. According to the White Sox website, his favorite foods are fruits and veggies, so he’s on the right track for having great teeth (and he definitely needs teeth to eat these things). But we’re worried that his teeth are too small for his mouth. We’d recommend dental veneers to lengthen the teeth or maybe even braces to move his teeth down and allow them to be more visible.

Get to know Southpaw more here!

Cubs: Clark

When it comes to teeth, the Chicago Cubs mascot, Clark the cub, has an advantage: He’s young. Just like most parts of your body, your teeth get older as you get older. You may lose enamel as you age, making your teeth weaker. And your teeth will inevitably get worn down thanks to chewing and bad habits, like grinding or chewing ice.

There’s no doubt about it - Clark’s teeth are amazing. They are beautifully sharp, straight and white. We’re not sure what Clark’s eating or what his oral hygiene routine is, but we hope he keeps it up as he gets older. He’s on the right track.

Get to know Clark more here!

Final Score: Which Chicago Mascot Has the Best Teeth?

Without Clark and Southpaw coming into Water Tower Dental Care for an appointment, it’s hard to judge the health of their teeth. But only taking their appearance into consideration, we have to give Clark the Cub the award for Mascot with the Best Teeth in Chicago. They are the perfect size for his mouth and look strong and healthy.

Southpaw, when it comes to food, it sounds like you’re eating the right food for healthy teeth. We just hope that your teeth are large and strong enough to stay healthy for years to come!

Want to see how your teeth stack up to these iconic Chicago mascots? Schedule an appointment with Water Tower Dental Care today! We’ll help you get on the path to a healthy and beautiful smile.

The wonderful thing about being early for a Water Tower Dental Care appointment is our location! Since we’re located in what many consider Chicago’s best shopping mall, you don’t have to succumb to boredom while waiting in a dental office for your name to be called. Instead, we encourage you to go out and explore Water Tower Place and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile!

Here are a few of our favorite nearby attractions for you to enjoy if you’re early for an appointment with us (which you may actually want to be after reading this!).

Take a Trip to the Top of The John Hancock at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck

One of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city is just a few steps from the Water Tower Dental Care office! The 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the Hancock building offers breathtaking views of Chicago, giving even the most established residents a fresh new look of the city. Lines can get long, so it’s best to buy tickets ahead of time if you can or scope it out before you commit to buying tickets. We don’t want you waiting so long that you forget about your appointment!
You can save money and time by buying tickets ahead of time here for $20. Chicago residents with an ID can get tickets on site for just $10. If the line’s too long or pricing is too steep for you, check out Tilt instead!
Price: $20 online, $24 on site, $10 on site if you’re a Chicago resident with a valid ID. Tuesday’s are free for Chicago residents!

Get a Bite to Eat

Relax, unwind and feast before you get your pearly whites checked out. Chicago’s Magnificent Mile offers a variety of delicious restaurant options that are walking distance from our office! We’ve listed five of our favorite food options that are good for your teeth in Water Tower Place here. Take a look before you head over!
Price: Varies

Browse the American Girl Place or Chicago Sports Museum with Your Little One

If you’re early for a dentist appointment for your little one, don’t fret! The American Girl Place in Water Tower Place should keep them entertained. This store isn’t your average retail shop. It’s an experience, with a doll hair salon, spa, ear piercing station, and restaurant. It’s also the only American Girl Store in Chicago!
If American Girl isn’t your child’s cup of tea, there’s always the Chicago Sports Museum at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch, which features unique sports memorabilia, gear and uniforms used in iconic games, and high-tech interactive challenges and experiences.
Prices: American Girl Store: Free without purchase. Chicago Sports Museum: $6 general admission. If you eat at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch, you can get free tickets to the museum!

Get Cultured at the Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)

If you have an hour or more to spare before your appointment, we suggest visiting the Loyola University Museum of Art. It’s a small but stimulating museum with art that explore the spirit of all faiths and cultures. You will find artwork from Europe during the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras as well as more contemporary pieces. Take a look at the museum’s current exhibitions here.
Prices: $9 for general admission. Tuesday’s are free for Chicago residents!
Looking to do something specific before or after your appointment at our dentist’s office? Give us a call today! We’ll set you up with something fun to do. You can also take a look at our guide to Chicago here!

When it comes to your teeth, you should never have to wait to get an important cosmetic or general dentistry treatment done just because of money. That’s why we offer a variety of payment options at Water Tower Dental Care in Chicago. This way, you can receive affordable dental care when you need it most. We’re going to break down some of our payment options now so that you know exactly what to expect when you come into our Chicago office.

