Happy Holidays! From your Naperville cosmetic dentist at Sherman Oaks Dental, to you! We are looking forward to the holiday season and to spending time with family and friends. We wish for all our patients joy, great food, and good times with those they care about. There are so many ways and so many things to celebrate during this time of year. No matter how you enjoy the season, we hope this one brings happiness and good feelings.

Stay safe and healthy this winter season!

We wouldn’t be your Naperville family dentist if we didn’t remind you to take care of your teeth during the holidays! There are often many yummy treats around such as chocolates and pies, and it’s important to maintain good brushing and flossing habits. This will keep your gums and teeth healthy even as you enjoy some of the goodies.

Also, we want to help our patients and community stay safe during the holiday season. There is a lot of travel that happens during this time of year as people visit loved ones, so…

Here are some tips for safe travel during the winter.

1. Keep tabs on your flight

   Winter weather can impact flights even to sunny destinations. It is a good idea to check in to ensure your flight hasn’t changed or delayed because of weather.

2. If you are driving, be aware of weather and travel warnings

   It’s always better to wait than to drive into a storm. If you’re aware of the weather, you can avoid driving into a bad situation. Even if you’re in a hurry, it is better to wait than drive on bad roads. In case of emergency or a big storm, keep jumper cables, a first aid kit, and cold-weather clothes in your car.

3. Keep snacks and water with you

   If you are driving, keep nonperishable snacks and water in your vehicle. For flights, be sure to bring some snacks and keep your water bottle filled after going through security. Delays might happen during this time of year and travel can take longer than expected, so it is always a good idea to have food on hand.

4. Keep your electronic devices, especially your phone, charged

   If driving in a car, it is always a good idea to bring a car charger. For airplane travel, make sure your phone is charged before arriving as it’s not always possible to use the charging stations at the airport. Also, portable chargers can keep your phone charged even during a delay.

Schedule an Appointment

Before the holidays start in earnest and you make your trips, come to your Naperville Family Dentist for a checkup. We offer teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry services, so schedule an appointment to brighten your smile for the new year!

The team at Sherman Oaks Dental would like to wish all our patients a Happy Halloween! No matter how into the holiday you are or what way you celebrate it, we hope you enjoy this fun time of year and the excitement that comes with fall. Halloween is a time of year that leads to a lot of candy and sweets being around. Of course, everyone deserves to enjoy something sweet now and again. But with so much Halloween candy sitting around, it can be hard to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits.

At Sherman Oaks Dental, we like to provide our patients with educational tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the year. For Halloween, we have some ideas and tips for how you and your family can maintain healthy mouths and smiles even with all those Halloween sweets.

Here are Some Halloween Tips to Get You Started!

1. Remember that timing is important: Eating Halloween candy during meals or shortly after meals can reduce the risk of harm from eating sweets. Saliva productions increases during meals which can cancel out acids produced by bacteria when eating.
2. When snacking, stay away from sweets. Between, meals eat other snacks that won’t damage your teeth as much, such as apple slices or carrot sticks.
3. Pay attention to the kinds of candy you eat. Certain candies, such as hard candies, stay in your mouth longer which can lead to tooth decay. By choosing different sweets, or even sugar-free candies, you can avoid these problems.
4. Sticky candies can be harmful. Avoiding candies like taffy and gummy bears is a smart choice. These candies take longer to wash away with saliva which means they are more likely to cause tooth decay.
5. Having a plan is also really important. Keep the amount of candy that is around to a minimum. Limit your stash and only keep family favorites around the house.
6. Drink more water. Water that contains fluoride can lead to prevention of tooth decay.
7. Limit sugary beverages. Drinks like soda and sports drinks that are high in sugar can greatly increase the risk of tooth decay.
8. Maintain daily oral hygiene habits. It is important all times of the year to brush and floss daily, and this is of course true during Halloween season, too.
9. Keep up on routine check-ups and cleanings at the dentist. At Sherman Oaks Dental, we can screen for cavities as well as keep teeth from building up plaque by performing regular cleanings.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Give the team at Sherman Oaks Dental a call today to schedule your appointment. We are happy to work out a time that fits with your busy schedule. Happy Halloween, from your Naperville family dentistry!

We are sad to announce that Dr. Lydia Sosenko is leaving Sherman Oaks Dental. As one of the best sleep apnea dentists in Naperville, we are sad to see her go. Please wish her a fond farewell and luck for her next endeavors!

What Does This Mean For Me?

Nothing at all! Dr. Bryan Weyneth is more than happy to meet with you regarding your sleep apnea concerns, and he is also one of the best cosmetic dentists in Naperville! He offers teeth whitening, lumineers, Invisalign, and many more!

At Sherman Oaks, we are proud to offer family dentistry in Naperville as well. We love working with your whole family, from children to adults 50 and better! Schedule an appointment with us today! Our staff is friendly, informative, and excited to meet you.

Springtime ushers in an overwhelming feeling to revamp, clean up, and refresh your home and habits. Beyond the basic vacuuming and dusting, here are some lesser-known tips to revitalize your living space and daily regimen.

• 1. De-Lint the Dryer

  You should be removing the fuzz from your dryer filter after every load, but if you haven’t done it in a while here’s your reminder. The National Fire Protection Association reports that over 10,000 home fires start in the laundry room annually. Simply pull off the debris and fluff or use the crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner.

