Insights

Accepting New Patients in East Alton, IL

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:50:16 GMT

Why Choose Bellwood Family Dental?

At Bellwood Family Dental, we believe in providing more than just outstanding dental care—we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all our patients. As a family-owned practice, we proudly offer:

Customized Treatment Plans: Your oral health is one-of-a-kind, and so is our approach. We personalize every treatment plan to suit your unique needs and aspirations.
A Relaxed, Family-Friendly Environment: From kids to seniors, we ensure that every patient feels comfortable and at ease in our cozy, inviting office with our approachable team.
Advanced Technology: Our modern equipment guarantees precise diagnoses, smooth procedures, and a more comfortable experience for you.
Community-Focused Care: As a proud member of the East Alton community, we are committed to offering our neighbors the highest level of care.

Comprehensive Dental Services for All Ages

Bellwood Family Dental offers a wide range of services to meet all your dental needs, including:

Routine cleanings and exams
Cosmetic treatments
Restorative dentistry (crowns, bridges, fillings)
Pediatric dental services
Orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign
Dental implants and dentures
Emergency dental assistance

Our goal is to ensure that everyone in your family has a lifetime of bright, healthy smiles.

Convenient Location in East Alton, IL

Conveniently located in the heart of East Alton, Bellwood Family Dental offers ample parking and flexible appointment scheduling. We strive to make your visits as stress-free and pleasant as possible so you can focus on your oral health.

New Patient Special

To welcome you to our practice, we’re offering a New Patient Special! Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and a professional cleaning—all at a discounted rate. We’re eager to help you start your journey toward a healthier smile.

How to Get Started

Getting started with Bellwood Family Dental is simple! Just give us a call at (618) 258-0239 or fill out our online appointment request form. Our friendly team is ready to answer any questions and assist you in scheduling your first visit.

Join the Bellwood Family Today

Experience the benefits of family-centered care with Bellwood Family Dental. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to our practice and help you achieve the best in oral health. Book your appointment today!

Good Oral Hygiene Habits Begin at an Early Age

Justinw@mogulbrandsolutions.com (Justin Wineinger ) — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:33:09 GMT

A Lifelong Investment For Your Family

Healthy teeth and gums are essential for overall well-being, and establishing good oral hygiene habits from a young age is crucial in maintaining optimal dental health throughout life. Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, IL, understands the importance of early intervention and preventive care. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of instilling oral hygiene habits in children, explore the long-term benefits they bring, and provide practical tips for parents and caregivers to ensure their little ones develop a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Importance of Early Oral Hygiene

Children's primary teeth play a pivotal role in their oral development and future oral health. Establishing good oral hygiene habits during their formative years is essential because it not only helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease but also sets the stage for lifelong dental health. By introducing children to proper oral care routines, we can empower them with the tools they need to maintain healthy teeth and gums as they grow.

Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Tooth decay, commonly known as cavities, is one of the most prevalent chronic childhood diseases. Poor oral hygiene habits, such as irregular brushing and inadequate flossing, can lead to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria, resulting in cavities and gum disease. By teaching children to brush their teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, parents can significantly reduce the risk of dental problems. Regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings are also essential for detecting any early signs of decay or other oral health issues.

Building a Lifetime of Healthy Habits

Good oral hygiene habits formed during childhood tend to carry over into adulthood, ensuring a lifetime of better oral health. When children learn the importance of brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, they are more likely to continue practicing these habits as they grow older. By cultivating these habits early on, parents can instill a sense of responsibility and self-care in their children that extends beyond oral health to overall well-being.

Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Lead by example: Show your children the importance of good oral hygiene by maintaining your own oral care routine and allowing them to observe and participate.
Start early: Begin cleaning your child's mouth even before their first tooth erupts. Use a soft, damp cloth or an infant toothbrush to gently wipe their gums.
Make it fun: Use colorful toothbrushes, flavored toothpaste, and engage in interactive activities to make brushing and flossing enjoyable for children.
Supervise and assist: Until your child is around the age of 7 or 8, they may require assistance with brushing and flossing to ensure thorough cleaning.
Visit the dentist regularly: Schedule your child's first dental visit by their first birthday and maintain regular check-ups every six months for preventive care and early intervention.

