Locations
Office
River Forest, IL
Phone
Practice website
About
Bio
I graduated from Northwestern University Dental School and completed my residency at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago. I enjoy all aspects of dentistry especially as it enhances facial beauty and health. My slogan is "your smile is the focus of facial beauty. Be well; Dr. Gary Alder
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Dentistry
Licenses
United States: Illinois
Languages spoken
Polish
Doctor Q&A
68 Answers
34 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Consider 3 factors: Thrush is a yeast infection. Antifungal medications help. Scraping the tongue is important... Use a tongue scraper and avoid foods and beverages with... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
It is progressive: Bacteria invade a tooth initially by decalcifying the surface and show signs of white chalky appearance. As it advances it will get darker and eventua... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Open the mouth: Difficulty in openning the mouth is a comon complication of jaw surgery. Intervention must begin immediately with a therabite or at least several tong... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Try this: There are several over the counter medications developed to control canker sores. For those who prefer not to medicate you may try hene laser. The spo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Consider this: Thrush is a yeast infection. Antifungal medications help. Scraping the tongue is important... Use a tongue scraper and avoid foods and beverages with... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Check this out: Hene laser may increase healing by 50%. It is thought to increase blood circulation and/or release nitric oxide. It will also decrease the pain. Check... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Lase: A hene laser can heal sore almost twice as fast as ordinary healthing without any intervention. 20 seconds of spot size on the lesion administer sever... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Yes: Thumb sucking can become a chronic habit. Most patients have a favorite hand to suck. With younger children i will have the parent lightly wrap the of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
2wk: As long as the lesion is present it may be actively sheding virus. It is usually self limiting but trauma can keep it going. Once the lesion has compl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Yes: Ear pain is a frequent cheif complaint when a patient has TMJ or myofacial pain. The head and neck area is very complex in its innervation. Consider t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 66-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Not likely: The inner ear is the location where problems associated with dizziness or vertigo is most commonly associated with. Dental infection could influence t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Depends: It depends on what you are testing. Saliva is thought to be the new frontier of bioanalysis and with evaluation techniques improving this should becom... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Either or Both: Even when you get sedation a local anesthetic is almost always used in conjuction with the sedation. Which one you get will be between you and your de... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Depends on cause: Denture sores, cold sores, herpetic sores, traumatic ulcer. The treatment is different for each. Try googling the above subjects for a better answer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Medications: If you also have excessive sweating you may have a condition where the autonomic nervous system is over active and many of the secretory glands are wo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Patches on tongue: Geographic tongue is a common condition thought to be caused by auto immune response. Many people have it and lead a normal life. It may become sore o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Normal but: It could be normal but if it persists you should contact your dentist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Multiple possibility: Running increases your blood presure and could be causing an underlying infection to exude into your mouth. This is often described as a metalic taste... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Possibly: Possibly it could be an infection transmitted via contact but it could just be abrasion from multiple blowing the nose and wiping the nose. A medicate... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Ignore: You will look, feel and be more healthy and your teeth will last longer and be easier to care for.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
1month/per decade: There is an old adage that states it takes on average a month per every decade a patient matures.. This means if you are 60 years old expect to take 6... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Involuntary movement: Restless legs and sleep walking are far less common that snoring and sleep apnea. Treatment is significantly different and complex.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Snoring, Apnea: Snoring is the most frequently encountered sleep disorder and is thought to be a precursor to sleep apnea. Obesity is a co morbidity with both. Some s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Training: Only trained first responders should engage in CPR and everyone who is fit enough to get training should. There are many local institutions that offer... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Root canal or extrac: You will need root canal treatment or extraction. The dental nerve does not have the capacity to heal itself.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Depends on cause: Lips will blister due to excessive sun exposure, viral or bacterial infection or lip biting or trauma. I hesitate to be more specific without know the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
10 days is average: 10 days is average but treating the ulcer with hene laser will decrease the time and reduce the pain. If you are susceptible to repeated cold sores yo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
About 2 wks: Lip swelling from allergy can be a serious condition and one of the early manifestations of anaphylactic shock.. A life threatening condition that req... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Try this: Hene laser may increase healing by 50%. It is thought to increase blood circulation and/or release nitric oxide. It will also decrease the pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Yes and no: Cold sores are of bacterial origin but herpes is a virus. Either can be passed by contact so you should refrain from contact.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Infection: Inflamation spreads from the blocked pore. Lips are relatively soft and easily expanded. The expansion causes the pain. Heat on the swollen area will ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
No: Many general practicioner and pediatic dentists offer orthodontic services. It is estimate that about 50% of tooth straightening is done by orthodonti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Possible: Herpetic infections can me transimitted to open wounds via salivary contact. Many other host diseases can be transmitted to others through direct cont... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old male asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Infection: Bleeding gums is a common feature of infection of the gums. Consultation with your dentist is advised.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Try american heart a: Try the american heart association or the red cross.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Depends on severity : It depends on the severity and age. Early intervention in a child can improve the bite and face to acceptable. Severity in an adult will most likely n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Try this: There are several over the counter medications developed to control canker sores. For those who prefer not to medicate you may try hene laser. The spo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Physicians, dentists: Sleep disorders has become a field of specialty in medicine. Several doctors participate in careing for patient with sleep disorders. Otolaryngologist... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Get tested: Snoring and sleep apnea is often related to our sleeping position. Sleeping on the back is the most common position for snoring and apnea but a relati... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
10 days: May be a week it would be contagious while there are active lesions. The disease usually resolves in about a week. See this site for more information.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Sort of: You could probably get by with out rinsing with plain water but the salty taste can not be pleasant. The salt water rinse will not harm your teeth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 61-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
cranialfascial pain: It is possible you are grinding and clenching your teeth resulting in ear and scalp pain. The muscles that support the jaw connect to a layer of tend... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Must see the surgeon: This is highly unusual and probably is being caused by an infection and possibly a fracture of the jaw. A follow up visit with the surgeon and new X-r... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Maybe: 80% of lesions (lumps) are benign but all must be investigated and most will need biopsy to determine the type of mass.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Check normal range: Accuracy of all tests is an issue and if the test does not reflect what appears clincally it may be need to be repeated. Accuracy depends on sensitivi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
See DDS: The antibiotic and steroid maybe masking the real problem. Check out dental problems and tmj.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
3 prong approach: Thrush is a yeast infection. Antifungal medications help. Scraping the tongue is important... Use a tongue scraper and avoid foods and beverages with... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Try this: Hene laser may increase healing by 50%. It is thought to increase blood circulation and/or release nitric oxide. It will also decrease the pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
A few choices: There are several over the counter medications developed to control canker sores. For those who prefer not to medicate you may try hene laser. The spo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gary Alderanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Depends on severity: Depends on severity and age and methods. Children can undergo progressive 2 phase treatment for several years and acheive a normal face. Adults may ne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
4
Recommendations
151
Thank you notes
Mar 30, 2015
Great doctor. Consistently gives thoughtful, insightful and expert advice.
Nov 8, 2012
Very knowledgable doctor. Great answers and a great doctor to follow!
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Alder is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you so much! I'm currently trying to find a dentist that will do my work despite the pregnancy. Thanks again!
HealthTap member
i have a blister in my bottom lip i think its herpes how can i heal it quick
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! thanks for a quivck ans
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Northwestern University Dental School
Graduated 1974MD
Awards
Please see web page: www.gfalderdds.com
HealthTap Founding Doctor
Affiliations
Rush University Medical Center
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