• 2. Schedule a Dental Cleaning

  When is the last time a visit to your dentist was part of your spring cleaning to do list? Now is the perfect time to call Sherman Oaks Dental, a Naperville family dentistry practice. Ideally, dental cleanings should happen every six months. This appointments give your dentist the chance to preempt possible problems like gum disease or loose teeth. During your visit, the hygienists will clean, floss, and polish your teeth in addition to removing plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on teeth. If left to itself, it’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and can develop into larger dental health issues like gingivitis. A biannual dental check up may also include X-rays to determine if there are any unseen issues. Our family dentistry practice understands that dental health is closely connected to overall health and that regular dental cleanings are a vital part of those efforts.

• 3. Switch Up Your Fitness Routine

  As the weather warms and the days become longer with the start of spring, get outside! Hop off the stationary bike and take a jog around the local park or your neighborhood. The fresh air will do you good. Studies show that changing your fitness regimen will stop you from plateauing. Plus, it helps keep things interesting.

• 4. Wash All of Your Bedding

  Pillowcases and sheets should be regularly washed, but what about the pillows and comforter? These items only need to be washed about three times a year, which makes spring cleaning the perfect reminder. Strip the bed down and toss it all in the washer, but be sure to check the manufacturer’s label for cleaning instructions.

• 5. Clear Out the Clutter

  Look in your closet and ask yourself, “what haven’t I worn in the last three years?” You may be surprised by how much you don’t need or use. The solution? Toss it out, donate it to charity, or if it’s a unique piece or in excellent condition, sell it online. While you’re at it, clean out your junk drawer, spam folder, and recycle that stack of mail you keep meaning to throw away.

Spring cleaning extends far beyond sweeping and cleaning the bathroom. As part of your spring cleaning this season, remember to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning with Sherman Oaks, practice to one of the best dentists in Naperville.

Let a golden smile double your happiness this St. Patrick’s Day! Cosmetic dentistry in Naperville will not only improve your smile but also enrich your overall quality of life. From enhancing your career prospects to removing jaw pain, the benefits of cosmetic dentistry procedures are vast and well researched. Studies continue to confirm that a whiter, straighter smile boosts self-confidence.

• Cosmetic dentistry can improve your career.The effects of a beautiful smile on self-confidence shouldn’t be underrated. Research shows that those with a straight, white smile are more likely to be offered a job promotion or a raise. Specifically, people with white teeth are viewed as more trustworthy, professional and successful.
• Cosmetic dentistry can help you be more outgoing.Socializing should be relaxing or exciting. If you have yellowing or crooked teeth, it may be difficult to feel comfortable in social settings where you are expected to interact. At Sherman Oaks Dental in Naperville, our cosmetic services will help you feel more at ease laughing, smiling, and talking.
• Cosmetic dentistry will improve aesthetic flawsUneven gum lines, misshapen teeth, gaps, stains, and chipped teeth can all be fixed by our cosmetic dentistry services in Naperville. Our cosmetic services include teeth whitening, Invisalign, and lumineers.
• Cosmetic dentistry can improve your overall health.Cosmetic dentistry provides more than superficial value. Not only will it give you a more attractive smile but also prevent future damage to teeth. If left unattended, dental flaws like uneven teeth, overbite, or tooth discoloration can lead to periodontal disease, jaw pain, or headaches.
• Cosmetic dentistry can make you look younger.Gum recession and yellowing teeth become more common as we age. Over time, medications, antibiotics, radiation treatment, or chemotherapy can contribute to tooth discoloration. At Sherman Oaks Dental, our cosmetic dentists can correct the effects of aging on your teeth, making your smile appear years younger.
• Cosmetic dentistry is quick.The field of cosmetic dentistry is constantly evolving. As a result, cosmetic dentistry procedures are generally shorter than other services. Industry research and advancements have quickened recovery time, allowing some cosmetic procedures to be completed in one dental office visit.

The impact of cosmetic dentistry goes far beyond a more brilliant smile. Increased confidence, sociality, and career prospects are just some of the many benefits. Call our office today for a consultation with one of the best dentists in Naperville. We look forward to discussing your cosmetic dental goals to help you achieve that lucky smile. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

We at Sherman Oaks Dental would like to wish you a very merry holiday season. As we share in this time of joy and excitement, we want to express our deep gratitude for trusting us with your dental health. Without our wonderful patients, or practice wouldn’t be what it is today. We look forward to serving as your Naperville dentist into the new year and beyond!

We hope you all enjoy your holiday celebrations with family and friends. While you celebrate with holiday goodies, don’t forget to practice good dental care! The extra sugar and snacking we all indulge in during the holidays calls for extra attention to your dental hygiene routine. Where possible, be aware of foods that have the potential to cause dental issues. For instance, taffy, caramel, and gummy candies cling to the teeth, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow. To avoid this, be sure to rinse or brush your teeth soon after consuming these types of candies. Meanwhile, strongly pigmented foods like red wine, cranberry sauce, and those bright red and green frosted cookies can contribute to teeth staining; be careful how you indulge, and brush and rinse often.

Don’t let dental mishaps spoil your holiday. If you have any questions for Dr. Weyneth or Dr. Sosenko, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!

May the joys of this season be with you and your family!

