Stay In-the-Know with Our Fairview Heights Dental Office

We believe in creating a relationship with our patients that goes beyond the office doors. We've specifically created this section of our site to share with you important news and informational dental blogs from our Fairview Heights family dental practice.

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Your Fairview Heights Cosmetic Dentists

How to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Our Office Shares Fun Ways to Get Your Kids Excited about Dental Care

Many kids are averse to brushing, and as a parent, it can be difficult to get them to brush regularly. Kids will be sneaky as they try to avoid brushing, so how do you get them to want to brush their teeth? Learn more with the help of our dentist!

 

Make it a Game

For younger kids making brushing their teeth, a game is a great way to get them to start brushing regularly. Fighting the sugar bugs, or the tooth monsters is a great idea that can get them excited about brushing twice a day.

 

Let Them Pick Their Tools

Kids like to feel independent so letting them pick their toothbrush and toothpaste can make them feel empowered and encourage a desire to brush their teeth. They get to use their cool toothbrushes and their awesome toothpaste to brush away those tiny tooth monsters.

 

Start Early

This is essential, getting them excited about brushing their teeth early will make this daily habit easier to enforce as they get older. Learning to brush their teeth while their young seriously reduces the probability that they’ll see not brushing their teeth as a sign of rebellion later in their teen years.

 

Positive Language

One way you can make a positive impact on your child is by using positive language and a positive angle with brushing your teeth. Don’t threaten that they’ll have a bad smile, or that their teeth will break down, paint a triumphant picture. Paint your child as the hero, slaying the sugar bugs in their mouth. Using positive language and tactics will get them excited about brushing.

 

If you’re still having trouble getting your kids to brush their teeth, feel free ask at your next appointment with our dentist for more tips to get them brushing again! Call our office to schedule your visit and our front desk staff will happily assist you.

 

Summer Dental Tips on the Go
Summer is officially in full swing! We know how busy your summer schedule gets and since it’s time to enjoy the beautiful weather, it’s important to enjoy it with a shining smile. Whether you’re going on a trip soon or your days are completely full, our Fairview Heights family dentist doesn’t want your dental health to be pushed to the wayside and forgotten. Let’s take a look at some easy and simple ways to take care of your teeth and gums while you’re on the go so your smile can stay healthy all summer long!
 
Carry a Travel Toothbrush
Let’s face it – sometimes, we forget to brush our teeth in the morning, especially if we’re in a rush. If your schedule is tight, you may not realize that you’ve forgotten to brush your teeth until you’re already out the door and it’s too late to turn around and go back. Without brushing your teeth in the morning, your smile is vulnerable throughout the day and you won’t be able to properly clean it until you get home.
 
By carrying a travel toothbrush – something small, compact, and easy to store – you’re able to keep your smile fresh even when you’re on the move. The importance of brushing your teeth in the morning is to remove the excess residue that built up overnight, as well as protecting your teeth throughout the day with the help of your toothpaste’s protective ingredients. Travel-sized toothbrushes and toothpastes are found in most convenient and drug stores – you can even get them at our office after your routine appointments!
 
Don’t Forget to Floss!
Every morning and night during your brushing routine, it’s important to remember flossing, too! This step cleans the hard-to-reach places between your teeth that your toothbrush bristles simply can’t clean to the best of their ability. Without flossing, that stubborn bacteria and lingering food particles are sticking around and slowly but surely causing havoc to your smile.
 
If you find yourself forgetting to floss every morning and night, try carrying it around with your travel kit! Leave floss in your car, purse, bag, desk, and anywhere that you check on a regular basis to remind you of this important step. This doesn’t require a sink and some water and can be done anywhere. While it’s certainly not a glamorous habit, your smile will thank you in the long run – and so will we!
 
Enjoy Sugar-Free Gum
A beneficial habit you begin is chewing sugar-free gum. If you find yourself forgetting to brush your teeth in the morning before you’ve left the house, enjoying sugar-free gum help to stimulate saliva flow in your mouth. Your saliva works to clear away plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums to protect them from bacterial build-up and lowers your risk of cavities. Don’t hesitate to ask our team about which sugar-free gums are best to use (hint: they usually have an ADA seal on them!).
 
There are countless other ways to keep your smile healthy while you’re on the move this summer, so be sure to ask our Fairview Heights family dentist during your next routine cleaning! Call our office at (618) 622-1800 to get ahead of schedule so the rest of your summer vacation will be a breeze.
 
