Wheeling Dentist | Do You Brush Your Teeth Too Much?

Dentist in Wheeling, IL

Dentist WheelingBrushing your teeth is a vital step in maintaining good oral health. However, is there such a thing as over-brushing?

The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. People sometimes brush after every meal, or brush midday to freshen up. Although this is not always a bad thing, when you start brushing too much or for too long, you can ultimately damage your teeth.

Brushing more than three times a day, and for longer than 2 minutes, can sometimes lead to your tooth enamel wearing down as well as cause damage to your gums. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and helps fight against tooth decay. Over-brushing can damage this shield and cause teeth to become sensitive and prone to cavities.

Practicing proper oral hygiene care at home is an important part of your overall oral health. However, being aware of how much is too much is equally important in keeping your smile healthy.

Using the right kind of toothbrush helps prevent unnecessary enamel erosion. It is recommended you use a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The Seal of Acceptance shows that:

All of the toothbrush components are safe for use in the mouth.
Bristles are free of sharp or jagged edges (a soft-bristled toothbrush helps prevent the wearing down of enamel).
The toothbrush can be used to provide a significant decrease in mild gum disease and plaque.
Scheduling regular professional cleanings and exams with our dentist will keep your mouth healthy.

Contact our office today to schedule a cleaning and comprehensive exam with our dentist.

Wheeling Dentist | Can Lemon Water Damage Your Teeth?

Wheeling, IL Dentist

dentist WheelingJennifer Aniston, Claudia Schiffer, Beyonce, and Gwyneth Paltrow are just some of the stars who have said they enjoy fresh lemon squeezed into warm water as a healthy drink.  Some people claim that warm lemon water can boost the immune system, aid digestion, and help with weight loss.  But could this drink be damaging to your teeth?

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C but lemon juice is highly acidic and can cause erosion in tooth enamel over time. If you sweeten that lemon water with sugar, you increase the risk of tooth decay as well. So how can you join the lemon water trend without damaging your teeth? 

Just follow these tips:

  • Brush your teeth before drinking.
  • Use juice from a fresh lemon, not the concentrated, commercial lemon juices.
  • Drink through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
  • Drink it quickly, rather than sipping over a long period of time.
  • Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking.
  • Wait two hours to brush your teeth after drinking to allow the calcium in your saliva to re-mineralize your teeth. 

All acidic beverages have the potential to erode the enamel on your teeth, such as:

  • citrus fruits
  • fruit juices
  • soda, including diet soda
  • some wines

To prevent potential damage to your teeth, consume these drinks occasionally instead of daily and follow the tips above whenever possible.

Contact our office to schedule your next preventive dental appointment.

Wheeling Dentist | Why Regular Dental Care Now Can Save You Big Later

Dentist in Wheeling

Proper at-home dental care and regular preventive dental visits can help you save money! See below for interesting information comparing the costs of dental care and see how the average person’s at-home care differs from the American Dental Association recommendations.

Dentist Wheeling

Wheeling Dentist | Start the New Year With a Smile!

Happy New Year from our team.

Dentist in Wheeling, IL

dentist in wheeling il

For many reasons, January is a great time to start the year with a beautiful and healthy smile. If you have been putting off treatment or cosmetic dentistry, there’s no better time to move forward in accomplishing your oral health goals.

Now that the holidays are behind us, there is more time to schedule your next visit to our office. If you are utilizing oral health benefits, many dental insurance plans renew at the start of the year, making it a great time for cosmetic and restorative care.

If considering cosmetic dentistry, contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation. Start the New Year with a smile!

Wheeling Dentist | Thank You for Placing Your Trust In Us

Thank you for being a patient at Galaxy Dental. We hope with each visit you have a positive experience.

One of the highest compliments our practice can receive is a testimonial from you on Google+. Your review is greatly appreciated. It will help us to connect with other patients looking for quality dental care.

Our team is dedicated to providing you with the very best in high quality dentistry. We are confident that you are receiving the most attentive, gentle and modern dental care possible.

Thank you for being part of our dental family. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental visit!

Dentist Wheeling IL

Wheeling Dentist | A World Without Dentistry

Dentist Wheeling

It’s difficult for us to imagine a world without quality dental care, but it exists. Throughout the world, losing teeth is still seen as a natural consequence of aging. Those in developing countries have never felt the confidence that a healthy smile can bring; instead they may feel embarrassment while smiling and pain when eating.

In the United States, we have the greatest access to preventive and restorative oral health care. It is not uncommon for American seniors to have their natural teeth, thanks to modern dentistry.

This Thanksgiving, we would like to take a moment to be grateful for the opportunity to offer high-quality, convenient dental care to you. It’s a privilege to care for your family’s smile.