CareCredit for More Affordable Dental Treatments

Let’s face it, dental treatments can add up. Financing options can help make your dental care more affordable. We’re pleased to offer CareCredit to help you finance your dental treatments. CareCredit is a credit card exclusively used for health care, including treatments at your dentist office. The CareCredit program allows you to receive your dental treatment immediately, and then pay for it in low monthly payments that fit your budget.
When you’re paying off your card, there are a variety of financing options you can choose from. For example, you can pay in equal monthly payments, minimum monthly payments or increasing monthly payments. There are also some fantastic CareCredit promos, which you can check out here. You can design a CareCredit payment plan with no interest, no annual fees and no prepayment penalties. We can work with you to find the best option to fit your lifestyle and budget. No more sweating over how you can afford to pay for a big teeth treatment in one visit!

Cash, Checks, Credit & Debit

Whether you happen to have the perfect amount of cash on hand or need to pay with your credit card, you’re warmly welcome at Water Tower Dental Care. We accept cash, checks, American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. While we don’t mind how you pay, we do offer a 5% discount to patients who pay for their treatment with cash at least 24 hours before their visit.

Dental Insurance

When it comes to using your dental insurance to pay for a treatment, we try to make the process as easy as possible. We’ll electronically file your claim as a courtesy to you and provide your insurance company with all of the information they need to maximize your benefits. This way, you’ll always know that you’re getting the most out of your insurance when receiving treatments at Water Tower Dental Care.
We strive to provide some of the most affordable high quality dental care in Chicago with these payment options. If you’re worried about being able to pay for a specific dental treatment, please contact us. We would love to work with you to find effective treatments with a payment option that works for you. We can guide you through CreditCare or discuss alternative treatment options.

When it comes to your social and professional life, teeth can make a big difference. That’s why we’re focused on making your smile as beautiful as possible. Over the years, we’ve become known as the top cosmetic dentistry in Chicago for our work on pearly whites. Here are a few of our most popular teeth treatments in Water Tower Place, Chicago and why so many people love them.

Invisalign Clear Braces

Traditional braces are so five years ago. But really, why wear annoying, obtrusive and unattractive traditional braces when you can wear invisible braces? Invisalign has become one of our most popular dental treatments because of how easy and transparent it is. Just like traditional braces, Invisalign straightens out your teeth over time. But it does this with clear aligners that can easily be removed whenever you’d like. Learn how Invisalign can fix your underbite too! Take a look at our before and after Invisalign photos here.

Teeth Whitening

There’s a reason most celebrities have shiny white teeth. Whether it makes sense or not, pearly whites make you look young, healthy and successful. We have a ton of patients come through our offices for Zoom! Teeth Whitening because it can make your teeth up to ten shades whiter after just one single one-hour treatment. Fast, effective and long lasting, you can’t beat Zoom! when it comes to teeth whitening. We also offer take home teeth whitening trays if you prefer your couch to the dental chair.
[caption id="attachment_2288" align="aligncenter" width="604"] A Water Tower Dental Care patient before and after Invisalign, teeth whitening and dental veneers.[/caption]

Dental Veneers

Mask your teeth imperfections with dental veneers! Veneers are so popular because they successfully cover up a variety of different teeth problems, including stains, odd shapes, chips, big spaces, and crooked teeth. Whether Mother Nature didn’t give you the teeth of your dreams, or injury or age has left you with teeth you don’t recognize, veneers can be carefully placed onto your teeth to perfect issues. Check out our before and after porcelain veneers photo gallery!
Carefully designed for your mouth, more permanent porcelain veneers are best for severe dental issues, while minimal prep veneers are the better choice for those who have smaller problems and/or less time. Find out which type of veneer is best for you here.

CEREC One Visit Crowns

Traditionally, it took at least two visits and countless hours to fit, create and place dental crowns. With CEREC One Visit Crown technology, crowns can be perfectly customized and placed to match your teeth in just one hour. You can see why this treatment has become one of our most popular. Take a look at Water Tower Dental patients before and after CEREC One Visit Crowns. Learn more about fixing a broken tooth with CEREC One Visit Crowns here!
These are our most popular cosmetic dental treatments for a reason: they make your smile look better than ever while saving you time! Contact us to learn more about the treatments our office in Water Tower Place, Chicago offers.

When it comes to food, there’s really no end to deliciousness in Chicago. From world famous pizza to the Puerto Rican-inspired jibarito, regional specialties have prospered in the Windy City. This week, we’re going to take a look at Chicago’s three most iconic foods and see how good they are for your teeth. Let’s do this.

Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

The most envied and renowned of all Chicago’s food offerings is by far its treasured deep dish pizza. In Chicago, pizza isn’t some sort of snack or late-night afterthought. It’s a hearty meal baked in a deep pan and piled with gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce and other delicious ingredients.
But is it good for your teeth? Yes and no. Cheese is one of your teeth’s best friends, providing your pearly whites with calcium, phosphates and vitamin D. These minerals help reduce your risk of tooth decay, guard your teeth from acid and help your enamel stabilize and repair itself.
The bad news for your teeth comes in the form of tomato sauce. Tomatoes are highly acidic. If you eat pizza too often or you let pizza sit in your mouth for a while, the acids from the tomatoes can start breaking down your enamel. The starch in pizza can also be easily converted to enamel-eroding sugars.
Conclusion: Though Chicago’s pizza has a bunch of tooth-loving cheese in it, it also has lots of starch and tomato sauce. It’s not the worst food for your teeth, but it’s definitely not the best. Thankfully, your teeth will be just fine as long as long as you eat pizza in moderation.

Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

Unlike most of the United States, it’s a cardinal sin to put ketchup on a hot dog in Chicago. The typical Chicago-style hot dog is made up an all-beef hot dog, steamed poppy seed bun, yellow mustard, tomato wedges, hot peppers, a pickle spear, chopped onions, celery salt, and relish. We like to call it a little piece of heaven.
So now let’s break it down into the good and bad for your mouth. The all-beef hot dog is all-good for your teeth. Meats are packed with phosphorus, a mineral that helps to keep your enamel protected. It also has calcium, which we know is great for our teeth. Unfortunately, the starchy bun contains sugars that will attack your enamel, and pickles are one of the worst foods for your teeth.
Conclusion: If you cut out some of the hot dog toppings that are bad for your teeth, like pickles, pickled relish and tomato wedges, you’ll have a dog that’s actually pretty good for your mouth. Some Chicagoans may call this a sin, but we call it a toothy upgrade.

Italian Beef

In Chicago, there’s nothing juicier than Italian beef. It doesn’t get better than sandwiches packed with thin slices of roast beef on top of an Italian-style roll dripping with meat juices. You might top the sandwich off with Chicago-style giardiniera (Italian-American relish) or friggitello.
Again, the phosphorus beef is great for your teeth. But if the giardiniera or friggitello is pickled in vinegar, it’s not so good for your teeth. The acids from the vinegar will aggressively eat away at your enamel if you eat too many pickled veggies or fruits.
Conclusion: Knock off the pickled toppings and you’ve got a Chicago-style food item that’s pretty good for your teeth! Since Italian beef is mostly made up of lots and lots of beef, and beef is tooth-friendly, your teeth will happily munch on this one.

Final Thoughts

We’ll have to give the title of “worst Chicago-style food for your teeth” to Chicago-style hot dogs. The starchy bun and official toppings won’t make your pearly whites any healthier. However, as long as you don’t eat a dog a day and practice proper oral hygiene, your teeth will be just fine. Munching on these Chicago delights every once in awhile won’t do your teeth any significant harm.

Everyone in Chicago knows that the city’s winter weather can be hard on your commute, skin and nose. But extremely cold weather can also affect your teeth and mouth. Many Chicagoans experience uncomfortable sensations or even extreme pain in their mouth while in icy weather. Let’s take a look at why that happens and what you can do to keep your teeth and mouth feeling great all winter long!

The Effects of Chicago Winter Weather On Your Teeth & Mouth

Since teeth are naturally porous and sensitive, many people experience tooth sensitivity in the cold. Subtle irritation from time to time is normal and usually nothing to worry about. However, constant sensitivity in the same area of your mouth during the winter months may mean that the cold air is revealing a problem with your teeth.
If you have regular discomfort in the same area of your tooth, it could be caused by a variety of issues, including tiny fractures, bigger cracks, thin enamel, teeth clenching habits, or cavities. Each of these problems can lead to sensitive areas of your teeth being exposed, which in turn can cause teeth pain and discomfort all winter long.
Fillings, crowns or bridges that don’t fit your teeth anymore may also cause sensitivity.
Now let’s not let teeth take all of the spotlight here. Gum disease may be the culprit when it comes to your sensitive teeth and mouth. Gum disease can cause your gums to move away from your teeth, exposing your very sensitive roots. Two telltale signs of gum disease are sore and inflamed gums.
Surprisingly enough, a sinus infection can also be the source of your tooth pain. Swollen sinuses put pressure on the roots of your teeth, which can cause your teeth to hurt. This typically occurs in the back top teeth.
Finally, cold sores are known to wreak havoc during the winter thanks to the flu, stress, fatigue, and extreme weather conditions, according to Sitavig.