Dr. Bryan Weyneth,
Dr. Lydia Sosenko,
and the Sherman Oaks Dental staff

There are two types of gum disease. Gingivitis is gum inflammation. The symptoms can include swollen, redgums that bleed easily during tooth brushing, bad taste in mouth, bad breath, pockets in your mouth due to gum recession and infection, and cold or canker sores. Gingivitis is uncomfortable, and usually precedes more serious gum disease, or periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a bacterial infection in your gum, especially in periodontal pockets around your teeth. Over time, it can spread to your jaw bone and cause irreversible damage. Periodontitis can even cause your teeth to fall out. The infections associated with periodontal disease can spread to other parts of the body, causing serious health risks.

Risk Factors

You are at an increased risk of developing gum disease if you:

• Chew or smoke tobacco
• Have teeth that are hard to clean, overlapping or crooked
• Possess a genetic susceptibility to the infection
• Practice poor oral hygiene
• Have diabetes
• Are pregnant
• Take certain medications that cause dry mouth
• Take prescription drugs including steroids, cancer therapy, and birth control

Treatment

At Sherman Oaks Dental we have the Odyssey Laser which will provide fast relief for any soft tissue or gum problems you are experiencing. Treating gum disease is a preventative measure to keep you from developing serious periodontal disease.

How the Odyssey Laser Works

To repair the damage and infection you need to remove all of the infected tissue. This includes closing up the infection pockets. The Odyssey Laser is minimally-invasive and removes the harmful bacteria by passing its light between the gum and tooth. The laser will also stimulate your cells to grow. And all of this is done without an incision.

The Odyssey Laser Benefits

• Faster pain and discomfort relief
• Less recovery time
• Less bleeding, swelling and pain
• Less tissue removal
• Lasting results
• No needles– No injectable anesthetic agents are needed
• No X-rays–the diode is safe and radiation free
• No stitches– laser treated areas are self-sealing

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Weyneth and Dr. Sosenko to discuss how the Odyssey Laser can give you fast relief from your oral discomfort. Call us today at (630) 473-3843 to request an appointment and get the relief you need!

Happy holidays to all of our wonderful patients! We have had an excellent year here at Sherman Oaks Dental, and we just want to tell you how much we appreciate you.Your bright, shining faces and wonderful attitudes are the reason that we love dentistry so much. Thank you for being loyal customers. We will do our best to provide you all with the dental experience that you deserve!We also want to thank our excellent staff. Without our hardworking dental hygienists, office managers, and dental assistants, we wouldn’t be what we are today. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

With Love,

Dr. Weyneth and Dr. Sosenko

Thank you for letting us provide for your dental needs. As Thanksgiving approaches, wonderful clients like you are what we’re thankful for this year. Please keep taking good care of your teeth, and let us help you keep them bright and healthy with exams, cleanings, and restorative dentistry.

It’s especially important during the holidays to pay extra attention to your teeth. Most of us consume more sugary foods from Thanksgiving to New Years than at any other time of the year. Thanksgiving is a big culprit, as the traditional meal includes sweet treats like pie and cranberry sauce. We want you to enjoy your meal—but afterwards, don’t forget to brush. Bacteria in your mouth will also be enjoying the feast.

Also, bear in mind that the wine and coffee that you may drink during and after the Thanksgiving meal can stain your teeth. Keep an eye out for staining. Sherman Oaks Dental offers teeth whitening to reverse staining and darkening caused by food and drinks. If you need our services, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. We’ll be available by phone during our scheduled hours after the holiday, or you can request an appointment online.

Once again, happy Thanksgiving from all your friends at Sherman Oaks Dental. We hope you have a joyful holiday filled with reasons to smile.

Sincerely,

The Sherman Oaks staff

In recent years, there have been tremendous advances in the field of dentistry. With these advances, it is possible to get better preventative care, painless anesthesia, and much, much more. Today, we explore the latest advances in our Naperville family dentistry that are driving us towards effective, efficient treatment.

DIAGNOdent Laser Detection

Sometimes, even the most skilled dentists cannot detect small cavities on traditional x-rays images. Often, when a cavity is detected on a regular imaging device, there is significant decay requiring drilling of the teeth. With a DIAGNOdent laser pen, your dentist can probe your teeth to see were there might be decay. Cavities can be detected at their earliest stages, indicated by the machine as an alarm and a number. Your dentist might be able to reverse early decay with fluoride treatments, but early decay will minimize drilling and amalgam filling requirements.

Single-Tooth Anesthesia

Gone are the days when dentists have to use a syringe and needle for local anesthesia. Single-tooth anesthesia, nowadays, usually involves the use of an anesthetic wand. A wand delivers a continuous stream of anesthetic solution that works almost instantaneously, without the pain of a needle-based injection.

Intraoral Digital Camera

Wouldn’t it be great if you could see what Dr. Weyneth is seeing? Gone are the days of dental mirrors, where he has to look at the interior of your mouth at odd angles with a dental mirror. Intraoral cameras let him see a large, magnified image of your teeth on a monitor. He can even position the monitor so that you can see the inside of your mouth, too. The wide range of intraoral cameras on the market help you make the best dental care decision, as you can see what Dr. Weyneth sees.

Laser Treatment for Gum Tissue

Lasers can also be used on your gum tissue, for either cosmetic or preventative purposes. Laser treatment can be an effective treatment for some types of gum disease, evaporating unhealthy gum tissue. At its best, laser therapy is a great cosmetic dental tool. If you want to perfect your smile in one perfect treatment, dental lasers can be used to:

• Reduce larger gums to give you a perfect smile.
• Remove excess gum tissue from a permanent tooth that has fully emerged.
• Make your gum line even along your prominent teeth.