Benefits of Orthodontics for All Ages
Looking for a straighter smile? If you’ve never had orthodontic treatment as a teen and are looking for ways to correct your dental alignment, there are options available for adults. It’s never too late to straighten your teeth so you’re confidently sharing your smile with the world. Our dentist in Fairview Heights breaks down orthodontics, including its benefits and common concerns patients may have.
 
Why Orthodontics?
Let’s start at the very basics. When it comes to your oral health, it’s essentially a window into your overall health. You may not know it, but if your teeth and gums aren’t properly taken care of, you’re at risk for other health issues. By ignoring certain care, your oral health isn’t the only thing that’s vulnerable, but it is the beginning. With the help of orthodontic treatment, you’re able to ensure proper function of your teeth and maintain a long-lasting and healthy smile.
 
Orthodontics isn’t solely done to improve the aesthetics of your grin. If your teeth are properly aligned, you’ll have an easier time biting, chewing, and speaking. You’ll also have an easier time cleaning your teeth, even the hard-to-reach places in the back, since misaligned teeth give patients a harder time properly maintaining them during their daily routine. Without addressing misalignment in a timely manner, your tooth enamel will wear down in abnormal ways, causing extensive and expensive corrections in your future.
 
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, there is no quick fix, so don’t be fooled by any promotions that promise speed. It’s a complex and intricate process that ensures your teeth are being properly aligned in an efficient and safe method that has been thoroughly studied for years by thousands of dental professionals. It’s more than adjusting your smile – your facial structure is being changed, as well, so everyone’s treatment will be different and unique depending on their case. We encourage patients to ask as many questions as possible about their treatment to ensure comfort, expectations, and results.
 
Age and Orthodontic Treatment
One of the most well-known recommendations when it comes to orthodontic treatment is to receive care as early as possible. The American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than the age of 7. This age is chosen because kids have enough permanent teeth for orthodontists to evaluate their developing teeth and jaw, finding enough information to decide what the next best step is. Orthodontists are also able to monitor children’s developing teeth and jaw over time and make sure that either things are going in the right direction or that treatment is necessary.
 
If you’re well past the age of 7 and haven’t had any orthodontic treatment, you may be thinking: well, what next? Thankfully, adults’ teeth can be moved, too. Our dentist in Fairview Heights wants patients not to feel discouraged from receiving orthodontic treatment at any age since there are always options available. One of the biggest differences between kids and teens getting orthodontic treatment compared to adults is the length of treatment time – since adults are no longer growing, their teeth may take longer to be properly shifted in the correct place. Like we’ve mentioned, everyone’s smile is different, so don’t be afraid to ask any and all questions and concerns you have to ensure all of your inquiries are addressed.
 
Still wondering if orthodontics is the right step for your smile this Summer? Call our dentist in Fairview Heights today at (618) 622-1800 to learn more and see how your smile can get more than just an aesthetic upgrade with the help of orthodontic treatment.
 
Avoiding Dental Visits
It’s no secret that countless patients aren’t fond of visiting the dentist. Whether it’s due to your personal anxiety or putting off an issue that should be addressed, it may have been some time since you’ve gone to the dentist and now it’s time! Scheduling an appointment with our family dentist in Fairview Heights is a huge hurdle to make, but first let’s break down the worries and fears and why battling these issues is the best choice for your smile.
 
Finding the Perfect Dentist
One of the many difficulties patients run into is finding the best dentist that’s right for their oral health. When searching for a professional in your area, the results may be overwhelming! This is where it’s important to know what you’re looking for when it comes to a dental professional like our family dentist in Fairview Heights.
 
When visiting a website, be sure it has all these things:
 
Easy, simple, and quick accessibility
The information you need upfront – phone number, address, etc.
The dental services or procedures you need or may look for in the future
Helpful information about the staff and office environment
 
Your goals deserve to be met and your worries deserve to be addressed. Our staff understands that every patient has their own concerns when it comes to their dental health and we want to make you feel as comfortable as possible. We pride ourselves in carrying an open dialogue with every patient to ensure their needs are being heard and met. There is no wrong or uninformative question – we encourage you to ask any and everything you’re wondering so we can provide the knowledge you need for a healthier smile.
 
Why Avoiding the Dentist is a Costly Choice
There are numerous dental problems that go by unnoticed, getting worse and worse until it becomes painful! Therefore, we highly encourage visiting every six months for a routine cleaning and check-up. While brushing and flossing regularly is helpful, there are areas that even this daily routine can’t properly clean. Your teeth may look great and feel great, but there is constant bacterial buildup that can only be cleaned off by a professional.
 