Tips To Keep Your Teeth & Mouth Feeling Better During The Winter

Now that you know what’s causing your teeth and mouth sensitivity during the winter, it’s time to get to the important part: how to make it better. If you’re experiencing regular irritation, you should visit a dentist to get to the root of your problem. It could be something serious, like gum disease. But until then, here are some tips to hold you over:

• Breathe in through your nose as much as you can. This way, the cold air won’t be able to reach sensitive areas in your mouth and cause irritation.
• Try not to clench your teeth when you are cold. Clenching can cause tooth erosion and more pain in cold weather.
• Drinking something warm, like tea, when you’re out in the cold should help ease any pain caused by low temperatures.
• Make sure you’re brushing your teeth properly twice a day and flossing once a day.
• Try using a fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth twice a day to create extra protection from the cold air.
• If you have allergies or think you might have a sinus infection, visit a doctor to find out how to treat it.
• Avoid stress, keep your lips moisturized and wash your hands during the winter months to minimize cold sore breakouts, according to Sitavig. You can also receive laser therapy for cold sores at our offices in Chicago! Laser therapy will help reduce the number of breakouts you have by destroying the herpes simplex virus.
• If your teeth sensitivity or mouth problems persist or feel abnormally bad, make time to visit your dentist. You may have a dental issue that needs to be addressed before it gets worse.

Want to get rid of your winter mouth and teeth issues once and for all? Visit Chicago’s top general and cosmetic dentistry! We’ll do everything we can to get to the root of your mouth discomfort and tooth sensitivity issues.

The 13-block stretch that you find our office on is called Chicago’s Magnificent Mile for a reason. It’s filled with the best in shopping, restaurants and entertainment (and dentists!) in Chicago. It truly is magnificent.
When you visit us at Water Tower Place, you’ll be in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, with a bunch of food options around you if you’re feeling hungry. And we know the last thing you want to do before or after a dentist appointment is eat food that is bad for your teeth. We’ve rounded up a list of restaurants with the tastiest food options that are good for your teeth on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. This way, you can grab a delicious meal while taking care of your teeth when you’re visiting us, or anytime you’re in the area. Your mouth is in for a treat!
Restaurants featured:

1. Freshii (American)
2. Harry Caray’s 7^th Inning Stretch (Sports Bar, American)
3. The Signature Room (Fine Dining, American)
4. Foodlife (American, Pizza, Mexican)
5. Foodease (Specialty food)

Freshii

Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
If you’re looking for something fast and nutritious while you’re on the Magnificent Mile, look no further than Freshii. Freshii offers fresh, custom-made green wraps, salads, quinoa bowls, and pressed-juices.
Best Food Options for Your Teeth at Freshii:

• Metaboost, Ninja and Market wraps and salads: Chewing on wraps or salads packed with high-fiber veggies actually scrubs your teeth, leaving them squeaky clean.
• Low Fat Froyo: Frozen yogurt contains calcium and casein, a protein, which are essential keeping your tooth enamel strong.
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie: Strawberries naturally remove discoloration and whiten your enamel.

Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch

Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch is a fun and lively sports bar with some delicious food and drinks. If you’re a big sports fan, you’ve got to eat dinner or lunch here because you’ll get free access to the Chicago Sports Museum.
Best Food Options for Your Teeth at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch

• Mixed Greens and Sante Fe Salads: The chewy greens keep your teeth clean, while the onions’ anti-bacterial sulfur compounds will help to kill the bacteria that breed on your teeth and gums.
• Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon: The calcium and vitamin D in salmon will keep your teeth healthy and strong, and the baby spinach that comes with it will clean your teeth.
• Pizza: Yes, pizza is good for your teeth. Dairy products, especially cheese, help your enamel stabilize and repair itself. Harry Caray’s offers 5 different types of pizzas to suite your tastes.

The Signature Room

875 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
For a real delicacy, take the elevator to the top of the John Hancock Center. There, you’ll find The Signature Room. This fine dining restaurant offers exquisite food and a breathtaking skyline view of the city.
Best Food Options for Your Teeth at The Signature Room

• Dinner - Sautéed Scottish Salmon: With parmesan risotto, salmon roe butter and crispy salmon skin, your teeth and your taste buds will thank you for ordering this dish.
• Dinner - Vegetable Rigate Pasta: Cheese and shiitake mushrooms are key to making this dish good for your teeth. Cheese strengthens your enamel, and the natural sugar lentinan in shiitake mushrooms fights off the bacteria biofilm, which causes gingivitis.
• Lunch - Roasted Salmon Filet and Salmon Caesar Salad: By now, you should notice all of the salmon dishes we’re pointing out. The fish’s combination of vitamin D and calcium make it almost too good to be true.

Foodlife

Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Fresh, fast and made from scratch, you can find a wide variety of healthy and affordable food options at Foodlife.
Best Food Options for Your Teeth at Foodlife

• Sunshine and Mango Tango Smoothies: The orange in these smoothies provide you with a ton of vitamin C, which strengthens blood vessels and connective tissues, keeping your teeth strongly connected to your jaw. Vitamin C is also anti-inflammatory, so it can reduce and slow down the progression of gingivitis.
• Stir Fry with Veggies: Pack your bowl with crunchy, high-fiber veggies to give your teeth a good cleaning.
• Four Cheese Ravioli: Get your calcium and casein fix with this delicious pasta dish.

Foodease

Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
For the best in food quality, head on over to Foodease. You’ll find restaurant-quality food prepared to go, a grocery, hot entrees, bakery, salad bar, and more.
Best Food Options for Your Teeth at Foodease

• Salad Bar: Add chewy green veggies, like kale and spinach, and mushrooms to your salad to make it extra good for your teeth.
• Philadelphia Roll: Salmon is always your teeth’s friend.
• Maple Glazed Salmon: Again, you can’t go wrong with salmon. It’s delicious and incredibly good for your teeth.

Wondering if a specific type of food is good or bad for your teeth? Need more food recommendations for Water Tower Place or The Magnificent Mile? Ask us any questions you have on our Facebook page! We would love to help you make your diet better for your pearly whites.

Since 2011, Water Tower Dental Care has provided bike bells for their patients during the summer months. Though the city of Chicago has taken measures to improve the safety of bike riders around the city, there are still over a thousand accidents every year due to unsuspecting drivers and pedestrians that don't see (or hear) a biker coming. Though it may be great business for a dental office to replace a biker's front teeth after such an accident, we're much more concerned with your safety than an appointment. That's why we started "Ring a Bell, Save a Tooth."

Bike bells are a great way to add an extra measure of safety when riding your bike. Whether it be in your neighborhood, down a busy street, or on the Lakeside bike path, bike bells can help warn people of your presence.

Great Times to Use Your Bike Bell

Of course, you don't need to ride down the street with your thumb constantly pressing on your new bike bell. Here are the most common situations for when a bike bell is best used:

Coming Around a Corner/Curve

If you can't see what the other end of a corner or curve in the road, you should assume whoever is on coming from the other angle can't see you either. Ring your bell so people know that you're headed their way. Of course, slow down and take those curves and corners with caution too.

Behind a Car 

Often when driving on the street with other vehicles, a driver of a car might not see you riding behind them. Either you're in their blind spot or they're too distracted texting their friend while changing the radio station with a hamburger in their hand. A good tug on your bell will alert them that you're close at hand so they can slow down, move to the side of the road, or just keep a better eye on you while driving.

Approaching Other Bikes

While on a bike path, or even on the road, you may find yourself fast approaching a slower group of bikers. Rather than crossing your fingers and hoping to pass them without even a flinch, ring your bell so they know you're coming up behind them. Most bikers will do their best to stay out of your way and keep clear of an accident. Believe it or not, this was the originally intention of the bike bell when first invented. The sound of the bell translated to "coming up behind!"

Just to Say Hello

A fun and common use of the bell these days is to greet a fellow biker. Especially when passing on opposite sides of the road, it serves as a friendly way to greet someone. Ring your bell to grabs their attention then send them a friendly wave or head nod. Most bikers find camaraderie with each other, so it's always good to share a friendly *ding ding* hello.
Along with bike bells, we encourage all riders to be safe, keep a helmet on the head, and do your best to practice smart riding by following the rules of the road. Though a few bike bells might not completely protect Chicago bikers from disaster, if we can help keep even a few people safe every summer, we feel we've helped do our job as community members.
If you'd like to pick up a bike bell, stop into Water Tower Dental today. Appointments can be made through our contact page. http://wtdc.wpengine.com/contact-us.html
Have a great summer and safe riding!