5 Tips to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Looking Healthy!

1) Schedule Routine Cleaning and Check-Ups

Routine dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it will harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Having teeth cleaned every six months will help remove plaque and tartar before it has a chance to cause problems. During teeth cleanings, one of our dental hygienists will gently scrape away plaque and tartar. They will also polish your teeth and floss between them to remove any remaining debris. Routine dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health, so we recommend that you have one every six months.

2) Brush Teeth Twice a Day

Teeth brushing is one of the most simple and effective ways to care for your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that has long been recognized for its oral health benefits.

In fact, many municipalities have fluoridated drinking water to help reduce cavities. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities by making it more resistant to acid attacks.

Therefore, using fluoride toothpaste is an important part of maintaining good oral health. In addition to brushing with fluoride toothpaste, be sure to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Together, these habits will help you keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.

3) Floss Teeth Once a Day

Dental floss is an important part of oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that forms on teeth. If plaque isn't removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

That's why it's so important to floss once a day. Flossing helps prevent cavities from forming in between teeth so you can avoid an unpleasant surprise during your next teeth cleaning and oral examination with us!

4) Avoid Smoking, Chewing Tobacco, and Alcohol

Smoking is one of the most detrimental habits to your oral health. Smoking causes tooth discoloration, plaque/tartar build-up, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Plus, it reduces your mouth’s ability to heal after an injury. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and smoking is a major contributor to this problem. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health.

Talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to quit smoking, and make a plan that works for you. You may also want to consider using tobacco-free products, such as e-cigarettes or chewing tobacco. These products are less harmful to your oral health than traditional cigarettes, but they still pose some risks. Quit smoking today and improve your oral health for life.

Similar to tobacco use, alcohol consumption can be detrimental to your oral health. Alcohol dries out your mouth, reducing saliva production and increasing the risk of bacterial growth and plaque formation. In addition, many alcoholic beverages are sugary and acidic, which can lead to tooth decay and eventually tooth loss. Regular alcohol consumption also puts you at greater risk for developing oral cancer. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the impact that alcohol can have on your oral health and take steps to protect your teeth and gums.

5) Look into getting Dental Sealants!

Dental sealants are a special coating generally applied to newly erupted molars in children, but adults can receive dental sealants too. Dental sealants are a preventive measure against tooth decay.

They fill in the grooves and fissures which help prevent plaque from building up and causing cavities. Dental sealants are usually made of plastic and applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the tooth enamel from plaque and bacteria.

Sealants can last for several years but need to be checked during regular dental visits to ensure they are still intact and effective. Contact Sones Family Dental in Glen Carbon, IL about whether sealants are right for you!

Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an appointment for teeth cleanings with one of our dentists in Glen Carbon, IL today! Routine teeth cleanings are important for maintaining a healthy smile. Our dentists will remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, leaving you with a fresh and clean feeling. In addition, we will also perform an oral examination to check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems. By getting regular teeth cleanings, you can help prevent serious dental problems from developing. 

So call us today at (618) 656-0608 to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile!