Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Pediatric Dentist Chicago - Genetics And Your Oral Health

Pediatric Dentist Chicago - Genetics And Your Oral Health

While oral health is largely based on your oral health habits, your genetics can also play a role. Each person’s mouth is different, and genetics determine the physical makeup of your mouth, including tooth and jaw shape, the strength of your teeth, and other components of your smile. Although your smile is inherited, your Pediatric Dentist Chicago can help you maintain a healthy smile regardless of your mouth’s genetic makeup.

Appearance
The structure or appearance of your mouth can play a role in your oral health. For example, if you have large teeth with a relatively smaller jaw, you might be more susceptible to crowding. Conversely, if you have small teeth with a relatively larger jaw, you could experience diastema, or a gap in your teeth. If you experience crowding or diastema, you should schedule an appointment with your Chicago Pediatric Dentist to explore your options.

Strength of Your Teeth
In addition, the strength of your teeth can impact your risk for developing cavities. If your teeth are inherently weaker than most, your Pediatric Dentist Chicago IL might recommend that you consume more dairy products and pay stricter attention to your oral health habits than others. While genetics play a role in your oral health, your habits and behaviors also make a great impact.

Nutritional Preferences
Your preferences for certain foods and beverages are oftentimes inherited, which can also indirectly affect your oral health. It is important to be aware of foods and drinks that are harmful to your teeth so that you can keep your smile healthy. For example, if you are predisposed to favor sugary drinks over unsweetened tea, this can increase your chances of developing cavities if you do not resist the urge to consistently consume that type of beverage. Your Chicago IL Pediatric Dentist recommends sticking to water, dairy products and unsweetened tea to improve your oral health.

Whether your genetics impact your smile in a positive or negative way, you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful by practicing good oral hygiene. You should floss daily, brush twice a day, and visit your Pediatric Dentist in Chicago IL regularly. Although genetics affect the appearance of your smile, the state of your oral health is in your control. You can prevent oral issues such as tooth decay and periodontal disease by keeping up with your oral hygiene and staying educated about oral health and advancements in dentistry. By using your knowledge of oral health to your advantage, you can keep your mouth healthy for your entire life.





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Pediatric Dentist Chicago - What You Drink Impacts Your Smile

Pediatric Dentist Chicago - What You Drink Impacts Your Smile

There are a number of ways to improve your smile in addition to your regular visits to the Pediatric Dentist Chicago, brushing and flossing. What you drink can have an impact on your oral health, so it is important to know which beverages are helpful and which are harmful. The following are beverages that are be helpful in strengthening your smile and maintaining good oral health.

Water
Drinking water is very beneficial to your gum and tooth health. Your Pediatric Dentist Chicago IL recommends mainly drinking water, as it can serve as a rinsing agent to clear your mouth of debris left behind from food you have consumed. Additionally, fluoride in water can help to strengthen your tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay.

Milk
Milk can help your teeth stay strong. It provides calcium and phosphates, which strengthen your teeth and help your smile to stay bright. If you opt for enriched milk, it can also serve as a source for Vitamin D, helping your body to use the calcium.

Unsweetened Tea
Unsweetened tea can be helpful to your teeth because green and black teas contain polyphenols. These interact with plaque-causing bacteria to combat cavities and decay. Tea can prevent bacteria from growing and spreading in your mouth, helping your smile to stay healthy.

Conversely, there are some beverages that can be harmful to your oral health. In order to keep your mouth healthy, your Chicago Pediatric Dentist recommends avoiding the following drinks.

Acidic Beverages
Citrus drinks, such as orange juice, contain acids that can wear on your teeth. If you choose to consume acidic drinks, your Chicago IL Pediatric Dentist recommends rinsing with fluoride after drinking to help prevent tooth decay.

Coffee
Drinking coffee can stain your teeth and dim your smile. In addition, added sugar can linger and produce bacteria that can turn to plaque. Try to avoid coffee if you can. Otherwise, your Pediatric Dentist in Chicago recommends rinsing after consuming coffee.

If you choose to consume beverages that can be harmful to your teeth, you can still combat these choices. For example, chewing sugar free gum can help to clear away harmful bacteria, preventing tooth staining and decay. Additionally, rinsing with mouth wash can also help to kill germs. However, these are supplements, not substitutes, to your regular oral hygiene regime. You should still continue to brush and floss daily, and you should be visiting your Pediatric Dentist in Chicago IL to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.


Blog Maintained By Identity Dental Marketing Company.