If you’ve experienced a sharp pain in your tooth, only for it to go away after a moment, this is still worthy of addressing to our family dentist in Fairview Heights. These are warning signs, your smile trying to tell you that something is wrong, so just because the pain goes away doesn’t mean it won’t come back. We want all patients to tell us every sharp, dull, short, or long-lasting pain they’ve experienced so we can address it as early as possible and get your dental health back on the right track.
 
By avoiding going to the dentist every six months, every year, and longer, your smile may not be the only thing that suffers. Your oral health is well connected to your overall health, so if there’s an untreated infection, it may lead into your bloodstream. As time goes on, complications will continue to arise, so visiting our office for a thorough exam goes a long way.
 
The priority of our family dentist in Fairview Heights is to provide a healthy and long-lasting smile for every patient that walks through our doors. Give our office a call at (618) 622-1800 to discuss when your last appointment was, what your concerns are, and we’ll work together to restore and improve your dental health. It’s not too late to have the smile you want!
 
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
This April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 54,000 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2021. Every appointment with our Fairview Heights dentist scans for any signs or symptoms, which is why it’s extremely important to maintain your routine visits to our office. Learn more about oral cancer below, including causes, symptoms, and treatments.
 
There are multiple areas that oral cancer is detected – the lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, sinuses, throat, and the hard and soft palates. If it’s not diagnosed and treated early, it may be life threatening. There are several risk factors for oral cancer, some that may be more obvious than others. According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer and men over the age of 50 face the greatest risk.
 
Further risks include tobacco use, whether by smoking or other tobacco products. People who smoke cigarettes and cigars are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers. People who use other tobacco products like chewing tobacco are 50 times more likely to develop a form of oral cancer in their cheeks, gums, and the linings of their lips due to the direct and immediate contact. Oral cancer is not the only health risk of tobacco use, but it is one of the greatest risks.
 
Other risk factors include excessive consumption of alcohol, which is six times more common in those who drink than others, a family history of cancer, excessive sun exposure, and certain HPV strains. It is also important to note that over 25% of the instances of oral cancer occur in people who do not smoke and only drink occasionally. Because of this information, visiting our office every six months for routine scans and x-rays is a small price to pay to catch any symptoms you may be experiencing.
 
Here are the most common symptoms of oral cancer:
Lumps, bumps, swelling, or tough spots around the lips, gums, or other areas inside your mouth
White, red, or speckled patches in your mouth
Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
Persistent sores that bleed easily and don’t go away or heal within 2 weeks
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Chronic sore throat, as if something is caught in the back of your throat
And more
 
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, or something simply just doesn’t feel right when it comes to your mouth, teeth, or gums, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with our Fairview Heights dentist right away to address these issues.
 
During your routine dental exam, we’ll conduct an oral cancer screening. We’ll externally check for any lumps or irregularities in your neck, face, and oral cavity. When we examine your mouth, we’ll look for any sores, discolored tissues, or other notable symptoms or signs. If we find a suspicious area, we call for a biopsy for further examination. We’ll explain the different kinds of biopsies and which one we find is best for you, since no two smiles or treatments are the same.
 
To get ahead and prevent oral cancer, there are simple but notorious changes that patients can make to protect their smile. Quitting the harmful habit of tobacco use will sharply cut down your chances of oral cancer, but other prevention methods include a well-balanced diet and properly caring for your skin when exposed to the sun with the help of protective lotions and lip balms. Ask us about ways to potentially detect any symptoms or signs early, including conducting a self-exam at home.
 
Call our office at (618) 622-1800 to schedule your routine visit and ask us more about oral cancer as well as numerous ways to protect your smile, not just today, but every day. 
 
Time for Your Spring Cleaning
It’s officially Spring! After a long and dreary winter, it’s time to break out and enjoy the sun. As you begin your spring cleaning throughout your home, it’s important to schedule the spring cleaning for your smile. Let your teeth and gums stay healthy and happy through the warmer months by scheduling your routine cleaning and exam with our dentist in Fairview Heights before you’re swept away in all the fun in the sun.
 
During Your Spring Cleaning
When you visit our office for your cleaning and exam, we’ll catch you up to speed on how your dental health is and answer any questions or concerns you have about your smile. We’re here to help and we want to ensure you’re getting the cleanest, strongest smile possible.
 
