Stop Tooth Decay with Preventive Dentistry

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Do you want healthy, strong teeth? Do you want to prevent the pain and discomfort that comes with cavities? The key to preventing tooth decay and tooth loss is investing in preventive dentistry from a dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL. Here’s what Schumer Family Dental Care can do to help you protect your teeth.

Professional Cleanings to Stop Tartar and Plaque

The most basic type of preventive dentistry is your dental cleanings. When you have your teeth professionally cleaned using a metal scaler and the skill of a dental hygienist, you significantly reduce your risk of both cavities and gum disease. At Schumer Family Dental Care, we recommend a minimum of two cleanings a year to maintain your oral health.

Sealants to Smooth Teeth

If you have a particularly rough surface on your teeth, we may recommend a dental sealant. This involves painting a thin, varnish-like material over the surface of the teeth. Sealants eliminate the ridges on molars that can allow food to get trapped at the surface of the tooth. This makes the tooth easier to clean and prevents the risk of tooth decay.

While anyone can have a sealant, a dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL, is most likely to recommend this treatment to children. Children tend to have rougher molar surfaces since they haven’t worn down much of the tooth, and they also tend to struggle with cleaning their teeth more than adults do.

Fluoride Treatment

Sometimes, our dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL, will recommend fluoride treatment as part of our preventive dentistry services. This helps reverse early tooth decay by helping remineralize the teeth that have begun to decay. Fluoride also protects against future decay for as much as six months. It’s a fast and easy treatment done in our office with minimal risk.

Regular Examinations

At your bi-annual cleaning, we’ll check your teeth thoroughly for signs of decay. This isn’t technically preventive since the decay has already started, it’s essential to prevent the decay from spreading. If we see issues, we can treat them early before you have complications.

The best way to prevent tooth decay is with preventive dentistry services. Reach out to Schumer Family Dental Care to schedule your checkup and cleaning today.

My Teeth Are Sensitive. What Should I Do?

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Tooth sensitivity can be an unfortunate problem to have, especially if you’re living your life in frequent discomfort. The dentist in Elk Grove Village IL, can help. Knowing what causes tooth sensitivity and what you can do about it can help you take control of your dental health. In this article, we’ll go over some of the things you should know about tooth sensitivity. If you have further questions, you can always give us a call. The dental professionals at Schumer Family Dental Care are here to help.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by many things. Here are some of the most common reasons that people experience tooth sensitivity:

  • Worn-down tooth enamel
  • Crack or chip in the teeth
  • Bruxism
  • Improper toothbrushing habits
  • Acidic foods
  • Gum recession
  • Gum disease
  • Recent dental work

What Can I Do About Sensitive Teeth?

Some types of tooth sensitivity, like sensitivity from recent dental work, are temporary. However, for most people, tooth sensitivity is a long-lasting problem. If you have been struggling with tooth sensitivity as an ongoing issue, talk to your dentist. Sometimes tooth sensitivity is a sign that a tooth has been injured or damaged.

Identifying the cause of your tooth sensitivity may be the first step to managing the problem. If you grind your teeth at night, for example, wearing a night guard can stop your teeth from getting further worn down.

Is Tooth Sensitivity a Sign of a Dental Problem?

Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of a dental problem, like a crack in your tooth enamel or tooth decay. If you’re noticing sudden tooth sensitivity in one tooth or one area of your mouth, this could be a sign of a cavity or a dental infection.

Have Sensitive Teeth? Contact Your Dentist For a Dental Exam In Elk Grove Village, IL

If you have sensitive teeth, contact your dentist for a dental exam in Elk Grove Village, IL. The dental professionals at Schumer Family Dental Care are happy to help you determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity and recommend next steps to stop sensitivity from getting worse.

What Does It Mean If My Gums Bleed When Brushing My Teeth?

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Gums aren’t supposed to bleed. If your gums bleed, this could be a sign of a problem like gum disease. Knowing the causes of bleeding gums and what you should do about this problem is important.

Your dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL, can help. We provide dental care to improve your oral health and hygiene. Bleeding gums can be a sign of a serious problem, so take action. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Gums to Bleed?

Conditions like gingivitis and gum disease can cause your gums to bleed. People also experience bleeding gums due to changes in health or certain conditions, such as pregnancy, diabetes, and leukemia. Smoking can also cause bleeding gums.

What Should I Do If I Notice My Gums Bleeding?

