How to Prevent Cavities and Maintain a Bright Smile: Insights from a Teeth Cleaning Dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago

Teeth cleaning dentist in Gladstone Park Chicago

Cavities are not just a problem with your teeth, but with your overall oral health. When there are cavities present, your teeth and gums become more susceptible to bacteria buildup, which can contribute to gum disease and other serious problems.

The good news is that it’s easy to prevent cavities and maintain a beautiful smile by making a few simple changes to your lifestyle. Want to learn more about the specifics? This teeth cleaning dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago is going to explain below.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day

Brushing your teeth twice a day — once in the morning and once at night — is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. It can help you prevent oral diseases such as gum disease, tooth decay, plaque buildup, and halitosis.

  • You will want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride. Toothpastes with tartar control are specially formulated to fight against mineral buildup caused by eating foods containing high acid levels.
  • Brush in small circular motions from the top of the teeth to the bottom chewing surfaces of molars. Your teeth cleaning dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago will recommend paying special attention to hard-to-reach areas around braces or between molars where plaque can build up.
  • Remember to brush your tongue as well, since there are bacteria hiding out on the back of it.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months or when it starts looking frayed because bristles need to be soft to clean teeth properly.

Your teeth cleaning dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago will recommend brushing for two minutes total — however, try not to go over the two minutes, or else you might just irritate your gums.

2. Use mouthwash regularly

A good mouthwash not only helps freshen your breath but also removes bacterial acids, sugars, and germs that contribute to tooth decay. Choose a mouthwash that has fluoride in it to be extra safe. When brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, rinse with mouthwash before rinsing the toothpaste off to maximize the effects of the fluoride treatment.

3. Floss at least once a day

Flossing is the best way to remove plaque from between your teeth. Plaque hardens into tartar which causes tooth decay over time.

Once a day, grab some dental floss and stretch it out between two hands before pulling it up under one of your bottom teeth. Then, cross the floss from one side of the tooth to the other, all the way back around, in a C shape. Now take that piece of dental floss out from under the next tooth and continue to repeat this process until you have gone through all your teeth that need cleaning. Rinse with mouthwash afterward to get rid of bacteria or food particles on your teeth so you can maintain an invincible smile.

4. Visit the dentist regularly

Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to a dental care routine. The best way to prevent issues is by scheduling appointments with your teeth cleaning dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago every six months.

Dentists can help identify dental problems like tooth decay before they progress to more serious conditions. Early intervention also helps prevent more expensive treatments down the line, like root canal therapy or extractions.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your smile is one of the most important things you can do to look and feel good about yourself, but so many people don’t think about it until there is already a problem. Keeping up with your dental health does not have to be complicated — the tips mentioned above are easy to follow and will help prevent cavities and keep your smile sparkling.

Looking for a Teeth Cleaning Dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago?

Are you ready to visit the dentist for a cleaning? If so, and if you’re looking for the most trusted teeth cleaning dentist in Gladstone Park, Chicago, you’ve come to the right place — Dr. Gordon J. Ziols (DDS, FAGD) and his staff at Smile Innovations would be happy to see you. Contact us today at (773) 763-1000 to get started.