Healthy habits of preventive dental care - SmileMoreToday
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Healthy habits of preventive dental care

Dental care

It may seem common to hear from your medical doctor that “you are what you eat.” Most adults, and at least some children, have heard this statement at least once in their lifetime, most likely when someone is trying to remind them that food choices affect health. This is true, what we eat and drink regularly, and our lifestyle habits, are large factors in determining our level of health. This truth extends, as well, into dental health. We believe that it is possible to enjoy a healthy smile for life, and we provide the kind of preventive dental care to patients from the Loop, Chicago, and surrounding areas to achieve this goal.

Preventive dentistry seeks to help you avoid two primary dental problems – cavities and gum disease. Other dental problems such as infection or abscess stem from minor problems such as these. Cavity prevention and the prevention of gum disease are similar in their goal, which is to minimize the effects of oral bacteria by limiting their numbers. Both cavities and gum disease are the result of acid on oral tissues by bacteria after they feed on food debris, mainly sugar.

dental treatment

Because sugar feeds bacteria, dentists encourage their patients to avoid it. As such, sugar has become a villain of sorts to teeth. It is important to understand that sugar is just the food that feeds what really harms teeth. Sugars come not only from sweet foods and beverages but also from refined carbohydrates such as bread and pasta. Because sugar residue may come from virtually any food, the recommendation is to brush teeth at least twice a day, if not after every meal. 

Brushing and flossing are the two primary ways in which sugar residue and debris are removed from the mouth because we cannot completely avoid foods that could feed bacteria. Successful brushing cleanses every surface of every tooth, not just the chewing surface. Gentle brushing around the gums loosens any debris that can collect in small crevices. Brushing accomplishes a lot, but it is insufficient when performed alone. 

To remove the greatest amount of bacteria, it is necessary to floss every day after brushing. Flossing is the only way to clean the small areas between teeth, and areas just below the gums. Many people brush twice a day and still struggle with oral health because they do not floss regularly. 

Optimal oral health is accomplished with specific steps that include brushing, flossing, and regular professional care by your dentist. We use the latest technology to improve the level of care we provide to our patients. Contact us for your visit at SmileMoreToday.