Protecting Your Dental Implants

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Dental implants are a long-term investment in your smile—so it makes sense to treat them like one. With the right habits and regular professional care, they can serve you beautifully for many years. If you ever need personalized guidance, a trusted dentist in Chicago, IL can point you in the right direction. For now, here are a few smart ways to keep your implants in top shape.

1. Keep Your Cleaning Routine Gentle and Consistent

Your implants need the same daily attention as natural teeth. Brush twice a day for a full two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Skip whitening formulas, since they can be gritty and may scratch the surface of your implant—scratches can invite stains, and nobody wants that plot twist.

2. Stay on Schedule with Checkups

Seeing your dentist every six months allows small concerns to be spotted early—before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems. Routine cleanings and exams play a big role in keeping both your implants and surrounding gums healthy.

3. Use Them for Eating—Not Tool Duty

Dental implants are strong, but they’re not multitaskers. Avoid using them to tear packaging, pop bottle caps, or perform other non-food-related heroics. Biting down on hard objects can cause cracks or damage that no smile needs.

Have questions about caring for your dental implants in Chicago, IL? Our Chicago team is happy to help! If it’s been a while since your last preventive visit, now might be the perfect time to get back on track. Reach out today and let’s keep that smile going strong.

How Often Do Kids Need Dental Cleanings?

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Wondering when to bring your child to the dentist for another cleaning? That can be hard to figure out on your own, especially if your child is good about brushing and flossing. But routine cleanings are an important part of oral health overall. Our dentists in Chicago, IL, at Mindful Dental offer routine dental cleanings for kids. But when should you schedule them?

Why Kids Need Routine Dental Cleanings

Your kids take good care of their teeth at home, so why do they need a professional cleaning? No matter how much they brush and floss, plaque and tartar can still accumulate on their teeth.

What Happens During a Cleaning?

When you bring your child in, our dental team will remove tartar and plaque from their teeth, leaving them fully clean and shiny! We also check for signs of dental issues, like gum or tooth problems.

How Many Cleanings Do Kids Need?

Most kids should have their teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months or twice a year throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Do Some Kids Need More Frequent Cleanings?

We may recommend having your child’s teeth cleaned more often under certain circumstances, such as if they have a higher risk of tooth decay or other chronic dental problems.

What Happens If Your Child Misses a Routine Cleaning?

That’s ok! Just schedule an appointment at your convenience to get them back on track with routine dental care.

Set Up Your Child’s Dental Cleaning Today!

Is it time for your child to have their teeth cleaned and examined? Our pediatric dental team at Mindful Dental provides dental cleanings in Chicago, IL, helping your child’s teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible!

Mother and Daughter Brushing Teeth

What’s Causing My Bad Breath?

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Bad breath can be an upsetting and embarrassing problem. If you have bad breath, your dentist in Chicago, IL, may be able to help. Knowing the causes of bad breath can help you decide if you need to see a dentist.

Reasons for Bad Breath

There are many reasons people experience bad breath. Below are some of the possible causes.

  • Diet: Foods like garlic and onions can cause bad breath. These foods enter the bloodstream and can be smelled in your breath long after you’ve eaten. Even brushing your teeth can’t get rid of the odor. It just takes time.
  • Food debris: Bad breath can be caused by food debris left in the mouth after eating. Brushing your teeth can get rid of the odor under these circumstances.
  • Cavity: Cavities are caused by bacteria that can create an odor. If you have a cavity, you may also notice a toothache and other symptoms.
  • Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums. If you have periodontal disease, you may notice problems like gum recession and bleeding in your mouth when you brush your teeth.

What to Do If You Have Bad Breath

  1. Brush your teeth. Brush your teeth and tongue for two minutes. For most people, this can help them get rid of their bad breath.
  2. Consider your diet. What did you eat before you noticed the bad breath? It could be food you consumed that is causing the odor.
  3. See the dentist. If you continue to have bad breath after brushing your teeth and ruling out your diet, see the dentist. You may need dental care.

To schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning in Chicago, IL, call today.