A healthy lifestyle supports good overall health, quality of life, and longevity. Preventive dental care is key to maintaining cognitive and whole-body health. Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard offers all the services your family needs to prevent oral health issues, while also promoting great oral and overall health.
Preventive dental care includes:
- Checkups
- Cleanings
- Fluoride
- Sealants
- Mouthguards (for sports, snoring, and teeth grinding)
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding sugary, starchy snacks
Let’s brush up on some of these topics!
Checkups and Cleanings
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that children see the family dentist by one year of age, when teeth begin to erupt, and when abnormalities are found in the mouth. Toddlers should get annual checkups until they’re old enough to sit still for dental cleanings–which is usually around age five.
From age five to 105, people should visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
Dental Checkups
Checkups involve a thorough assessment of teeth, gums, jaw joints, occlusion, head, and neck. Dr. Glud will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, teeth grinding, enamel erosion, and other dental conditions that affect oral function and health, as well as quality of life and overall health. She may take x-rays and intraoral images to diagnose issues that need to be addressed with restorative or prosthetic dentistry.
In addition, if you want to learn about cosmetic dental procedures, like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, your semi-annual checkup is a great time to ask.
Why should you get a checkup every six months?
Undetected and untreated oral health conditions can result in systemic health problems. For instance, gum disease affects half of all Americans, is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and is associated with increased risk for:
- Stroke
- Heart attack and endocarditis
- Respiratory conditions
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Low-weight births
- Diabetes and diabetes complications
Dental Hygiene Cleanings
Patients who see Dr. Glud every six months and do not have gum disease may book a dental cleaning in conjunction with a checkup. Those with a history of gum disease and those who don’t get six-month checkups and cleanings should schedule a separate appointment with the dental hygienist, so she can take time to conduct a deep cleaning if necessary.
Preventive Dental Care for the Whole Family
Dr. Glud and our team love children–even teenagers! As a mom, Dr. Glud understands how to communicate effectively with young people and parents.
Dental Sealants
We provide dental sealants for kids up to about age 14. These clear plastic coatings applied to molars create a barrier against decay and acids that can harm tooth enamel.
Fluoride
Adults and kids benefit from professional fluoride application. In most cases, kids who drink tap water ingest a good amount of fluoride to help their primary and permanent teeth grow strong. However, a little boost from topical fluoride can only help strengthen enamel against decay.
In contrast, fully developed permanent teeth do not gain anything from ingested fluoride. Teens and adults need topical fluoride to attract enamel-strengthening minerals. A fluoride treatment takes mere minutes and can be done after your dental cleaning.
Mouthguards
Additionally, patients of any age who play sports should wear a protective mouthguard to keep teeth safe during practice and games. Dr. Glud offers custom-fit mouthguards for comfort and optimal protection. You can also opt for a boil-and-bite guard from your local sporting goods store.
Mouthguards aren’t just for sports, though. Different types of guard, like night guards and sleep guards, can deter snoring, sleep apnea, and teeth grinding (bruxism). If Dr. Glud notices wear on your molars, she may recommend a mouthguard to prevent nighttime teeth grinding.
Daily Oral Homecare
Every day, you should perform preventive dental care tasks to support good oral health at home. Brush morning and evening, and floss before brushing at night. Use a fluoridated mouthwash and tongue scraper for additional protection against plaque, cavities, gum disease, and enamel erosion.
Drink plenty of water, at least eight, eight-ounce glasses per day, and rinse after eating starches, including sugary beverages and foods. Consume a healthy diet with plenty of calcium, and you’ll be well on your way to a lifetime of great oral health!
Partner with a Respected Family Dentist
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud and our team serve patients of all ages with preventive dental care, as well as restorative, prosthetic, and orthodontic issues. Call us today at 630-629-5700 to schedule your cleaning, checkup, or second-opinion visit, or contact us through our website.