Perfect-Fit Orthodontics

Whether it is dental implants or Invisalign treatments, dentistry advances can now guarantee a near-perfect fit. The latest imaging advances include CT scans and other digital imaging techniques. A CT scan helps orthodontists create a 3D impression of your mouth. This is combined with computer-aided design, which dentists can then use to directly create and implement your perfect-fit treatment.

Dental Imaging Technology

The latest trends in dentistry include improvements with digital imaging technology. These trends are both good for the patient and good for the environment. Like ours, most dental clinics are moving towards digital imaging technology. This reduces the number of X-ray exposures for a patient, which is ultimately safer. Here are the benefits of dental imaging technology:

• Shorter clinic visits because of X-ray developing.
• Decreased waste associated with the developing process of X-ray film.
• Easier storage and archival for the dental clinic.

Scheduling Your Next Appointment

Are you afraid of pain at your next dental visit, or do you simply think that you might have to miss work? Today’s dental technology makes it easy to get a procedure done with less pain and more quickly. It is also easier to schedule an appointment than ever before. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Weyneth!

Happy National Toothbrush Day!!! Yes, there is even a day to celebrate toothbrushes!

Celebrate National Toothbrush Day with a Sonicare toothbrush!

In honor of National Toothbrush Day yesterday, let’s discuss toothbrushes today. Which one is the best for you?

We at Sherman Oaks Dental recommend:

• Soft bristle toothbrushes
• Sonicare toothbrushes

We only recommend soft bristle toothbrushes and brushing in gentle, circular motions.  There are no statistics that prove hard bristle brushes to be more effective than soft bristle brushes.  In fact, medium or hard bristle brushes can actually do more harm than good!  If used incorrectly, medium or hard bristle brushes can cause the gums and teeth to wear.  Roots are exposed and teeth become painfully sensitive.

Sonicare is the optimal brush we recommend for adults and kids.  This gentle toothbrush pushes the fluid in a wave-like motion between the teeth disrupting the bacteria.  Also, it is proven to keep the teeth two shades whiter.  If you are interested in or have need of this optimal toothbrush, we have a supply of Sonicare toothbrushes in the office for our patients’ convenience.

Do you have questions about how to properly brush and care for your teeth? Would you like to know which toothbrush is the best for you? If you have any questions about how to care for your teeth and gums, please call us today at (630) 369-5225.

Celebrate National Toothbrush Day with a healthy smile!

With the end of the year coming to a close, most insurance calendar years are also ending. Unfortunately, most insurance plans are more like a discount on dental services.

If you do not use your insurance benefits for the calendar year, you will lose them!

At Sherman Oaks, we want to remind our patients to maximize their benefits before time runs out!

Take advantage of our End of the Year Insurance Special!

Schedule your year-end cleaning with us, and
receive $200 credit towards Cosmetic Dental Treatment
(including Invisilign, Veneers, and Lumineers)
Must be scheduled by December 15th, 2013.

Also, we still have some openings for cleanings and dental work for our college students back from school! Give us a call to schedule your next dental appointment or if you have insurance questions (630)369-5225.

Sherman Oaks Dental, Naperville, Illinois has been providing family dental care for patients from Naperville, Wheaton, Lisle and Chicago surrounding areas for over two decades.

According to recent studies, the tooth fairy’s average gift is on the rise.  This must be a sign of an improving economy.  The average gift from the tooth fairy is from one to five dollars per tooth.  The average amount taken in a recent poll stated the tooth fairy delivered $0.25 more per tooth this year in comparison to last year.  Has your tooth fairy increased his or her gift?

Bee stings are either annoyingly painful or deadly, depending on if the victim is allergic to the venom or not.

How to treat an insect bite or sting:

Remove the sting. Use tweezers to pull it out or scrape it off with your fingernail, or a credit card. Do not attempt to press out the sting, as this will only help the poison spread under the skin.

Wash the bite with soap and water, then cool off the skin with ice cubes or an ice-pack that has been wrapped in a cloth or thin towel. Rest the affected area and elevate it if possible to prevent excessive swelling. Do this immediately after the victim has been stung. If necessary, use a painkilling cream or gel or an antihistamine to soothe the itch. If you or a member of your family are allergic to insect bites, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before going on holiday. They may tell you to take an antihistamine with you in tablet form; or Adrenaline or as an EpiPen injection. If so, make sure you ask how to use them correctly. Anyone who gets a rash or an itch requiring medical treatment, or who may simply feel unwell following a bite or sting should not drive, as there is a risk of passing out. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

Se habla español llame 630.369.5255

Sherman Oaks Dental, ubicado en Naperville, Illinois ha estado proporcionando atención dental de la familia de los pacientes de Naperville, Wheaton, Lisle en Chicago y sus alrededores desde hace más de dos décadas.

At a recent post health coach Debbie Slutzky helped us by listing some better choices when going out for meals in our Naperville area.  Here are some more tips at some quicker option restaurants in our area.

