Smile Glen EllynSmile Glen Ellyninfo@smileglenellyn.comSmile Glen Ellyn is a general and cosmetic dentistry who offers experienced dental care to the following areas: Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, and Carol Stream, IL.26 North Park BoulevardGlen Ellyn, IL 60137USA630-858-8800www.smileglenellyn.com
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.
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!
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.
Your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist probably reminds you at every appointment about the importance of flossing as part of your oral hygiene routine. Cleaning between your teeth prevents plaque buildup around the teeth and gums. Combined with brushing and professional cleaning, flossing is an important part of your dental health.
If you don’t floss every day, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of adults never floss. However, dental floss or interdental cleaners reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by disrupting the bacteria colonies that form in unattended spaces between your teeth, keeping them from taking root. This makes flossing a key component to your oral health.
When Should You Floss?
The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day. Whether you do it before you brush or after is a personal preference — the important thing is that it gets done frequently. Ask Dr. Thomas Gibbs for tips on flossing and brushing to maintain your beautiful smile in Glen Ellyn. Take care of your mouth not only for your confidence and self-esteem, but also for your overall health.
Contrary to the popular belief that dentists are only after cavities and plaques, your mouth is the first gateway for diagnosis of various diseases that Dr. Gibbs can spot by simple regular examination. Your mouth can not only help provide early detection of diseases, but also give away things about your life. Some examples include:
Yet To Make Flossing A Habit
According to Dr. Gibbs, patients who are yet to incorporate flossing into their daily routine would exhibit gum slices occasioned by the flossing thread.
You Are Expecting
The American Pregnancy Association reports that pregnancy gingivitis is occasioned by hormonal changes during gestation period that causes increased blood flow to the gums as well as stifling the body ability to fight off bacteria causing gingivitis.
Onychophagia
A fancy word that you have made nail-biting a habit. Tell-tale signs include chipped and cracked teeth enamel.
Once Upon A Time You Sucked Your Thumb
The American Dental Association reports that thumb sucking is a natural reflex action that children do engage starting in the womb. However, prolonged thumb sucking after the ages of seven has a detrimental effect on the teeth and jaw alignment.
So, remember to come in for your appointments at least once a year at the Smile Glen Ellyn office; we may be able to spot a surprise right in time for treatment.
Smile Glen Ellyn is a general and cosmetic dentistry who offers experienced dental care to the following areas: Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, and Carol Stream, IL. 26 North Park Boulevard Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 USA 630-858-8800 www.smileglenellyn.com