Our dentist in Fairview Heights will perform a thorough exam first to see what’s changed since your last visit. If it’s been over a year, it’s likely that x-rays will be taken so we can see what’s under the surface. With the help of x-rays, we’re able to see what can’t be seen with the naked eye and address any problems in their early stages in order to prevent them from worsening. There are numerous dental issues that, if addressed too late, cannot be reversed including gum disease.
 
After this, you’ll receiving your cleaning from one of our amazing hygienists. The build-up of plaque and bacteria will be efficiently removed from those hard-to-reach places that can’t be done at home. Then, we’ll polish your teeth to increase the resistance of stain and bacterial build-up on the surface to further protect your smile. Around this time, we encourage you to ask all questions you have about your dental health that our professionals can assist with, whether it be tips to better care at home or other procedures that may benefit your smile.
 
Starting Fresh
Now that you’re starting fresh with your newly cleansed smile, be sure to keep up the care! Adjust your daily routine to make sure you’re brushing AND flossing every single day. You’ve got a clean slate and it’s time to keep it that way. Be sure that you are:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day, every day, for at least two minutes. Your brushing routine should be careful, but thorough. Aggressively brushing your teeth won’t make them any cleaner – in fact, that will do more harm than good! Small, gentle circles are the best way to give your teeth and gums the best cleaning possible.
- Floss, floss, floss! This step is usually skipped and trust us, we can tell. It’s essential for warding off cavities, plaque buildup, and gum disease. Try flossing after your meals and be sure to floss before bed, too.
- Wondering about mouthwash? There are several kinds of mouthwashes that have different treatments, so don’t hesitate to ask our team about if mouthwash is right for you and which to try.
 
Benefits of Routine Cleanings
One of the most common reasons that people skip their routine visits to the dentist is that they don’t see anything wrong with their smile, so there’s no reason to go. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t the case. Many dental issues can’t be seen with the naked eye until they’ve gotten so extreme that extreme, advanced measures need to be taken. As dental health professionals, we don’t want you to get to that step! It will be completely avoided if you maintain your bi-annual visits for cleanings, exams, and x-rays.
 
 By visiting our dentist in Fairview Heights every six months, you’re ensuring the following benefits for your smile:
- Healthier teeth and gums
- Fresher breath
- Brighter teeth
- Reduced risk for dental problems
- Improved overall health
- And more!
 
Call us today at (618) 622-1800 to get your spring cleaning started and ask us about ways to maintain a routine to protect, improve and strengthen your smile. We can’t wait to see you!
 
What to Expect at Your Latest Dental Visit
Visiting the dentist, while a seemingly simple appointment, is something that countless people dread! Whether it’s the uncertainty of your results or due to previously difficult experiences, these moments may keep you from taking the next step and scheduling your appointment. The goal of our Fairview Heights dentist is to give you the healthiest and happiest smile possible. Below, we’ll break down what patients should expect when visiting our office.
 
Before Your Visit
We want everyone to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible before their visit to our office, so there are helpful steps to take that will put you at ease before you even walk through our doors!
 
We encourage patients to ask as many questions as they would like to put your mind at ease when it comes to your appointment. From how long a cleaning and exam typically takes for a first visit in a long time to inquiring about your current insurance, there are numerous things that patients may not have the answers to, and we are here to help. When it comes to paperwork, we will either guide you to our online forms or send you copies to print and fill out in the comfort of your own home. If you have any concerns about the contents of the forms, don’t hesitate to ask us!
 
During Your Visit
Once you’re called back for your appointment, our Fairview Heights dentist will meet with you to take a look at your teeth and gums. During this time, we’re checking out how your teeth have been since your last appointment. X-rays will almost always be necessary to see what’s lying underneath your smile since our team can’t see everything about your smile with the naked eye. Most dental issues can be spotted early with the help of x-rays, so without them, some dental problems may be irreversible if they go unaddressed for too long!
 
If you’re experiencing any dental pain during your appointment, please let us know right away. We want to give you the best possible experience – your comfort is just as important to us as your dental health.
 
During your cleaning, our hygienists will thoroughly exam and clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth to get rid of the built-up plaque and bacteria. We recommend visiting our office every six months so this build up doesn’t get out of control and can be better and easier removed during your appointments.
 
If there are any other issues brought up by our team, we’ll thoroughly discuss them with you and when the best time to return to our office is.
 
