We want our patients to enjoy treats, snacks, and time with their loved ones this holiday season. At the same time, we also want patients to remember to care for their smiles. Whether patients schedule an appointment in our office or maintain their oral hygiene at home, we emphasize oral health in our Arlington Heights, IL office. Learn these tips to maintain your dental health during the holidays.
Maintaining Your Oral Health in Arlington Heights
There are several things you can do to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy over the holidays:
Drink Water
Hydration is important not only for your body but for your teeth and gums as well. Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth to wash away food particles and bacteria. Drinking water can help combat dry mouth and reduce the chance of developing a tooth or gum infection.
Minimize Sugar Intake
We want patients to enjoy holiday sweets and treats. However, moderation is also key! Too much sugar left in the mouth can attract bacteria. This bacteria feeds on food debris and irritates the surrounding tissues and enamel. When bacteria feed on sugars and starches, they produce acids that break down the tooth enamel and irritate the gum tissue. Remember to hydrate as you’re eating sweet snacks; drinking water can help wash away food debris and increase saliva production.
Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing and flossing daily keeps your teeth and gums healthy and removes decay-causing bacteria from the mouth. Avoid brushing your teeth and gums too hard, as aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, tooth wear, and bleeding gums. Brush with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste that does not contain abrasive ingredients like charcoal.
Remember to floss! Flossing is as important as brushing because flossing removes food debris and bacterial buildup from the teeth and gums. If you floss at least once a day, you can help prevent problems caused by bacterial buildup, like gum disease and tooth decay.
Schedule Dental Visits
We recommend that you visit the dentist biannually or every six months. These routine dental visits are important because we provide dental exams, x-rays, and cleanings to ensure patients are in good oral health. Cleanings help remove plaque and tartar from the mouth. Plaque is a film that hardens to form tartar or calculus. It can be difficult to reach certain areas of the mouth at home, so professional cleanings help offer preventative care against infection. Examinations and digital x-rays also help us see emerging signs of developing dental problems so we can provide the proper treatment for patients before symptoms worsen.
Is it time to schedule your next dental appointment? Call (847) 230-9703 or request a dental consultation with us on our website. Dr. Brent Engelberg and his professional dental team are excited to see you at your next dental visit!