If you’ve noticed your gums bleeding, either during meals or when brushing your teeth, talk to your dentist. While you may experience this problem due to health changes like pregnancy or diabetes, you can also experience bleeding gums due to gum disease. Your dentist will be able to determine whether you have gum disease.

What Is the Cause of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection and inflammation in the mouth. Gum disease can occur due to a buildup of dental plaque and poor oral hygiene habits. Some people are at higher risk of gum disease due to their genetics.

What Should I Do If I Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a condition that leads to problems like gum recession, gum inflammation, and deterioration of the jawbone. Healthy gums help you maintain healthy teeth. If you have gum disease, it’s important to get help from a dental professional as soon as possible. Your dentist at Schumer Family Dental Care can provide treatment to help return your gums to good health.

Need Treatment for Gum Disease? Call Today

If you need treatment for gum disease, contact the dental professionals at Schumer Family Dental Care. We provide periodontal care in Elk Grove Village, IL, to people experiencing gum disease and gingivitis. To learn more, make an appointment for an examination and consultation.

5 Things You Can Do to Avoid Cavities In the New Year

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Cavities are painful and can put your teeth at risk of problems like dental infection. Some people get cavities more easily than others. If you commonly struggle with cavities, your dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL, can help. We provide advice to help our patients avoid cavities and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Below are five things you can do to avoid cavities in the new year.

1. Improve Your Toothbrushing Technique

Many people brush their teeth twice per day as they’re supposed to, but not everyone brushes their teeth well. You may have many bad toothbrushing habits you’re not aware of. Your dentist can help you identify ways that you can brush your teeth more effectively.

Talk to your dentist the next time you come in for a dental appointment. Ask your dentist to show you toothbrushing techniques to reach parts of your mouth that aren’t getting cleaned the way they should.

Consider getting an electric toothbrush, as well. Manual toothbrushes aren’t always the most effective tool for removing plaque and food particles from your mouth. Your dentist can recommend an electric toothbrush brand and model that will work for you.

2. Improve Your Diet and Nutrition

The food you eat affects your teeth in various ways. Diets high in sugar can lead to lots of cavities and tooth decay. Cut back on your sugar consumption. Eat crunchy raw vegetables like carrots and celery to help keep your teeth stronger and cleaner.

3. See the Dentist Regularly

See your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and examination. If you have a hard time making your appointments as often as you should, set a reminder in your calendar or on your phone to prompt you to make appointments.

4. Stay Hydrated

Saliva helps keep your teeth clean. If you’re not properly hydrated, you may not produce enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria. Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid sugary sodas and instead opt for water.

5. Consider Dental Sealants

If you frequently get cavities, you may be a good candidate for dental sealants. This protective coating helps prevent bacteria from damaging your tooth enamel.

Is it time for a teeth cleaning in Elk Grove Village, IL? Call today to make your next dental appointment.

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Top 5 Tips to Maintain Good Dental Health This Fall

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Your dental health matters, but maintaining good dental health is more difficult at certain times of year. As fall leads into winter, holiday events can lead to excess sugar consumption and poor dental health. Your dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL can help by providing advice and good dental care. Below, we’ve listed some of the things you can do to take care of your teeth this fall.

1. Control Sugar Intake

Sugar is the enemy of healthy teeth! While it’s hard to avoid sugar at holiday meals and family events, you can control your sugar intake on normal days by stocking your fridge and pantry with healthy snacks. Boiled eggs, nuts, cheese, and carrot sticks are all examples of healthy snacks that you can keep on hand to fill your stomach and protect your teeth.

2. Change Your Toothbrush When It’s Time

Change your toothbrush every three months. If you don’t remember the last time you changed your toothbrush, this may be a great time to swap your old toothbrush for a new one. If it fits into your budget, consider an electric toothbrush to keep your teeth clean. Electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and keeping your teeth healthy.

3. Time Yourself As You Brush Your Teeth

Brush your teeth for two minutes each time. If you have an electric toothbrush, your toothbrush will probably shut off after two minutes of use. If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, get a timer or use a timer on your phone to ensure that you’re brushing your teeth for long enough.

4. Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth is bad for your teeth and gums, because saliva helps keep your teeth clean. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and swish with water after eating.

5. Get a Dental Checkup

You should see the dentist for dental checkups in Elk Grove Village, IL every six months. If it’s been more than six months since you saw the dentist at Schumer Family Dental Care, call today to make your next dental appointment.