After Your Visit
After you’ve finished your cleaning, it’s important to schedule your next appointment! That gives you the best choice of appointment dates and times, as well as eliminates the possibility of forgetting to schedule it in the future. It’s quick and efficient to do it right after your appointment before leaving the office. Be sure to jot down the date and time in your phones and calendars with reminders, so once the time approaches, you’ll have just enough time to prepare for your routine visit.
 
If you have any questions about your future appointments or other services we offer at our practice, don’t hesitate to give our Fairview Heights dentist a call at (618) 622-1800 and we’ll happily assist you in any and all of your concerns.
 
Create Your New Years' Smile
We’re no stranger to New Years resolutions, but it’s time to make 2021 the best it can be! That starts with improving our own overall health, which includes our smile. While you may not believe it, there are countless people that have dental resolutions they wish to address. Whether you’re trying to rework your daily dental routine to include more healthy habits or you would like a complete smile makeover, our dentist in Fairview is here to assist you in every way possible!
 
Below, we’ll break down steps whether big or small that will help you on your journey towards an overall healthier smile. Consistency is key!
 
Growth Starts at Home
One of the most important places to start working towards your goal is at home. You’re ideally only visiting our office twice a year, so during those long stretches of time in between your appointments, your dental care is in your hands. It’s no secret that brushing and flossing are necessary for a healthy smile, but how closely are you following this daily routine? Are there mornings when you’re in a hurry and may have skipped brushing your teeth? Did you forget to floss yesterday? Are you brushing for the full two minutes?
 
Since consistency is key, it’s important to keep up with brushing and flossing your teeth and gums twice a day, every day. If you fall into a pattern of skipping or forgetting, your dental health is at risk. Try leaving notes or reminders for yourself, whether on your phone or in your bathroom, so you’re less likely to forget. If you have trouble of brushing for at least two minutes, try integrating your favorite song or jingle to make the time go by faster.
 
When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? If the bristles are aggressively frayed, it’s far past time for a new brush! To ensure an efficient brushing, we recommend changing your toothbrush every three months. Frayed and broken bristles aren’t properly cleaning your teeth and gums as well as a new brush would, so don’t get too attached to an ineffective tool. Be sure to change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick – that harmful bacteria sticks around and can easily get you sick again!
 
A Healthier Lifestyle
One of the most popular resolutions for the New Year typically have to do with dietary changes. There are many choices that are beneficial but keep an eye on how your new diet affects your smile, as well. If you’re changing your eating habits, like additional healthy snacking throughout the day, you’ll have to also include the number of times you floss. Leaving food particles to sit in between your teeth throughout the day, no matter how healthy they are, put your teeth at risk for cavities and decay. Carry around a pack of floss and ADA approved sugar-free gum to neutralize acids and reduce the build-up of bacteria.
 
Smile Transformation Services
To begin your journey towards the smile of your dreams, take the first step and schedule a consultation with our dentist in Fairview Heights. There are numerous services available, but we must find which one is best suited for your smile. Every patient is different and has their own unique smile, which means your treatment won’t be the same as anyone else’s!
 
If you’re looking for a brighter smile, there are several teeth whitening options available. From over the counter to in-office treatments, we want your smile to shine! We encourage you to ask all questions you have regarding these different options to see what would give you the most natural-looking results. There are whitening toothpastes that may benefit your teeth, as well.
 
Have you been thinking about braces, but feel like you’re too old for them? Don’t fear – braces are for patients of all ages! Like we said, everyone’s treatment is different, so we’ll thoroughly discuss what is the best path to align your teeth. Thankfully, there are alternate options like invisible or clear braces that won’t disrupt your professional appearance while also straightening your smile into its proper place.
 
If you’re missing one or multiple teeth, ask us about replacement options like bridges, dentures, or dental implants. Going long periods of time without filling in those gaps in your smile causes your remaining teeth to shift to fill that space again. This causes a change of facial structure, vulnerable and exposed gums and roots, and more. Ask us about the best tooth replacement procedure for your smile.
 
The lists go on! There are countless ways to improve your dental health and that’s what we’re here for. Call our dentist in Fairview Heights at (618) 622-1800 to schedule an appointment and discuss your resolutions to see how we can give you the smile of your dreams. You’ll be proud to share your smile with friends, family, and even strangers! We can’t wait to start this journey with you.
 
