While we all know brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth healthy, truly preventative dentistry goes beyond that. When we think of the ways things can go wrong in the mouth, issues fall into three categories: gum disease, cavities, and cracks. At Sugar Fix, we love doing cosmetic dentistry, but a spotless healthy mouth is essential first! That’s why we have developed a regimen of preventative techniques to keep our guests problem free… and able to move on to the fun stuff like whitening! In this blog, we will explore some key tips in our approach to preventative dentistry, such as flossing, prescription toothpaste,professional cleanings, Sonicare toothbrush, and nightguards.
- Flossing: An Essential Step in Oral Hygiene
Flossing is often overlooked but is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. It reaches areas that a toothbrush can’t, such as the spaces between teeth and along the gumline. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles, preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
To floss effectively, follow these steps:
- Use a piece of dental floss about 18 inches long.
- Gently insert the floss between your teeth, curving it around each tooth in a C shape.
- Slide the floss up and down, reaching beneath the gumline to remove plaque.
- Repeat this process for all teeth, using a fresh section of floss each time.
Remember, consistency is key. Make flossing a daily habit to keep your teeth and gums healthy.!
At our Chicago based dental loft, we specifically love the floss brand Cocofloss. Cocofloss is thicker floss and acts almost like a loofah in between your teeth. Cocofloss was developed by a dentist for more thorough cleaning in between your teeth. It has about 500 woven fibers into one and is coated in coconut oil, which acts as an antimicrobialas well as a natural whitening agent. This keeps the little crevices between your teeth shiny and bright!
- Prescription Fluoride Toothpaste: Enhancing Enamel Protection
Prescription fluoride toothpaste, such as Fluoridex, can be a valuable addition to your oral care routine. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and many of the foods we eat. This reduces the risk of cavities and acidic enamel erosion.
Dr. Brittany Dickinson recommends prescription fluoride toothpaste for many of our guests who are at higher risk of cavities, such as those with dry mouth, a history of dental decay, those suffering from acid reflux, or are currently undergoing orthodontic work.As an added bonus, it also helps with root sensitivity to cold temperatures!
- Regular Six-Month Cleanings: Professional Care for Optimal Oral Health
While regular brushing and flossing are essential, they cannot replace professional dental cleanings. For those with healthy gums, dental cleanings are done every six months. Cleanings involve a thorough examination and cleaning of your teeth by your dental hygienist or dentist. At this visit they get into all the spots that are tough to reach at home!
During your cleaning at our Chicago based dental loft, we always offer the comfortable essentials… HELLO warm neck pillow and lavender aromatherapy! Dr. Brittany will remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish the teeth, and offer valuable insights into your oral health all while you can relax into one of your favorite shows on Netflix. We also will do a 3=D wellness scan once a year to have a comparison of small changes that are happening over several years. This new 3D scanning technology gives you a first hand look at all your teeth and can show what changes, if any, have been throughout the year (or the last several years if you’ve been with us for a while!). These routine check-ups can help detect early signs of dental problems, such as gum recession or wear from teeth grinding and allow for an early intervention before they progress into more serious conditions.
- Sonicare Toothbrush: Unleashing the Power of Technology
Using a Sonicare toothbrush can revolutionize your oral hygiene routine. Sonicare toothbrushes utilize high-frequency vibrations to create dynamic fluid action, effectively removing plaque and debris from your teeth and gums.
The benefits of Sonicare toothbrushes include:
- Enhanced plaque removal: The high-speed bristle motion and sweeping action of Sonicare toothbrushes can clean hard-to-reach areas more effectively than manual brushing.
- Improved gum health: The gentle massaging action of the Sonicare toothbrush promotes healthy blood circulation in the gums, reducing the risk of gum disease.
- Timers and pressure sensors: Many Sonicare models come equipped with built-in timers and pressure sensors, ensuring that you brush for the recommended two minutes and apply the right amount of pressure, respectively.
With Sonicare toothbrushes, you can achieve a superior level of cleanliness and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
5. A Custom-Made Nightguard
You wouldn’t believe the dramatic increase in teeth grinding we’ve seen in the last few years. Many of the most painful (and expensive) tooth problems can be traced back to clenching or grinding of teeth. Broken teeth needing a crown, chipped front teeth requiring a full set of veneers, or even fractured roots needing an extraction and implant can all be prevented by wearing a nightguard! Dr. Brittany checks for jaw muscle hyperdevelopment, tenderness, and wear on the teeth for early signs of teeth grinding. We like to have our guests start using a nightguard at the first signs and prevent these painful issues down the line.
For some of our guests, wearing a nighttime appliance is simply not going to happen. OR they clench during the day. There is still a preventative option in these cases! At Sugar Fix we offer TMJ botox to decrease the muscles hyperactivity for up to six months!
Preventative medicine dentistry is the cornerstone of maintaining a clean bill of health and keeping your smile sparkling. Whether it be your regular cleanings or flossing into your daily hygiene routine. Little changes can make the world a difference when it comes to your overall oral health. If you’re ready to stop “putting out fires” and start a preventative regimen, give us a call! Dr. Brittany and the Sugar Fix team will love walking you through all the options to maintain your smile and prevent future problems!
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