Yearly trips to a general dentistry center are the best way to prioritize your oral health. These annual visits allow you to pursue disease prevention, cosmetic treatments, and restorative procedures. But, that’s not all. Regular visits with a trusted general dentist give you unbridled access to all the information you need about your smile.
Do you have questions about the health and appearance of your smile? Let Thomas F. Brown and his team teach you everything you need to know about getting healthy teeth and gums. Schedule your next visit at our general dentistry center in Naperville, IL, at (630) 369-3120 now!
It’s not always easy to know which questions to ask during your appointment. That’s why our team is here to give you some ideas about important questions you can ask the next time you’re in the dentist’s chair.
Are my gums receding?
Gum recession is a serious issue that can be caused by a number of factors, such as:
- Excessive tartar buildup around the teeth
- Over-brushing (brushing harder or longer than necessary)
- Accidental injury to the gum tissue
- Gum disease
- Some dental misalignments
- Oral piercings and jewelry
- Tobacco use (smokeless or otherwise)
If left unchecked, receding gum tissue can lead to tooth decay, significant discomfort, and, indeed, permanent tooth loss. Pinpointing the cause of gum recession is key to regenerating healthy tissue and preventing devastating conditions in the not-so-distant future.
Is my diet affecting my oral health?
Have you heard of the oral-systemic connection? Experts have found that the health of our bodies is inextricably linked to the health of our mouths, and vice versa. This means that our mouths cannot function optimally if the health of our bodies is failing.
Unsurprisingly, diet plays a major role in our overall health, and, subsequently, our oral health. So, a diet that is high in processed foods, added sugar, and extra sodium may end up causing:
- Mineral deficiencies
- Inflammation
- Disease
- Dysfunction
Unfortunately, all of these factors can quickly deteriorate the health and appearance of your smile. Discussing your current diet at your next general dentistry appointment can help you prioritize smile-friendly foods, like:
- Lean proteins
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Calcium-rich dairy products
What is the best way to floss?
When it comes to flossing, we all have our own unique way of doing it. And many would argue that flossing at all is the best way to floss (which is true!). But, here are a few ways that you can improve your flossing technique:
- Use string floss to scrape the sides of teeth in a C-like pattern
- Apply some toothpaste to the string floss for added cavity protection
- Be sure to get the floss below the gumline
- Move the string floss as you go (don’t keep using the same inch of floss for your entire mouth)
- Use a water flosser to rinse out deep periodontal pockets
Schedule a General Dentistry Appointment in Naperville, IL
Has it been longer than six months since your last trip to a general dentistry center in Naperville, IL? If so, then it’s time to make an appointment with Dr. Thomas Brown and his skilled team. Simply call our team at (630) 369-3120 or reach us online here to get started!