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.
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!
Canker sores are small-sized ulcers which can form in the mouth, or on the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, and on the roof of your mouth. They can be caused by a number of different things, and are not contagious, but should be taken seriously if they last a particularly long time or recur frequently. Dr. Gibbs is always happy to educate our patients about the causes and management of canker sores, and recommends that you schedule an appointment if you are experiencing unusual pain or discomfort from any oral health issue.
How Canker Sores Form
Canker sores can be triggered by incidental trauma, such as a toothbrush jab in the cheek, biting your cheek, or overly vigorous brushing. They can also be triggered by vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system, inadequate sleep, excess stress or fatigue, menstruation, or even spicy foods. Fortunately, canker sores are not contagious, and can’t be passed through contact with other people.
Treating a Canker Sore
Alleviating the discomfort of a canker sore starts with avoiding foods that make a canker sore worse, such as foods with sharp edges like nachos, highly acidic foods and beverages like carbonated sodas, and foods which are very spicy or hot. You can also try to manage any associated pain by taking over-the-counter medications for pain relief. Most canker sores should clear up in a week or so, but if you find yourself getting frequent or very long-lasting canker sores, make an appointment with Dr. Gibbs so that he can screen you for more serious oral health concerns.
You’re most likely aware that poor nutrition can lead to health problems, but did you know that initial warning signs for declining health often affect your mouth first? Since the nutrients or additives within food come in contact with teeth and gums first, daily menu choices have an essential impact on oral and overall health.
The act of chewing and swallowing are considered the first steps of many in the digestive process. You can keep your dental health in check not just by building a relationship with your dentist, but by following these suggested nutritional guidelines.
Vegetables and fruits should make up half the plate at mealtime. When it comes to protein, not all is created equal. Make lean choices like fish and skinless poultry, and include eggs, legumes, peas and beans. Add at least eight ounces of seafood weekly. When consuming dairy, try to stick with fat-free or low-fat options. In regards to grain, at least half should be whole, like brown rice and oatmeal.
Keep in mind that individual caloric and nutritional needs depend on gender, age, physical activity and other health factors. However, since the Center of Nutrition Policy and Promotion considers these foods part of a healthy and balanced diet, they’re the basis of a healthy lifestyle.earn more about how to improve your oral health in Glen Ellyn, IL
Learn more about how to improve your oral health in Glen Ellyn, IL
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