A Healthy Smile Starts Here

Instilling good oral hygiene habits at an early age is a valuable investment in your child's long-term dental health. Bellwood Family Dental emphasizes the importance of preventive care and offers comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages in East Alton, IL. By establishing a solid foundation of oral care practices, parents and caregivers can set their children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles, ensuring that they enjoy the benefits of optimal dental health well into adulthood. Remember, good oral hygiene habits today pave the way for a brighter and healthier dental future tomorrow.

Revolutionizing Sleep Apnea Studies: Introducing Our SleepImage Ring

Justinw@mogulbrandsolutions.com (Justin Wineinger ) — Fri, 19 May 2023 17:20:11 GMT

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Traditional methods of diagnosing and treating sleep apnea have often involved overnight stays at sleep centers, causing inconvenience and discomfort for patients. However, thanks to the innovative approach of Bellwood Family Dental, sleep apnea studies can now be conducted in the comfort of patients' homes, utilizing the revolutionary SleepImage Ring. Let's explore how this groundbreaking technology is transforming the way sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated.

Understanding The Affects Sleep Apnea Can Have On You

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. It can lead to numerous health issues, including fatigue, cardiovascular problems, and decreased cognitive function. Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves polysomnography, an overnight sleep study conducted at a sleep center. However, the traditional approach can be inconvenient and intimidating for patients. Recognizing the need for a more patient-friendly alternative, Bellwood Family Dental has embraced the SleepImage Ring to provide accurate and comfortable at-home sleep apnea studies.

Introducing Our New SleepImage Ring

The SleepImage Ring is a small wearable device that tracks various sleep parameters, allowing for comprehensive sleep analysis. Patients simply wear the ring on their finger during sleep, eliminating the need for invasive sensors or overnight stays at sleep centers. The device measures heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and even detects snoring patterns. By recording this data, the SleepImage Ring provides valuable insights into sleep quality and the presence of sleep apnea, enabling dentists at Bellwood Family Dental to diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.

The Advantages Of Our At-Home Sleep Apnea Studies

The utilization of the SleepImage Ring for at-home sleep apnea studies offers several significant advantages. Patients can undergo the study in the comfort and familiarity of their own beds, resulting in more accurate data since they are in their natural sleep environment. Additionally, the convenience of the SleepImage Ring eliminates the need for multiple visits to a sleep center, saving time and reducing the associated costs. Moreover, by involving a dental practice in sleep apnea studies, patients benefit from the expertise of both dental and sleep professionals, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care.

Our Diagnostic Process

Once the SleepImage Ring has gathered the necessary data, the sleep study is then interpreted by a board-certified physician for a diagnosis. Board Certified Physicians evaluate sleep patterns and identify any indications of sleep apnea. If the results suggest the presence of sleep apnea, patients can then undergo further testing and receive a definitive diagnosis. With this information, our dental team can develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific needs, which may include oral appliance therapy, lifestyle changes, or referral to a sleep specialist if necessary.

The Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment at

Bellwood Family Dental

By combining our expertise in dental health with sleep medicine, we offer a holistic approach to sleep apnea care. With the help of the SleepImage Ring, treatment progress can be monitored remotely, and adjustments can be made accordingly. Patients benefit from the convenience of receiving all aspects of their care in one location, minimizing the need for referrals and streamlining the treatment process.

Bellwood Family Dental's utilization of the SleepImage Ring for at-home sleep apnea studies is revolutionizing the field of sleep medicine. By providing accurate and comfortable sleep data, patients can now undergo diagnostic testing in the comfort of their own homes. With the expertise of dental professionals, comprehensive care and treatment options are readily available.

The Early Signs of Tooth Decay

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:02:25 GMT

Identifying The Early Signs of Tooth Decay

Having a healthy mouth and teeth is one of life's little luxuries, something that can easily be neglected if we are not conscious of our oral health care. Many people don't know just how important it is to have healthy teeth, but let's face it: no one wants to sit in the dentist's chair getting a filling. Ignoring your teeth can often lead to further damage, such as root canals, extraction , or even infections. It's never too late to start caring for your teeth; brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and having regular check-ups with your dentist will go a long way in ensuring you keep your pearly whites healthy and happy!

Taking care of your oral hygiene should be at the top of everyone's to-do list - brushing and flossing your teeth is an absolute must. But it's also important to be aware of the most common signs of tooth decay, so you can get ahead of any issues before they become a bigger problem. These signs include everything from pain and swelling around your gums to pressure on your teeth and even holes in your teeth or extreme sensitivity. If you haven't already taken preventative care, don't worry! Contact Bellwood Family Dental and we can help! Read on to learn more!

