Gift Yourself and Your Loved Ones With a Healthier Smile

Good oral health involves keeping your mouth clean and free of disease. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist regularly.

Practice a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day will help remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, preventing cavities and gum disease. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. If you’re wearing braces, brush after each meal. Ask your dentist for tips about cleaning around the wires and brackets.

Consider using a mouthwash daily to help eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath. Use only alcohol-free mouthwashes and rinse with water afterward to wash away the chemicals. Talk to your dentist before using an antibacterial mouth rinse or an oral irrigation device. These devices have not been tested thoroughly enough to show that they are safe to use on a long-term basis. They may actually do more harm than good when used incorrectly.

Be sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet that limits sugars and processed foods. This will keep your teeth healthy and strong. If you have trouble eating a well-balanced diet, try taking a vitamin and mineral supplement. Some foods and drinks can actually harm your enamel.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The American Dental Association recommends regular visits to the dentist every six months. These visits are important for a number of reasons. First, they allow you to maintain good oral health by detecting problems in the early stages. Second, they help you keep your smile clean because professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Finally, these trips give your dentist an opportunity to screen you for oral cancer and other more serious conditions. 

Consider Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent, long-term solution for missing teeth. They are used as anchors for artificial teeth that look and function just like natural teeth. At most dental offices, dental implants can be done in as little as two appointments using a local anesthetic. While implants require a bit more care than dentures or other removable replacements, they last longer and are more comfortable than other permanent solutions.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone to act as a replacement tooth root or anchor for a prosthetic tooth. The implant is securely attached, so it does not move within the bone while you eat and speak normally. Once the implant has fully healed and integrated with your jawbone, an abutment will be placed on top that will eventually support the restoration that looks, feels, and performs like a natural tooth.

Call us at 773-880-2310 or email us at office@sheffieldsquaredental.com to schedule your appointment. Visit Sheffield Square Dental Care at 2835 N. Sheffield Ave, Suite 305, Chicago, IL 60657.