PATIENT RESOURCE CENTER

Dental care and oral hygiene

Looking to maintain a healthy, radiant smile? Regular flossing and twice daily brushings are important, as well as regular visits to your local Forever Dental for professional cleanings and exams. Discover more care tips now.

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(773) 847-6453

What behaviors have the most impact on your dental hygiene?

Excessive sugar consumption

We all need something sweet from time to time, but excessive sugar consumption can have serious consequences to your dental health. Sugar adds to the formation of bacterial plaque. Over time, if not properly removed, bacterial plaque is responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease.

Plaque on teeth

Too much plaque build up can lead to serious dental issues, including gum disease (gingivitis or even periodontitis). When not treated, plaque can harden into tartar, making it more difficult to remove with brushing alone.

BIG BUILDUP
Plaque causes:

Cavities
Gum disease
Tooth decay
Other serious dental issues

Tobacco use

Smoking and chewing tobacco are the cause of many health concerns, including dental issues. Tobacco not only causes a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, but nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums and weakens your body’s ability to fight off disease. While teeth whitening treatments may help aesthetically, health issues like receding gums and bone loss, and vulnerability to mouth and throat cancers may be unavoidable

Poor oral habits

Many of us have oral habits that cause unneeded risk to our dental health. Sometimes we may not even even be aware we are doing them. Check yourself for:

Nail biting

Putting your hands in your mouth invites unwanted bacteria to and damage your teeth and gums.

Thumb sucking

Thumb sucking can push your teeth forward (overbite), potentially causing embarrassment over the appearance and possibly a speech impediment. Germs being introduced by the hands are also a concern.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding can crack, chip or fracture your teeth, seriously impacting your dental health. You also risk wearing down the enamel on your teeth, making it easier for bacteria to get inside. You may also experience chronic headaches and pain in your neck and ears.

Bolster your oral hygiene efforts

It’s important to visit your Forever Dental care team at least once a year (if not twice!) for a checkup. Between visits, consider making a few changes to keep on top of your dental hygiene.

✓

Say yes

✓ Fiber-rich fruits & veggies
✓ Low- or non-fat dairy products
✓ Lean proteins
✓ Whole grains
✓ Green & black teas (to curb plaque bacteria)

×

Take a pass

× Sticky candies & sweets
× Starchy breads & potato chips
× Carbonated soft drinks
× Alcoholic beverages
× Tobacco products

Use these dental care best practices

Keeping a healthy, beautiful smile doesn’t have to be hard, it just takes a little effort. Follow these best practices:

1

Brush & floss daily

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be careful not to brush or floss so vigorously that you irritate your gums or cause them to bleed.

2

Avoid sugary drinks & sweets

Avoid sports drinks, sodas and sugary sweets as much as possible, choose water when you're thirsty instead.

3

Avoid smoking & tobacco use

Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco. Not only is this better for your mouth, but it's also better for your overall health.

4

Limit daily stress

Find ways to limit daily stress to avoid teeth-grinding, thumb-sucking and nail-biting.

5

Visit Forever Dental

See your dentist once a year for cleanings and exams.