 Thanks Debbie!
Drs. Sosenko and Weyneth

Panera

New good choices include the Power Mediterranean Chicken Salad and the Power Mediterranean Roasted Turkey Salad (but has a bit more sodium). The power chicken hummus bowl is also a good choice. The sandwiches that sound healthy like the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and the Mediterranean Egg White are so much better for you without the bread. You’ll lose half the calories and sodium. A good sandwich option with the bread, though, is the Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT on Sourdough.  The soups like low fat vegetarian black bean and low fat chicken noodle are great on all nutrition levels… except sodium with which they are packed.

Subway

We all know that Jared lost a bunch of weight eating Subway sandwiches. While there are some better choices here, I still think Subway and all fast food establishments should only be visited on occasion and not daily. Breakfast could be the egg and cheese sandwich (better without cheese). The 6” veggie delight is lowest in calories, fat and sodium and on the “Six Grams of Fat or Less” menu, choose the 6” oven roasted chicken or 6” turkey breast. All of the mini subs are okay because of their smaller portion size (4 inches). Salads to get include the double chicken chopped salad, veggie delite salad, turkey breast salad, oven roasted chicken salad, sweet onion chicken teriyaki salad. Choose apple slices instead of chips.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

Take advantage of the little burgers; they are about 65% of their bigger part’s size and should satisfy your burger craving. You’re much better off with a veggie sandwich. Always go with the mushrooms, peppers, onions, jalapenos, lettuce and tomatoes instead of cheese for your topping. If you must get the fries, split the regular size order or toss half of them and enjoy the rest.

Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House

Fresh fish is the easy choice here. Appetizers like the oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, tuna poke and Hugo’s seafood platter can be a full meal or shared with a friend or two as an appetizer.  Then, go with the fresh fish but be sure to ask your server to have the kitchen staff hold the butter sauce and use extra virgin olive oil instead. Have the fish prepared pan seared or pan roasted and not stuffed, battered or fried. Simple sides are sautéed spinach, baked sweet potato without butter, and sautéed mushrooms without butter. Fruit sorbet is the lighter dessert selection.

Jimmy John’s

Like on many of these restaurants’ websites, you can customize your meal to get the actual nutrition breakdown on their website. For example, have the #4 turkey tomato with smoked turkey breast, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce and tomato and take away the bread and mayo and you got yourself 71.9 calories, 0.83g of fat, and 491g of sodium. Add some 7 grain wheat bread and you’ve added 319 calories, 4.5g of fat, and 590.23g of sodium. My suggestion is to go for the turkey, gourmet veggie club, beach club and toss the bread or only eat a portion of it. Get extra “freebies” including onion, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, sliced cucumber, Dijon mustard, oil & vinegar, and oregano.

McDonalds

Smartest options are from the breakfast menu which include oatmeal, fruit and yogurt parfait and fruit and walnuts. For lunch, snack or dinner, go for the Chipotle BBQ snack wrap (grilled) or honey mustard snack wrap (grilled), premium Caesar salad with grilled chicken or premium Southwest salad with grilled chicken or premium bacon ranch salad with grilled chicken (see the pattern?) For a sweet tooth, have a kiddie cone, vanilla cone, strawberry sundae, or soft baked oatmeal raisin cookie – they aren’t too bad!

Buona Beef

Soups are your best bets here such as the minestrone, chicken penne, cheddar broccoli, and chili. Go for the salads without cheese (and dressing) such as the chopped salad and the Tuscan Harvest salad as well as of course the fruit salad. Best beef choice is the Piccolo beef, as it is the leanest with the least cholesterol, sodium and carbs. Other options are the grilled salmon (without the mayo sauce) and chicken strips although they are both very high in sodium, or a simple hot dog. The kids menu is another way to go and will control your portion size.

Dunkin Donuts

Best bagel choice is a wheat bagel (less calories, fat, sodium, and carbs than the rest.) The jelly filled donut has the least amount of calories, fat, sodium, sugar and carbs than its fellow donuts.

English muffins have a fraction of the carbs of a bagel and none of the fats of their donuts and croissants. I suppose the DDSMART menu is the way to go if you are running or driving thru Dunkin. My choice would be the egg white veggie wake up wrap.

Einstein’s Bagels

Opt for bagel thin singles over regular bagels for the lower calorie and carb option. Also, light whipped cream cheese has less calories and fat than whipped reduced fat cream cheese. Egg white sandwiches are the best option and a close second would be the veg out on a sesame seed bagel. Next in line, and still good on the nutrition chart are the albacore tuna salad and chicken salad deli sandwiches. Garden salad and asparagus, mushroom & Swiss bagel thin egg white sandwich. The strawberry chicken salad is the best salad choice but all of them are definitely smart choices. Soups, while low in calories and fat, are high in sodium. The lowfat yogurt parfait is lower in sugar and calories than the smoothies.

Chipotle

Make your own burrito bowl or salad with greens, peppers, onions, beans, chicken, guacamole, salsa and very small amount of vinaigrette. Stay away from or go lightly on the cheese, sour cream, rice and meats. Note: watch out for the sodium here. Even with the lightest of choices — a salad of romaine, black beans, pinto beans, fajita veggies, tomato salsa and guacamole, there is a lot of sodium.

Noodles & Company

I like their “cheat sheet” on the website that recommends you start with a small entrée and add a small soup, salad, protein or extra. They have many choices under 500 calories. Remember, though, it’s not always just about calories. We need to look at calories from fat, saturated fat, and sodium before we deem it a good choice. Small spinach and fresh fruit salad, regular size chicken noodle soup (but loaded with sodium)

Wendys

Best menu items include a garden salad, baked potato (hold the sour cream and chives), small chili (a bit too much sodium), Caesar side salad (hold the dressing), ultimate chicken grill or grilled chicken go wrap (hold the sauce). Of course get the apple slices instead of fries.

