Most Insurances Accepted. We Do Not Accept HMO Insurances, but Do Offer Payment Plans.
Most Insurances Accepted. We Do Not Accept Medicaid, State Insurances or HMO Plans, but Do Offer Payment Plans.
As people get older, the average number of missing teeth increases from 0.7 at ages 20-34 to 3.8 at ages 50-64, according to the CDC's 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report. This shocking statistic stresses the importance of taking care of your teeth at every stage of life. Tooth loss can make eating difficult, impact speech, and lower self-confidence.
By following expert advice, you can keep your teeth strong and healthy for life. Simple daily routines, regular dental check-ups, and smart food choices all play a role in preventing tooth loss. Discussed below are these tips in detail.
Dr. Marko Vujicic of the ADA (American Dental Association) Health Policy Institute believes that a golden era of oral health is coming because of the convergence of trends. This means that more people have a chance to take better care of their teeth, and you can be one of them by following simple daily habits. Brushing the teeth at least twice a day with dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day are simple habits you can adopt.
If you don't brush and floss, plaque builds up, leading to bad breath, cavities, and gum infections. Gum disease doesn't always cause pain at first, so many people don't realize they have it until it's too late. However, a good oral hygiene routine can prevent this problem and improve dental health.
It's also important to use the right brushing and flossing technique. Brush gently in small circles to clean every tooth, and floss carefully to reach between them. A soft-bristled toothbrush works best because it cleans well without hurting your gums.
As a key ingredient in mouthwash, fluoride helps repair weak enamel and prevent cavities. Many mouthwashes also fight bacteria that cause gum disease and bad breath. Selecting a dentist-recommended option ensures you receive the most effective protection for your oral health.
For best results, use mouthwash at a different time than brushing so the fluoride from your toothpaste stays on your teeth longer. Swish it gently around the mouth for about 30 seconds, and don't rinse with water right after. This simple habit makes a big difference in keeping your teeth strong.
What you eat affects your teeth. Choosing the right foods can keep your teeth healthy for life. Some of the tooth-friendly foods you can add to your strong teeth diet include:
Eating these foods can help you avoid cavities and gum disease. Figure out those that your body can tolerate and experiment with different recipes to make eating fun. Either way, a healthy diet also benefits your overall health, keeping you strong and energized.
A dry mouth allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath, gum disease, and decay. Even worse, sugary drinks like soda and juice can make things worse by feeding the bacteria that cause cavities. Choosing water instead of sugary drinks helps prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth strong.
Fluoridated water adds even more protection by strengthening enamel. Drinking water throughout the day also helps your body produce saliva, which naturally fights bacteria. It's one of the simplest and most accessible ways to keep your smile healthy.
Excessive smoking and drinking can harm your teeth and gums. These habits increase plaque, stain teeth, and increase gum disease risk. If you drink or smoke, quit or cut back as part of the natural ways to strengthen teeth and keep them longer.
Smoking reduces blood flow to your sensitive gums, making healing from infections harder. On the other hand, alcohol dries out your mouth, which allows bacteria to grow and cause decay. Together, they make it much easier for gum disease to develop and lead to tooth loss.
The effects of smoking and alcohol go beyond just your mouth. You may develop serious health problems such as oral cancer. Making healthier choices now will benefit your teeth and your overall well-being.
Protecting your teeth from cracks, chips, and wear is important for keeping them strong. Simple precautions now can save you from expensive dental work later. Here are some oral hygiene tips to observe:
A little protection goes a long way in preventing broken or worn-down teeth. It can help you avoid dental problems in the future.
Seeing a dentist every six months helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. The checkups involve professional cleanings to remove plaque and exams to catch small problems before they become serious. They can help you avoid painful and expensive dental treatments when done regularly.
A study funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) found that when doctors talk to parents about oral health, children are more likely to see a dentist. The study showed that quick oral exams and referrals during medical checkups helped parents take better care of their children's teeth. This proves that good dental habits start early and can make a lifelong difference.
Skipping dentist visits allows plaque and gum disease to get worse over time. By not going, you won't get personalized advice on oral care. So, keeping up with dental visits can benefit your smile.
Preventing tooth loss is achievable with simple daily habits. Brushing, flossing, consuming healthy foods, and visiting the dentist all help keep your teeth strong. Take care of your teeth now to enjoy a healthy smile for years.
At Ivanhoe Dental Group, we help people keep their teeth strong and healthy. If you need a trusted dentist in Riverdale, IL, we're here for you. Call (708) 607-6854 or book an appointment online now.
Dr. Munther Salem grew up in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Benedictine University. He then attended the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Salem is an active member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, and Illinois State Dental Society. Dr. Salem has also been on two medical mission trips to Jerusalem treating special needs children. Dr. Salem enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and daughter. Dr. Salem is happy to be back in the South Suburbs where he grew up to provide excellent patient care to the Ivanhoe Family.
Dr. Shah completed his dental education at Boston University School of Dental Medicine and has been practicing dentistry since 1999. In the years since, he has devoted himself to creating an environment in which patients know they are welcome as soon as they walk in the door. He is focused on providing excellent dental care and helping patients stay comfortable throughout their visits. Dr. Shah believes in giving patients the time to ask questions about their health and providing them with knowledgeable answers.
Dr. Gurukkal is new to the windy city and excited to join the Ivanhoe team. She was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She received her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Kentucky. She then pursued her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Louisville. After graduation, she completed an Advanced Education of General Dentistry residency at A.T Still University in Arizona. Dr. Gurukkal has always had a passion for healthcare. She understands the importance of oral health and how it can have a profound impact on your overall health. She enjoys taking her time to get to know her patients in order to provide them with the highest quality of care. Her goal is to create an environment where patients can feel safe and comfortable to get the treatment they deserve. Dr. Gurukkal is an active member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society. She devotes her time to continuing education in order to stay current with the latest advancements of dentistry.
Outside the clinic she has spent time volunteering in her local community as well as abroad. In her free time, Dr. Gurukkal loves traveling and spending time with her family.
A firm believer in patient education, Dr. Arrieta is a specialist in periodontics, the treatment of all the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, and the placement of dental implants. Dr. Arrieta’s skills enable many patients to complete their entire treatment plans at our location, avoiding the necessity of being referred to another office.
After completing his undergraduate studies at Loyola University, where he also made the Dean’s List, Dr. Arrieta earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Northwestern University School of Dentistry. He continued his advanced specialist training at the University of Iowa where he received his Certificate in Periodontics.
Dr. Ravneet Bhullar grew up in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs! Soon after Dr. Bhullar earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Dr. Bhullar is an active member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Bhullar loves helping his patients' smile and helping them to maintain their oral health. When Dr. Bhullar is not in the office, he enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with his fiancée and their lovely cavalier poodle named Bean. Everyday Dr. Bhullar looks forward to learning more about his patients and providing them with all their dental needs!
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