Preventative Solutions
Dental Office in Chicago
Dental injuries caused on the sporting field are not just costly, but they are often easily preventable with a custom-fitted mouthguard. Sport, leisure, and recreational activities are the most common cause of dental injuries that can often be very painful and require extensive treatment. Mouthguards provide a valuable layer of protection for your teeth during physical activities that carry a risk of dental injury.
‘Off the shelf’ mouthguards commonly bought from sporting stores and pharmacies often provide inadequate protection, and impede breathing and communication. Professionally fitted mouthguards offer more than just a good fit – they provide the best type of cushioned protection and application for all your recreation needs. While over-the-counter mouthguards are a cheaper alternative, they don’t take the unique shape of your jawline and bite into consideration, which often makes them ill-fitting and bulky.
A custom-fitted mouthguard is a small investment that will help ensure the health of your teeth and reduce the risk of dental injury during physical activity. The precise fit of our custom mouthguards provides a high level of both protection and comfort for patients; protecting all teeth while fitting snugly into position, without moving around or falling out.
A regular check-up will involve your dentist providing a deep clean to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth. A dentist is better equipped to see any issues and has the know-how to recognize issues before they develop into something more serious – such as impacted wisdom teeth and decay beneath fillings. Issues left unchecked often evolve into larger problems requiring more invasive treatments and costly procedures, which is why regular check-ups are so important.
To keep your teeth healthy in between visits, ensure you brush your teeth twice a day with a soft, rounded bristle toothbrush, use a toothpaste with added fluoride, and floss daily. Poor dental hygiene not only impacts the health of your teeth but also your overall well-being such as increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Your check-up appointments will present the perfect opportunity for you to approach one of our dentists if you have any concerns or would like to know more about cosmetic or corrective procedures.
Periodontal disease, more often known as gum disease, occurs when bacteria attack and weaken the supportive structures of the teeth. Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, where plaque around the teeth creates sore, inflamed, and sometimes receding gums. The most common sign of gingivitis is bleeding during brushing. The second stage of gum disease is periodontitis, where bacteria penetrate deeply into the gums to attack the supporting structures around the teeth. Patients with periodontitis will experience sore gums, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
While almost all adults will suffer from gum disease at some stage in their lives, gum disease often goes unnoticed in its most treatable form – with advanced stages creating irreversible damage and may need to be referred to a Periodontist who specializes in treating gum disease.
Regular visits to your dentist will determine whether your gums are healthy. During a normal dental check-up, x-rays are often needed to help diagnose any gum problems. Gum disease causes permanent damage to the supporting tissues; therefore, treatment aims to stop the progression of the disease by controlling the bacteria. Prevention is best, and to a large extent, periodontitis can be prevented by good oral hygiene and early intervention when problems are identified. Good dental hygiene is one of the most important factors in preventing gum disease. Your dentist will show you proper brushing and flossing techniques that will help ensure healthy teeth and gums.
Don’t let a preventable issue affect your smile; our Flos dental is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to keep your teeth and gums healthy all year round.
Ongoing care is part of our practice and philosophy. A regular professional clean will halt the build-up of plaque, the spread of stains, and the deterioration of tooth enamel. We recommend check-ups every six months as part of your preventative care plan – we are trained to spot things that you won’t, and can then carry out the necessary steps to ensure small concerns don’t grow into larger issues.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and oral habits will help prevent dental caries, cavities, or decay which occurs when bacteria in the mouth make acid which then dissolves the tooth. As the disease progresses in a tooth it becomes weaker and its nerve may become damaged.
You can practice good oral hygiene habits, and prevent tooth decay by:
- Getting a professional clean at least once a year
- Limiting how often you eat sugary foods or have sugary drinks.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth carefully to reduce the number of bacteria
- Using a fluoride toothpaste. This will make the surfaces of teeth more resistant to acid. The fluoride in our water supply strengthens the developing teeth of infants and children.
As one of the most sought-after dental clinics in Chicago, we take absolute pride in providing the best care and service to our patients – even customizing our procedures to take the worry out of your next visit. For more information on our preventative care treatments, please contact us today.
Preventative Solutions
We recommend check-ups every six months as part of your preventative care plan – we are trained to spot things that you won’t, and can then carry out the necessary steps to ensure small concerns don’t grow into larger issues.
Contact Us for Preventive Dental Solutions The Best Dental Office in Chicago FLOS Dental Center