Saliva is one of your body's natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and other harmful materials. Dry mouth (also called Xerostomia) is a fairly common condition that is caused by diminished saliva production. People with medical conditions, such as an eating disorder or diabetes, are often plagued by dry mouth. Eating foods such as garlic, tobacco use, and some kinds of medications, including treatments such as cancer therapy can diminish the body's production of saliva, leading to dry mouth. Other causes are related to aging (including rheumatoid arthritis), and compromised immune systems.
Some of the less alarming results of dry mouth include bad breath. But dry mouth can lead to more serious problems, including burning tongue syndrome, a painful condition caused by lack of moisture on the tongue.
If you don't have a medical condition that causes it, dry mouth can be minimized by sipping water regularly, chewing sugarless gum and avoiding smoking. Of course, there is no substitute for regular checkups and good oral hygiene.
Dr. Habbal has been a dentist since graduating from Northwestern University in 1992. He completed his General Practice Residency at Evanston Hospital in 1993. His residency training included oral surgery, periodontal surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, and emergency medicine. He was also a part-time instructor at Northwestern University. Over the past years, he has attended many advanced studies in TMJ disorder, Orthodontics, Implants, and Cosmetic Dentistry.He is constantly striving to improve his skills and knowledge.
Dr. Habbal and his family have been residents of Palos Heights for 25 years and has beenin private practice in Palos Heights since 1993, andis active in his community. He was President and Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Palos Heights.Heis also an active member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the International Association for Orthodontics, theAmerican Dental Society, the Illinois Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society.
In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, traveling, playing tennis and stays busy with his family, and tries to keep up with his four daughters. Dr. Habbal has been married to his wife Michelle for 20years. She left her career as a Pharmacist to raise their four girls. You might even get to meet her as she is always in the office helping out.
Ana has known Dr. Habbal since 1994 when she became his patient. In 1999 she was employed by Dr. Habbal as a Dental Assistant. As time passed, she explored the field of dentistry and realized this was the career choice for her. Several years ago she decided to further pursue a career in dentistry. Currently she is still working at University Dental Center as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Susan has 38 years experience working in a dental field. She worked as a dental assistant and office manager for 20 years before starting with University Dental Center on 2004. She is the 'go to' staff member if you have any questions regarding your dental insurance plan and benefits.
Joanna has been working at University Dental Center since 2008 as a Dental, Surgical and Orthodontic Assistant. Throughout those years, she attended some extra courses for Dental Assistants which allows her to help out more, and to do more work on patients. She really enjoys what she's been doing. In her free time she likes to spend time with her family and friends. She is always a happy person who loves to travel and to smile.
Dominika began working at University Dental Center in January of 2015She graduated from Fox college and received her Dental Hygiene License in 2019. She loves teeth and helping her patients obtain a healthy smile! In her free time, Mika enjoys going to the gym or shopping.
University Dental Center has been Dr. Habbal and his staff's home since 1992. We work with our patients so they can achieve and maintain a beautiful smile, healthier gums and teeth. We take the time to explain to our patients, their treatment options and inform them of additional preventative care. We feel this will lead to a more trusting doctor/patient relationship and, for many people, relieve the stress about seeing the dentist. We take pride in providing you with a comfortable office experience where our qualified staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We invite you to call with any questions or contact us through our website or social media. Take advantage of the resources on our website, both as a new or current patient. We hope to see you soon and we look forward to getting to know you.
Both natural teeth and teeth with restorations survive best in an oral environment that is clean and where the intake of harmful foods is controlled. Our program is designed to help prevent new cavities, preserve teeth that have been restored and manage periodontal disease. At the initial visit oral hygiene instructions are reviewed and are reinforced at subsequent recall visits. The following are helpful recommendations: