Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthy smile! Finding a dentist you trust is a crucial decision, and here at Lemont Dental Clinic/Gentle Touch Dentistry, we’re thrilled to welcome you to our dental family.

Now that you’ve found your “dentist near me,” you might be wondering: what’s next? Brushing and flossing twice a day are essential habits, but a strong preventative care routine goes beyond just daily hygiene. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to maintain excellent oral health and keep your smile sparkling between appointments.

The Power of Preventative Care:

Regular dental checkups and cleanings aren’t just about sparkling teeth; they’re about preventing future problems. Think of them as tune-ups for your smile! At your first appointment at Lemont Dental Clinic/Gentle Touch Dentistry, we will perform a general examination, including a cleaning, and a review of your medical history.

Depending on your individual needs, we may also recommend dental X-rays. These are a valuable tool in the early detection of problems, including cavities, in your teeth and jawbone. Dental X-rays reveal problems lurking beneath the surface, such as cavities forming between the teeth, or problems in the roots of teeth. Early intervention is key.

Cavities or gum disease can be treated with minimally invasive, less costly procedures if detected in the early stages. A small cavity can often be filled with a simple ‘drill and fill’ procedure, whereas an undetected cavity can become much more serious, requiring a root canal. Likewise, gum disease (gingivitis) can sometimes be reversed with better brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, while gum disease (periodontitis) can become more advanced and cause serious issues all the way up to tooth loss.

By focusing on the preventive part of your care, you are investing in your oral health for the long run. You will be gaining time, saving money, and avoiding discomfort in the future.

Building Your Preventative Care Routine:

• Schedule Regular Checkups and Cleanings: Generally, dental checkups and cleanings are recommended every six months. However, this frequency may vary depending on your individual needs. Factors such as your oral health history, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and pregnancy can influence the recommended cleaning schedule. For example, individuals with a history of frequent cavities or gum disease may benefit from more frequent cleanings, perhaps every three or four months. Conversely, patients with consistently good oral health and low risk factors may be able to extend the time between cleanings to nine months or even a year. Your dentist at Lemont Dental Clinic/Gentle Touch Dentistry will discuss the optimal schedule for you based on your unique situation and will adjust it as needed over time.
• Embrace Brushing and Flossing: You already know this one, but it’s worth reiterating! Brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and food particles that contribute to cavities and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth throughout the day, filled with bacteria that produce acids. These acids erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Brushing twice a day disrupts plaque formation and removes existing plaque before it can harden into tartar (calculus). Flossing once a day reaches those hard-to-reach areas between your teeth where brushing can’t reach. These areas are prime breeding grounds for bacteria and food particles that can contribute to gum inflammation and gum disease. We recommend using a gentle flossing technique to avoid damaging your gums. There are various flossing tools available, such as traditional floss, floss picks, and water flossers. Our dental hygienists at Lemont Dental Clinic/Gentle Touch Dentistry can help you determine the flossing method that best suits your needs and preferences.
• Don’t Forget Your Tongue!: The bacteria that cause bad breath (halitosis) live on the surface of the tongue. Brushing your teeth will remove some of the bacteria that accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth, but it doesn’t remove the bacteria that live on your tongue. Gently brush it with your toothbrush or use your toothbrush with a tongue scraper. This can help freshen your breath and improve your oral hygiene. A coated tongue can also be a sign of underlying health issues, so be sure to mention any concerns about your tongue health to your dentist during your appointments.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limiting sugary drinks and foods not only benefits your overall health but also reduces the risk of cavities (you don’t need to search for “dentist near me” to know that). Sugary substances create an acidic environment in your mouth that can erode tooth enamel, making you more susceptible to decay. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, producing acids as a byproduct. These acids erode tooth enamel, creating microscopic openings in the teeth where cavities can form. Opt for water over sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks. Water helps to flush away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean and refreshed. When choosing snacks, fruits, and vegetables are excellent options. They are naturally low in sugar and high in fiber, which can actually help stimulate saliva production. Saliva plays a vital role in washing away food debris and neutralizing harmful acids in your mouth, further protecting your teeth from decay, trust us, your trusted “dentist near me” in Lemont/Palos Hills.
• Consider Additional Oral Care Products: Depending on your specific needs, your dentist at Lemont Dental Clinic/Gentle Touch Dentistry may recommend additional oral care products to enhance your at-home routine. For instance, if you have persistent bad breath, a medicated mouthwash can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Fluoride rinses can further strengthen tooth enamel and provide additional protection against cavities, especially for individuals who are at higher risk. If you have difficulty flossing due to dexterity limitations or crowded teeth, interdental brushes can be a helpful alternative for cleaning between teeth. These small, disposable brushes come in various sizes to fit different spaces between teeth. Our dental hygienists will gladly demonstrate proper flossing and interdental brush techniques during your appointments to ensure you’re using them effectively.

Building a Partnership with Your “Dentist Near Me”:

Here at Lemont Dental Clinic/Gentle Touch Dentistry, we take pride in forming partnerships with our patients. We are here to answer your questions and help ease your concerns to help you achieve your optimal oral health care goals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to express concerns about your oral health or your preventative care routine. Our dentists and hygienists are well-educated and have been in the dental field for many years.

When people search for “dentist near me”, they usually not only want the facility to be good at what they do, but they also want to feel good about going there. We are approachable and want you to feel comfortable asking questions about your dental health. Do you want to know more about how new technology can help prevent decay? Do you have specific concerns about teeth whitening options? Are you wondering about the link between oral health and overall health? We want to listen to your questions and give you the information for you to make the best choices.

A Winning Smile Starts with Preventative Care:

By prioritizing preventative care, you’re investing in your long-term oral health and overall well-being (at any age). Regular checkups, cleanings, and consistent home care will keep you smiling for years to come. Your mouth is the gateway to your body. We know from research that there is a correlation between poor oral health and chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease. By having good oral hygiene, it keeps the oral bacteria from proliferating and spreading into the bloodstream where they can cause systemic disease. You have the choice to take control of your oral health and prevent health issues from emerging.

Dentist Near Me: Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Ready to take charge of your oral health and embark on a journey to a healthier, happier smile? Contact the best “dentist near me” / “dental implants near me” in the area- Lemont Dental Clinic/Gentle Touch Dentistry to schedule your initial appointment. Our friendly and experienced Palos Hills dentist team / Lemont dentist team is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and prioritize gentle techniques to ensure a positive dental experience for every patient. Let’s work together to keep your smile bright and healthy!