The Importance of Preventive Care

Preventive dentistry can save you time and money while preserving a healthy smile.

Maintaining good hygiene should be a no-brainer but sometimes we need a little refresher course to know exactly what to do to support healthy teeth and gums. Everyone wants a clean bill of health when they visit our River Forest, IL, dentists Dr. Gina Piccioni and Dr. John Hartmann. Here are some preventive dentistry tips to ensure that you do get that clean bill of health.

See Your Dentist Regularly

How often do you visit your dentist for a cleaning? If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, it’s time to get yourself back in our dental chair. We know that visiting the dentist is never the highlight of the day, but your smile will certainly thank you. After all, during these six-month dental cleanings our River Forest, IL, dentists, and hygienists can:

• Remove plaque and tartar buildup to reduce your risk for developing cavities and gum disease
• Detect dental issues early on when they are easier to treat and may even be reversed
• Provide recommendations on what dental products to use and how to maintain a healthy smile
• Conduct X-rays to evaluate the overall health of the mouth and face
• Detect oral cancer and perform regular screenings to catch cancer early
• Refer you to specialists such as periodontists and oral surgeons for additional dental care

Brush and Floss Daily

To reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your own between dental visits you’ll need to make sure that you are practicing good oral hygiene. This entails brushing at least twice a year (once in the morning and again before bedtime) and flossing daily. These are the easiest and yet most effective habits you can practice to keep your mouth healthy.

Replace Your Toothbrush Head

Nothing is meant to last forever, and that includes your toothbrush head. Take a look at your toothbrush right now. Do the bristles look worn and frayed? If so, this is a telltale sign that it’s time to pitch it and get a new head. Most toothbrush heads, on average, last about 3-4 months. If you’ve recently been sick, you’ll also want to replace your toothbrush head immediately.

Limit Sugar

We all know that sugar can increase your chances of decay and cavities. This is because plaque feeds off simple starches and sugars, turning them into acid that erodes healthy enamel. This is why it’s important to eat a diet that is low in processed foods and sugars but contains a lot of colorful whole foods that support healthy teeth and gums.

Is it time to visit our River Forest, IL, family dentist for a checkup? If so, call River Forest Dental Studio today at (708) 366-6760. Never be so busy that you can’t make time for your oral health.