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While you are responsible for your daily dental maintenance, your Chicago dentist plays an integral role in preventative oral care as well. Dental hygiene is the process by which preventative dental care is provided by your dentist to keep you smiling longer. Brushing your teeth is fundamentally important, but alone it will not remove the calculus that builds up over time. Calculus must be removed to lower your risk of toothaches, cavities, periodontal disease or even the loss of all your teeth. By removing calculus, you can reduce your chances of needing root canals, tooth extractions, dental bridges, crowns and more. If you don't take proper care of your teeth and manage your oral health, you may find yourself spending more money than you need to for restorative dental care. Preventive dentistry emphasizes the importance of maintaining ongoing hygiene procedures and daily practices to prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases and conditions. Effective preventive dentistry combines at-home oral care with chairside treatments and counseling by your Chicago dentist. At-Home Dental Care One of the most important prevention techniques is brushing and flossing at least twice a day to remove dental plaque, a film-like coating that forms on your teeth. If not removed, plaque can build up and produce dental tartar, a hardened, sticky substance with acid-producing bacteria that cause tooth decay and lead to gum disease. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is arguably the most essential component to the maintenance of good oral health. The foods that we often eat contain sugars and starches. When plaque combines with these sugars and starches, an acid is produced that attacks tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the tooth surfaces while flossing removes plaque from in between the teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for approximately two minutes, preferably after eating. Additionally, flossing in between your teeth is an essential part of the oral hygiene practice for avoiding gum disease and preventing tooth decay. Many people do not realize the importance of flossing and often forego the hygienic practice, believing that tooth brushing is an adequate enough practice for removing plaque. Tooth decay is a serious oral health concern that is caused by a buildup of plaque. Flossing is not hard, does not take much time and should be performed daily to eliminate plaque. Regular Dental Visits and Teeth Cleaning According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year can help to improve your oral health. At your dental cleaning, diagnostic services my include:
* Reviewing and updating medical history
* Oral cancer examination and screening
* Evaluation of gum tissue
* Checking biting, chewing and swallowing patterns
* X-rays, examination of teeth to detect decay
* Treatment planning
* Referral to specialists for specific treatment While at your checkup, preventive services may also include removal of plaque and tartar, stain removal, fluoride application, sealants and polishing of fillings or crowns. Your Chicago dentist will provide you with proper tooth brushing and flossing instructions, as well as an array of other helpful information for maintaining a healthy smile. Schedule your regular dental exam today.
Dr. Carolyn Belke, dentist in Chicago, owns and operates Belke Dental. She keeps up-to-date on the latest technologies and practices to remain at the forefront of treatment. Additionally, Dr. Belke encourages preventative solutions to minimize long-term risks and reduce the need for invasive care, including teeth cleanings in Chicago.
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