———————

Debbie Slutzky is a Certified Health Coach, marathon runner, and loving mother of twins. She decided to become a health coach to fulfill her passion of working with people to improve their health and life goals.

Debbie received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, and she is Board Certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Debbie leads workshops and classes on nutrition, writes blogs and articles on health and nutrition and offers individual health and nutrition coaching. She also received her BA from The George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Contact her at Debbie@NutritionAndHealthCounseling.com or 630.470.7634.

I love going out for dinner, but I also know what havoc it can create for a waistline! Making healthier menu choices can help keep some of us in line if you are on a weight management or weight loss plan.

Health coach Debbie Slutzky was kind enough to share some healthier options available on local menus. So here’s to good choices!  Thanks Debbie!

Dr. Lydia Sosenko

Consider these choices at the following Naperville area restaurants:

Bar Louie
Take advantage of their small plates such as hummus, tabbouleh & tzatziki, adobo (grilled) shrimp skewers or potstickers. Most of the salads are good choices here – but hold the bacon and bleu cheese and go for a vinaigrette.

Black Finn American Saloon
Seared ahi tuna starter or ahi tuna salad, spinach salad (without the cheddar jack), lemon chicken, Chilean sea bass or lime seared salmon. Go for sides such as sautéed spinach, asparagus, steamed broccoli or green beans (ask for olive oil and not butter).

Catch Thirty-Five
Because it’s seafood, choices are more plentiful here. Half shell oysters, shrimp cocktail and yellow fin tuna sashimi are all good starters. For main courses, fish is your best bet over steak. Choose fish that is sautéed or blackened rather than battered or fried. For sides, go for sautéed mixed mushrooms or sautéed spinach instead of creamed spinach

Cold Stone Creamery
Smoothies with soy milk are a good choice or go for the “light” ice creams – they have less calories, fat and sugar than the full fat ice creams. Sorbets have less fat than ice cream, but beware, they are high in sugar.

Egg Harbor Café
They have an extensive gluten-free menu. Go for eggs with veggies (peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, onions, avocados, and artichokes) along with fresh fruit, harbor potatoes, salsa and dry wheat English muffin or wheat toast. If you get oatmeal, eat only ½ the portion, as they give you at least 4 portions in the bowl, and fill it with fresh fruit. Vegetarian vegetable soup is a good choice. Share a salad, as they are mega portion and high in fat. Choose sides such as side salad, applesauce, fruit, mandarin oranges, yogurt, wheat toast, and cottage cheese.

Front Street Cantina
A rule of thumb when eating at most Mexican restaurants, stay away from the fried taco shells, beef, steak, cheese and sour cream. Instead opt for fajita fillings – grilled chicken, shrimp, or portabellas with onions and peppers. Go for the beans, salsa and guacamole and don’t fill up on the chips and rice. Be careful of the flour tortilla basket that salads are served in. Instead ask for the fajita salad or a dinner salad with grilled chicken and no cheese on a plate.

Giordanos
The house salad or the greco Roman salad (hold the feta) with added grilled chicken breast is a smart choice. Fill up on your greens and veggies and if you must have pizza, one slice should be quite enough. Go for the thin crust instead of the stuffed pizza pies and get the super veggie with Mushrooms, green peppers, onions, broccoli, black olives, artichokes & spinach.

Olive Garden
The Italian small plates make it easy to keep your portions controlled- the lower sodium and fat choices include Sicilian meatballs, parmesan roasted asparagus and Tuscan white bean hummus bruschetta. The Pasta e Fagioli soup and the garden fresh salad are the best soup/salad choices. Be careful with their “Lighter Italian Fare” menu, as many items are very high in sodium. But there are a few good options such as herb grilled salmon, Linguine alla Marinara (lunch portion) with grilled chicken or shrimp,

Tap House Grill
Best appetizer choice is the red pepper hummus & tzatziki. Salads, like most sports bars and grills, need a little tweaking. The bleu cheese, pecan, apple & grape salad is better without the bleu cheese and croutons; the Tap House chop chop is a nice change with garbanzo beans and is even better without bacon, bleu and parmesan cheese. Sandwiches to choose include the roasted red pepper hummus wrap, the grilled chicken & wild mushroom panini (hold the bread!) and adobe chicken wrap (hold the cheese!) Get the house salad and house made pickles with your sandwich.

Red Robin
Appetizers make good meals and help to control portions. For example, the honest hummus plate is a good one.  Salads need some tweaking. Take the cheese and focaccia bread from all of them, exchange the dressings for a vinaigrette and be sure to go for the grilled chicken and not the crispy. Likewise for the chicken sandwiches. Take away the bread, cheese, and mayo and choose the grilled not crispy. The garden burger (vegetarian) and BOCA vegan burger are acceptable choices as well. Hold the bottomless steak fries, of course! Get a few sides like a side salad, steamed broccoli, southwest black beans and / or freckled fruit salad.

Debbie Slutzky is a Certified Health Coach, marathon runner, and loving mother of twins. She decided to become a health coach to fulfill her passion of working with people to improve their health and life goals.  Debbie received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, and she is Board Certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Debbie leads workshops and classes on nutrition, writes blogs and articles on health and nutrition and offers individual health and nutrition coaching. She also received her BA from The George Washington University in Washington, DC.  Contact her at Debbie@NutritionAndHealthCounseling.com.

