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General Dentistry | Preventive Care | How to Disinfect a Toothbrush After COVID or the Flu | Improve Dental Health | Digital X-rays | Dental Digital X-Rays | Gum Disease | VELScope® Oral Cancer Screening | Intraoral Camera | Pediatric Dentistry | Dental Care for Your Baby | What Can Be Done About Sensitive Teeth During Pregnancy? | When Should Kids Start Flossing Their Own Teeth? | Emergency Dental Care | The Benefits of Wearing A Mouthguard | Can Cold Weather Make Your Teeth Hurt? | Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard?

Preventive Care

No matter how young or how old you are, preventative dental care is important. As your dentist near Gurnee, we want to provide you with the information you need to enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular checkups will go a long way to help you achieve that goal.

The Importance of Preventing Plaque Build-Up

Food, liquids, and saliva combine to produce sticky, bacterial deposits (plaque) that collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque ultimately produces acids that destroy your tooth enamel and damage your gums. Plaque can also form below the gumline and even on the roots of your teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to tartar and gingivitis, and eventually the destruction of the bone that supports your teeth.

How to Prevent Plaque Build-up and Cavities

  • Brush after meals whenever possible, but at least twice per day. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently using a circular motion while holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. Repeat this process on the interior surfaces of your teeth. Additionally, make sure to brush the surface of your tongue to help remove plaque-causing substances and to help keep your breath fresh.

  • Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride – preferably one that carries the seal of acceptance from the American Dental Association.

  • Floss after brushing at least once each day. This will help to remove decay-causing bacteria from in between the teeth where the toothbrush bristles can’t reach. You can also use mouthwash, which can help kill bacteria beneath the gumline as well as freshen your breath.

  • Eat a well-balanced diet which includes lots of fruits and vegetables, cheese, and plain yogurt. Nutritious foods help to maintain strong bones and teeth as well as healthy gums. Avoid sugary snacks – and when you do indulge, make sure to brush your teeth, or at the very least, rinse your mouth with water afterward.

  • Remember that your dentist near Gurnee is your partner in preventative dental care. Make sure to schedule your professional teeth cleaning and exam every six months. Also, ask about dental sealants which can be applied to the surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent decay.

Protect Your Smile

If you play sports, make sure to ask your dentist about getting a specialized mouthguard to protect your mouth from traumatic injury – and don’t forget to wear it. Also, don’t chew on ice or bite into hard candy, as these things can chip and crack your teeth making them more susceptible to decay.

When to Visit Your Gurnee Dental Care Professional

Diligently following a good oral hygiene routine will help prevent plaque build-up as well as the formation of tartar and tooth decay. Nevertheless, if it’s been six months or more since your last dental exam, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your Gurnee dental care professional. Ensure the continued good health of your teeth and gums - contact our practice today!