brushing Archives - Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
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5Jan

Even though it can sometimes feel like cavities can’t be avoided, there are ways you can keep from having to deal with the pain and frustration it causes. Understanding what a cavity is and how it can be prevented can help you improve your dental hygiene and keep those pesky holes away.

Cavity Anatomy

A cavity is a hole in your tooth that comes from a buildup of plaque. When food particles are left on your teeth, bacteria creates a sticky residue called plaque. The acidic compounds in plaque break down the enamel of your tooth, and that’s how you end up with cavities.

Keeping them Away Can be Easy

The good news is that they can be prevented. Proper dental care at home (brushing, flossing, and fluoride mouthwash) along with check-ups with your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist every six months can help reduce chances of cavities and keep your smile looking great.

If you’re due for a check-up, call today to make an appointment with Dr. Thomas Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn.

9Jul

If you want to keep your own teeth for a lifetime, Dr. Thomas Gibbs has a recommendation. According to results of a multi-year study, simply adding the supplements vitamin D and calcium to your healthcare routine can produce major benefits.

Researchers gave participating seniors 500 mg of calcium and 700 units of vitamin D for 3 years. The result was impressive: a 40 percent reduction in the chance of losing your teeth.

And Brush and Floss!

As always, the starting point for keeping your teeth in excellent shape is daily brushing and flossing. And for seniors, this is particularly important, according to the Smile Glen Ellyn dental team.

Many seniors take one or more of the 400+ medications that cause dry mouth, producing too little saliva. But saliva is Mother Nature’s way of getting rid of bacteria on your teeth. When you don’t produce enough, bacteria and plaque build up, causing cavities. Seniors can fight by simply by using their toothbrush and floss each day. This removes buildup and lowers your chance of getting cavities.

 

Feel free to stop by at your Glen Ellyn, IL dental team for any questions regarding your oral health as your age and best practices for supplements. Our team is happy to help!

13Jun

Dr. Thomas Gibbs recommends to most people that they use fluoridated toothpaste. While there are new fluoride-free options gaining some traction in the market that may be welcome for you if you have specific conditions like fluoride allergies, your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist’s views echo those of most other dentists around the country – fluoridated toothpastes are most likely better for you. While fluoride-free formulas may still provide things like teeth whitening and fresh breath, they simply cannot match the cavity-fighting ability of fluoride.

Why is fluoride so beneficial?

Fluoride works with the saliva in your mouth to restore minerals to the enamel of your teeth, so as to strengthen its resistance to harmful decay-causing bacteria. At Smile Glen Ellyn, we strive to educate patients about best dental practices to help everyone avoid the consequences of prolonged tooth decay which eventually results in cavities. One of the best ways to do that, along with regular brushing and flossing, is to use a toothpaste which includes fluoride, to boost your teeth’s cavity-fighting capabilities.

Your Glen Ellyn dental team is here for you: if you have concerns or questions about the amount of fluoride you receive through your toothpaste or through other natural sources, we are happy to work with your individual needs and help you figure out if fluoridated toothpaste is right for you. Call or click today for a consultation.

11May

The breakdown of food debris by bacteria inside your mouth is the major cause of bad breath. Proper brushing techniques that also include giving your tongue a good scrub will go a long way in taming halitosis, or bad breath.

Bacteria Tongue Coating

The tongue provides the greatest surface area for microbial growth in the oral cavity as reported by a review in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene. According to Dr. Thomas Gibbs, a veteran Glen Ellyn IL dentist, the bacteria colony on the tongue accounts for more than four-fifth of bad breath cases.

Regularly cleaning your tongue will significantly reduce the buildup of the foul smelling bacteria. Using a toothbrush to scrub usually suffices. Nevertheless, specialized tools like tongue scrapers are available for a thorough tongue cleaning. Using mouthwash will also help in minimizing the bacteria colony on your tongue without getting rid of them and their usually protective benefits.

Tongue Cleaning Technique

Your Smile Glen Ellyn, IL dentist advises that you clean your tongue starting from the far end working carefully to the front. If you have a strong gag reflex, exercise extra caution by avoiding the sensitive points near the back throat that may trigger vomiting.

Fresh breath traverses the borders of tooth brushing. Clean your tongue as often as you brush and floss your teeth to maintain fresh breath. For any questions on tongue health, be sure to call or make an appointment today!

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