During this time of year when holiday gatherings start filling in the schedule, it’s often easy to forget using up flexible spending funds, or maximizing insurance benefits. Here are some points to consider that can save you hundreds of dollars.

Flexible Spending Health Accounts:

These health spending accounts represent tax-free money that workers set aside for health expenses and if they are not used, they are lost. Research shows that many people leave behind unused funds at year’s end. But please remember, ‘if you don’t use it –you lose it’ in regards to flexible spending dollars.

Yearly Deductibles:

A deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before a medical or dental procedure will be paid through your insurance company. For many patients, deductibles have already been met by this time of year and for most, that amount needs to get paid all over again after January 1^st.  If you have already met your deductible for the year, it’s a great time to fit in those extra dental or medical appointments.

Yearly Maximums:

In regards to dental insurance, yearly maximums often apply. Typically that means that your dental insurance may pay for a certain number of dollars per year (after your deductible is met) and that’s it.  Consider maximizing this full amount with necessary treatment especially if your deductible has been met.  We have found that typically if an ‘emergency’ situation arises in one calendar year, the entire year’s allowance is often used to treat that area leaving little for other recommended treatment.  Since ‘unused dental dollars’ do not rollover to the next calendar year, it’s often best to use them up freeing benefits should a dental emergency arise in the future.

Monthly Premiums:

Whether you use your insurance or not, you are paying out monthly premiums.  Even if you elect not to perform non-emergency medical, dental or optometric treatments, regular check-ups just make sense.  Coming from a family heritage of ‘not wasting’ resources, it’s always been difficult to watch patients keep paying monthly premiums and not coming in for regular preventative or maintenance procedures like cleanings and exams. Often, unchecked conditions can escalate and in the long run cost you far more in medical and dental costs.

Increase in fees:

Many practice; medical and dental often consider raising fees after the first of the year. As costs of supplies, equipment and overall expenses increase, typically fee increases need to be considered. Getting those advised procedures before years end, can get your billings out on lower fee schedule, ultimately leading to lower co-pays.

Now that you realize the benefits of completing treatment in the next few weeks, see our following post for a list of procedures to consider in maximizing your benefits before the end of the year.

Sherman Oaks Dental, located in Naperville, Illinois has been providing family dental care for patients from Naperville, Wheaton, Aurora, Lisle and Chicago surrounding areas for over two decades.

by Dr. Lydia Sosenko

Emergency at Sherman Oaks?

NO! Dr. Weyneth and the team were on their way out the door for CPR training, when we caught them practicing their CPR skills.

Rest assured, when you visit Sherman Oaks Dental, our Naperville Dental team is ready for any emergency!

  Sherman Oaks Dental is doing our part to follow the words of our founding father, John Adams, and celebrate America’s Independence Day”It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever.”

 Sparklers for our patients through the end of the week of July 1st!

Please stay tuned to our blog this week as we share with our readers the truth about Drowsy Driving.

Our first celebrity,  drowsy driver:  Alex Trebek.

Please follow this link: Drowsy-Driving-Facts to the National Sleep Foundation to get the 2010 Facts on Drowsy Driving.

1550 Deaths, 71,000 accidents.

Help Reduce these numbers.

Get the Sleep You Need, Every Night.

What are some telltale signs that you are not getting enough sleep?

• Loud snoring more than 4 times per week
• Being told you gasp for air during sleep
• Daytime drowsiness
• Waking with a headache
• A large neck – 17”+ in men, 16”+ in women
• High blood pressure

Do you wake up every morning fully rested and ready to start your day?

Millions of Americans do not get the sleep they need; in fact, 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders.

The first signs of lack of sleep:

• Irritability
• Moodiness
• Reduced Inhibition

If you do not act upon these first warning signs, your symptoms will become more severe.

A few signs of continued lack of sleep:

• Lapse in attention
• Dozing off during activity: work, reading and even driving
• Impaired Memory
• Apathy

You may notice forgetfulness and irritability, but you may not notice the hidden signs.  These signs are life-threatening, including: hypertension and increased risk of strokes, weight-gain, erectile dysfunction and much more.

What can you do to help yourself get the sleep you need? Set a sleep pattern for yourself and get yourself into a regular sleep routine.  Start with the minimum of 7 hours for a consecutive week.  If you awake unrested, add 30 minutes each night until you notice your alertness return.

If you are getting a full nights sleep and STILL wake unrefreshed and fatigued throughout the day, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder. Please, consult with your physician and let him know you are concerned.

Dr. Sosenko is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and the founder of Dental Sleep Medicine of Illinois.  She offers snoring and apnea sufferer’s relief through professional oral appliance device therapy. Visit www.TiredofSnoring.com for more information.

An Office Opperatory, Clean, Comfortable, Safe.

Safety Comes First

 Our Naperville dental office is a very safe place to be.  We’re committed to providing our family of patients the most up-to-date in dental technology.

We are pleased to announce that we now are using Digital x-rays, offering our patients more than 75% less radiation than traditional dental x rays.

Not only do digital x rays offer lower radiation, they also are time-saving to our patients.  There is less wait time for x rays to develop, creating faster appointments to get our patients back to their everyday activities.

What other safety precautions do we take?

Our high-tech Sterilization Center is vital to our daily operation. We use environmentally safe products.  We follow stringent sterilization and instrument protocols.  After all, we work here daily and protecting you also means protecting us.

By Rochell D. Thomas
Here we turn to the minted diet experts from NBC’s The
Biggest Loser for free advice. And why not? After all, under the guidance of the show’s ace team of doctors and
physical trainers,  many contestants lose more than 100 pounds in eight months — without surgery. Even more impressive, is that some of  those people did it at home with no help from super trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, so they must be doing something right. If dropping a few is on your list of New Year’sresolutions, consider the following:

Eat five or six small meals a day /
Amy Hildreth, lost 106 pounds-

Most of the BL3 dieters eat six or seven 300-calorie small meals each day because, as Hildreth learned, “You have to eat to lose.” “That was something that I never quite wrapped my head around before,” she says. “I thought when you’re hungry that means you’re losing weight. But that’s not the case. You need to keep your body fueled to continually lose and to have the energy to work out and perpetuate the cycle.”

Keep count / Jaron Tate, lost 160
pounds- “Know how many calories your body needs and how many calories you’re
actually stuffing into your mouth,” says Tate, who now eats 1,800 to 2,000 calories per day. “A quarter-pounder with cheese is 850 calories. A large apple [which weighs about the same] is 100. And if you’re having a salad, put salsa on it instead of ranch.” Two tablespoons of ranch dressing:
220 calories. Salsa: 20.

Ginnie Borque, lost 114 pounds-

“I do a lot of little things,” says Borque, one of the 36 Biggest Loser at Home dieters. “I don’t like coffee without sugar and cream, so I switched to tea. I started carrying water bottles wherever I go, traded cocktails for Diet Coke, and I fill up on broccoli instead of French fries.”

Stop the excuses and start making SMALL changes that can change your life!

In our next blog, we’ll tell you how our staff at Sherman  Oaks Dental in Naperville, Illinois, has stopped making excuses and started making both LARGE and small changes in our lives!

Have you been looking for a way to save hundreds of dollars before the end of the year?  By using your dental benefits before the end of  the calendar year, you can actually save hundreds$$$!

Read these 5 reasons you should call today to make a dental appointment.

1. Dental Benefits Yearly Maximum. A yearly maximum is the most money that your dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by the specific benefits your insurance company offers, however the average is usually $1,000 per year, per person on your plan. Your yearly maximum usually renews every year, so, on January 1,2009)  If you have not used all of your $1000 benefits, the extra money will not rollover to 2009.
2. Deductible for Dental Benefits. A deductible is the amount of money that you pay to your dentist out of pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services. Each dental plan has a different set deductible.  Also,  if you choose an out-of-network dentist, your deductible could change. An average deductible for a dental insurance plan is around $50 per year. Every year, your deductible begins at $0.
3. Premiums. You most likely pay your dental insurance premiums every month into your benefits account.You may not need any dental treatment right now, however, you should be sure to have your regular dental cleanings with our Sherman Oaks hygienist and we will help you to  prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and other dental problems.
4. Fee Increases. A fourth reason to use your benefits before the end of the year are the possible fee increases that can occur in 2009.  Some dentists will raise their rates at the beginning of the year to cover the increased cost of equipment and materials. A dental fee increase can also make your dental copay higher.
5. Don’t Let any Dental Problems Worsen. You may be delaying a dental treatment, and risking more extensive and expensive treatment down the road. Have a small cavity now?  Delaying the treatment cause turn into a root canal later.  Call our dentists, Dr. Sosenko and Dr. Weyneth an appointment to use and not lose your dental benefits.

For several years, Dr. Sosenko and Dr. Weyneth have been delighted to support the Naperville community through baseball teams, swim teams, toys for tots fundraising, and various other local organizations.  Recently, though, they have added their support across the nation to the children of Cambodia.

How did two Naperville dentists become involved in Cambodia?  The two Sherman Oaks Doctors recently attended an education seminar with keynote speaker Bill Smith, the professional photographer for the Chicago Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks.   Mr. Smith spoke about his visits to Cambodia dating back to 2002.  While he spoke about the horrific conditions of these children’s lives, photos he has taken over the years flashed on the back screen.  The audience of dentists was in tears to witness the lives these young children lead, every day.  Pictures showed half-naked, emaciated, sore-covered children standing among mountains of garbage in burning heat and sunlight.  As Mr. Smith continued his presentation, he focused on how he couldn’t turn his back on these children.  He continues to this day to visit Cambodia and see first hand what his own foundation, A New Day Cambodia, brings to this devastated country.

Dr. Sosenko spoke with us recently about the experience.  “After viewing these pictures and holding back tears, Bryan and I knew this would be a wonderful way for our practice to help children across the world.  We can’t wait to see the pictures Bill takes of the children we are helping.  I strongly urge other people and business to consider sponsoring a child truly in need.  And everyone can do this for as little as $50 a month.  Think of the lives you can help save!”  You can visit A New Day Cambodia at their website, anewdaycambodia.org, to view the amazing photos of the children of Cambodia.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Sosenko and Dr. Weyneth, please call Debbie Zimmerman at 630 369-5225 or email totalsmile@sbcglobal.net.

Visit the Doctors websites at:  SmilesAtShermanOaks.com; TiredOfSnoring.com