Dental Safe Holiday Meals
The holiday season is in full swing and there is no way to hide the excitement of all your favorite delicacies that are spread across the table. While you can’t wait to dive in, it’s important to consider how these foods and drinks are going to affect your overall oral health. With the help of our family dentist in Fairview Heights, you’ll still happily enjoy this wonderful season without harming your teeth and gums.
 
Balance is Key
While some of your holiday exclusive favorites will only be around for a short amount of time, be sure you’re not overindulging. Balance is important and your smile will be grateful. In between some of these meals, enjoy some crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots to reinvigorate your teeth. Don’t forget to drink some water throughout this time of year, too!
 
Avoid Harmful Sweets and Treats
During this time of year, there are a plethora of candy canes, chestnuts, and numerous other over-crunchy, sticky, and sugary foods. It’s no secret how harmful these are for your smile, so we urge you to avoid them as much as possible. Look for other, safer alternatives to put your sweet tooth at bay instead of taking the fast line to several cavities.
 
Combine a Light-Colored Beverage with Delicious Cheese
Being conscious of your dental decisions all year can take a quick turn if you’re over-indulging during the holiday season. If you wake up one morning after a few nights of drinking red wine and consuming other dark-stained foods and drinks, the shade of your teeth may drastically change. A simple tip would be to switch over to lighter colored drinks that don’t have so much tannin that will stain your teeth. This choice, combined with snacking on cheese to neutralize the acidity of your drinks, will do far more for your smile than you may think.
 
Don’t Forget Your Daily Dental Routine
Despite the excitement around the holidays, don’t forget to stick to your daily dental routine. Every morning and night, it’s necessary to brush and floss your teeth in order to maintain a strong and healthy smile. If you let your seasonal plans get the best of you, your teeth and gums will suffer.
 
Get Ahead of Schedule
The holidays are busy for everyone! Once they’re over, you’ll certainly want some time to simply relax before getting back into the swing of things. Unfortunately, everyone is thinking the same thing. Get ahead of the rest by scheduling your routine cleaning and exam with us now so you won’t have to rush around to find an appointment later. With this tip, you’ll be able to keep your smile healthy and happy.
 
Looking for more simple tips to keep your smile shining during this holiday season? Don’t hesitate to give our family dentist in Fairview Heights a call today at (618) 622-1800 to learn more or to schedule that appointment for the new year. We look forward to giving you the healthiest and strongest smile in 2021!
 
Oral Health Care for Adults
It’s no secret the way your body changes as you get older. From childhood, to your teens, to young adults and beyond, your body continues to grow and change throughout each walk of life and it’s important that you keep up! One part of your overall health that changes as you age is your dental health, constantly adjusting to the foods and drinks you consume, as well as your daily dental routine and bi-annual visits to our office.
 
Unfortunately, without maintaining a routine for your dental care, you’re at a higher risk for dental issues that affect your teeth and gums down the road. See how, with the help of our Fairview Heights dentist, our team can strengthen and protect your smile, so you have one less thing to worry about in the future.
 
Common Oral Health Problems in Adults
As you get older, you may not think that it’s pertinent to address any dental problems because you believe nothing is wrong or that it’s something that can wait. We highly encourage to kick that mindset to the curb! Waiting to address any dental issues will only lead to further dental issues sooner than you think.
 
These are the most common oral health problems that adults face:
Tooth Decay: 1 in 5 adults over the age of 65 have untreated tooth decay
Gum Disease: About 68% of adults over the age of 65 suffer from gum disease
Tooth Loss: Nearly 1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have lost ALL their teeth and the percentages rise the higher the age
Oral Cancer: Median age at diagnosis is around 62 years
 
What Adults Should Do to Maintain Good Oral Health
Everyone can keep their natural teeth for a lifetime! By following these helpful but simple steps, your dental health will thrive for years to come:
Brush your teeth twice a day, every day, with fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day, but the benefits will show if you floss after each meal
Visit our office for your bi-annual cleanings, exams, and x-rays so we can monitor your teeth and gums to stop any issues before they get worse
Quit bad habits like smoking and other tobacco use
Limit or quit consumption of alcoholic drinks
Align your diet with how it affects your dental health
Discuss how any medication may be affecting your oral health if you’re experiencing side effects like dry mouth
And much more!
 
You and your smile deserve the best care possible and that’s what our Fairview Heights dentist is here to do. Call our office at (618) 622-1800 and our team will help you pick the best date and time for your appointment. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions or concerns you have for your smile—we’re here to help.
 
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