Park Ridge Dentists Discuss Better Dental Hygiene

Dental technology has provided us with the means to effectively treat virtually any dental health issue and restore smiles to their former health and function. Nevertheless, prevention remains the most effective method for preserving a smile’s integrity, and brushing and flossing your teeth every day is at the forefront of successfully protecting dental health. Your Park Ridge dentists, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas, explain the tenets of good dental hygiene at home, including ways to increase your hygiene’s effectiveness.

The Right Tools

Removing dental plaque, food debris, and minor teeth stains isn’t the same as cleaning dirt off of your skin. The enamel surrounding teeth is resilient, but still sensitive. Harsh scrubbing can strip the protective layer from teeth and leave them vulnerable to bacterial infection.  We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on its packaging. Use toothpaste with fluoride to help strengthen enamel, and carefully floss between every tooth at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.

An Overview of Good Hygiene

Dental plaque is the result of accumulating oral bacteria, and controlling it is a vital focus of good hygiene. As living organisms, oral bacteria consume and metabolize nutrients, some of them turning sugar and carbohydrates into enamel-dissolving acid. To limit tooth enamel’s exposure to acid and reduce the risk of tooth infection, limit snacking throughout the day, especially on sweets. Aside from brushing and flossing, be sure to visit your Park Ridge dentist’s office at least once every six months for a regular dental checkup and cleaning. Our talented hygienists will thoroughly clean teeth above and below the gum line to eliminate plaque and its calcified form, tartar. During your examination, Dr. Loukas will inspect your entire oral cavity for signs of dental disease, and consult with you to treat any detected issues before extensive damage occurs.

Learn More from Your Park Ridge Dentists

To learn more about effective dental hygiene, including ways to improve your daily hygiene routine, schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas by calling your Park Ridge dentists’ office at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.