5 Things You Can Do to Avoid Cavities In the New Year

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Cavities are painful and can put your teeth at risk of problems like dental infection. Some people get cavities more easily than others. If you commonly struggle with cavities, your dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL, can help. We provide advice to help our patients avoid cavities and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Below are five things you can do to avoid cavities in the new year.

1. Improve Your Toothbrushing Technique

Many people brush their teeth twice per day as they’re supposed to, but not everyone brushes their teeth well. You may have many bad toothbrushing habits you’re not aware of. Your dentist can help you identify ways that you can brush your teeth more effectively.

Talk to your dentist the next time you come in for a dental appointment. Ask your dentist to show you toothbrushing techniques to reach parts of your mouth that aren’t getting cleaned the way they should.

Consider getting an electric toothbrush, as well. Manual toothbrushes aren’t always the most effective tool for removing plaque and food particles from your mouth. Your dentist can recommend an electric toothbrush brand and model that will work for you.

2. Improve Your Diet and Nutrition

The food you eat affects your teeth in various ways. Diets high in sugar can lead to lots of cavities and tooth decay. Cut back on your sugar consumption. Eat crunchy raw vegetables like carrots and celery to help keep your teeth stronger and cleaner.

3. See the Dentist Regularly

See your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and examination. If you have a hard time making your appointments as often as you should, set a reminder in your calendar or on your phone to prompt you to make appointments.

4. Stay Hydrated

Saliva helps keep your teeth clean. If you’re not properly hydrated, you may not produce enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria. Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid sugary sodas and instead opt for water.

5. Consider Dental Sealants

If you frequently get cavities, you may be a good candidate for dental sealants. This protective coating helps prevent bacteria from damaging your tooth enamel.

Is it time for a teeth cleaning in Elk Grove Village, IL? Call today to make your next dental appointment.

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Top 5 Tips to Maintain Good Dental Health This Fall

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Your dental health matters, but maintaining good dental health is more difficult at certain times of year. As fall leads into winter, holiday events can lead to excess sugar consumption and poor dental health. Your dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL can help by providing advice and good dental care. Below, we’ve listed some of the things you can do to take care of your teeth this fall.

1. Control Sugar Intake

Sugar is the enemy of healthy teeth! While it’s hard to avoid sugar at holiday meals and family events, you can control your sugar intake on normal days by stocking your fridge and pantry with healthy snacks. Boiled eggs, nuts, cheese, and carrot sticks are all examples of healthy snacks that you can keep on hand to fill your stomach and protect your teeth.

2. Change Your Toothbrush When It’s Time

Change your toothbrush every three months. If you don’t remember the last time you changed your toothbrush, this may be a great time to swap your old toothbrush for a new one. If it fits into your budget, consider an electric toothbrush to keep your teeth clean. Electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and keeping your teeth healthy.

3. Time Yourself As You Brush Your Teeth

Brush your teeth for two minutes each time. If you have an electric toothbrush, your toothbrush will probably shut off after two minutes of use. If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, get a timer or use a timer on your phone to ensure that you’re brushing your teeth for long enough.

4. Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth is bad for your teeth and gums, because saliva helps keep your teeth clean. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and swish with water after eating.

5. Get a Dental Checkup

You should see the dentist for dental checkups in Elk Grove Village, IL every six months. If it’s been more than six months since you saw the dentist at Schumer Family Dental Care, call today to make your next dental appointment.