Toothaches

If you're experiencing a dull ache or throbbing in your teeth that don’t seem to stop, then you may want to consider it an early sign of tooth decay. This kind of pain should never be taken lightly; the sooner you take action, the better off your teeth will be in the long run. That said, if you experience some paining after eating something hard or chewy and it goes away shortly afterward, that shouldn't be too much of a concern. However, if the pain lingers and never seems to go away, it might be time to consult with your dentist about treating any potential decay.

Issues with Your Gums

Unfortunately, swollen gums that bleed can be a tell-tale sign of tooth decay. This can quickly lead to other more significant problems with your oral health if left untreated. Worse still is when pus starts to present itself in the form of a discharge from your gums. This indicates some troubling signs of infection, which should be addressed immediately. It's important to note that maintaining healthy gums is an essential part of a good dental health regimen and should not be overlooked.

Pressure on Your Teeth

If you're experiencing a strange sensation of pressure on your teeth when chewing through your food, it can be a huge sign that something is amiss with your teeth. It may cause you to feel concerned or uneasy, given the circumstances. But don't stress - tooth decay is fortunately treatable, and many proactive measures can be taken to protect yourself from it in the future. If you're finding that regular flossing and brushing are not enough, consulting an experienced dentist would be the appropriate next step toward restoring your smile and dental health.

Pits or Discoloring on Your Teeth

When it comes to your oral health, discoloration on your teeth can be a major warning sign of tooth decay. While brushing and flossing can go a long way towards preventing its onset, if you start seeing any black or brown spots on your teeth that don't go away with regular cleanings, it's time to think twice about the health of your teeth. Additionally, holes or pits on any of your teeth are an alarming sign that your tooth decay might have progressed too far. If this is the case, make sure to make an appointment with a dentist right away to prevent any potential long-term damage.

Extremely Sensitive Teeth

If you've found yourself wincing at the taste of an ice-cold frozen treat or unexpectedly cringing from a warm beverage, then you may be facing an issue with tooth decay. Although a little sensitivity is normal, if it happens too often or gives you pain each time, then it's time to look into getting your teeth checked. Left untreated, these kinds of issues can turn out to be much more than just an uncomfortable sensation and degenerate into much bigger problems that can affect your dental health. So take action and get yourself seen by a professional before it gets any worse!

How Can Tooth Decay be Treated?

Taking care of your teeth is important for maintaining the overall health of your mouth. If you develop a cavity, the kind of treatment you need will depend on the size and location of the cavity. If it is caught early on, preventative measures like sealants or fluoride rinses can help stop further damage. Should the decay have advanced further, removing decayed parts of teeth and filling in cavities is necessary. For larger cavities, a crown might be used to cap off that part of the tooth, restoring its form and color to make it look like nothing ever happened. In cases where even a crown won't be enough to save the tooth, a root canal may be necessary — and very rarely, a tooth must be extracted altogether. Thankfully, with proper hygiene habits and regular trips to the dentist for check-ups, issues involving cavities can usually be avoided or taken care of early before more extreme measures are required!

Now You Know How to Recognize the Signs of Tooth Decay

Nobody expects to experience tooth decay, yet even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly , you could still be affected. While toothache, swollen and bleeding gums, pressure on the teeth, pits or holes in them, and extra-sensitive teeth are all signifiers of dental decay, it doesn't necessarily have to spell disaster for your oral health. If you notice early signs of decay, our team can apply a sealant as a preventative measure or another simple solution. Late detection may require restorative solutions like fillings, crowns, or root canals but don't fret! Our one-day implant process is designed to restore lost teeth quickly and efficiently, allowing you to reacquaint yourself with a healthy and beautiful smile that shines with confidence almost immediately.

Conclusion

Tooth decay is a preventable condition. By understanding the early signs and visiting a dentist regularly, you can take steps to ensure that your teeth stay healthy for as long as possible. Taking good care of your teeth should always be a priority - after all, it is not just about maintaining a beautiful smile but also about keeping your entire body healthy! So remember: brush and floss at least twice daily, don't forget to visit your dentist regularly, and watch out for any signs of tooth decay or disease before they become serious issues. Taking these steps will help keep your mouth free from plaque, bacteria, and other oral health problems that could lead to tooth loss down the road.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Justinw@mogulbrandsolutions.com (Justin Wineinger ) — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 19:29:53 GMT

Missing teeth can lead to problems such as tooth decay, misaligned jaw lines, and periodontal disease. However, there is a way around this problem by getting dental implants at your local dentist's office near you in East Alton, Illinois ! You may be wondering if you can get a smile makeover from any dental office near you, but since it involves invasive procedures and surgical components there are only a few Dentists that offer this service near East Alton, IL.

At Bellwood Family Dental we offer a wide variety of options for dental implants that will best fit your dental needs!

In this article, we will be discussing how our dental office in East Alton, IL can place an implant and also additional information relating to dental implants.

Check out the rest of our article below to learn more about our dental implant services!

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So What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for missing teeth. A titanium post is placed in the jaw bone, and over time it fuses with the bone to provide a secure base or better known as a root for an artificial tooth. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, and they allow you to eat and speak without fear of the implant coming loose. In addition, dental implants help to preserve the jawbone by stimulating new bone growth. As a result, dental implants are a safe and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

Dental implants are the best dental restorative option for patients who need a permanent fix for their missing teeth due to their versatility, stability, and longevity. Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth in a patient's mouth. They are also the only dental restoration option that preserves the health of the jawbone.

However, before you decide to invest in this treatment option, it is important to consult with our dental office in East Alton, IL. In addition, our dental office will design a custom treatment plan to ensure that your implants are placed correctly and that your smile is restored to its full potential! With the help of our dentists at Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, IL , you can enjoy the benefits of dental implants for many years to come!

Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?

Most people who have lost teeth due to injury or disease are candidates for dental implants as long as there is enough bone remaining in their jaws (which we can determine during a thorough examination). Additionally, adequate oral hygiene habits and a commitment to maintaining good oral health are required for successful implant placement and long-term results. If you currently have active gum disease or uncontrolled diabetes, these must be addressed before implant surgery can be performed as both conditions can compromise implant success rates.

What are the Advantages and Benefits of Dental implants?

Dental implants fuse with your jawbone, becoming permanent. Unlike dentures and bridges, which need to be replaced every few years due to wear and tear, implants will last a lifetime!

Additional benefits of dental implants include:

Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth!
Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth will slip.
Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable partial or full dentures.
Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function just like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with ease and without pain!
Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.

Unlike bridgework, dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support and therefore do not decay surrounding tooth structure like a tooth-supported bridge can over time if not properly maintained. Additionally, because dental implants fuse with your jawbone they help keep it healthy and strong!

Can you get a Dental Implant at any Dentist Office's Near Me?

When it comes to dental implants, it is important to make sure that you are receiving treatment from a qualified and experienced professional. There's a higher risk of complications or implant failure if an unqualified dentist performs the surgery. Some of these complications include:

Infection at the implant site
Damage to surrounding teeth
Nerve damage
Sinus problems
Allergic reactions to the implant material

As you can see, there are many potential complications that could occur if you choose an inexperienced dentist for your dental implants. Dental implants are a surgical procedure, and as such, require a high level of skill and training to be performed correctly. If an uncertified and inexperienced dental care provider attempts to place a dental implant, this could create major future issues with your oral health.

Bellwood Family Dental is one of the few licensed and experienced dentist offices near you that has the experience to help you with dental implants. Our dental office ensures that our patients receive the highest quality of care possible while also reducing the risk of complications.

If you are considering dental implants, contact Bellwood Family Dental for all your dental implant questions and concerns!

We are always accepting new patients,

Simply click the call now button below or submit a new client form and our office will be in contact with you!

What to Expect During Your Routine Dental Cleaning!

Justinw@mogulbrandsolutions.com (Justin Wineinger ) — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 20:01:52 GMT

What are Routine Dental Cleanings?

Dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining optimal oral health. The dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which protects you against cavities as well gum disease! If you want to keep yourself healthy visit us at our East Alton Dental Office every six months for a professional cleaning.

Teeth cleaning can be done at home, but it's not as thorough and won't remove all the plaque or tartar off of them!

What Exactly is Tartar and Plaque?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that is infested with bacteria. The long-term accumulation of plaque can easily lead to cavities and, eventually, to tooth decay. Tartar, on the other hand, is hard calcium deposits that build up over time. Plaque can be removed through regular brushing and flossing, but tartar can only be removed through professional cleaning. Plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth mix with saliva and food debris. The combination of these substances creates an acidic environment that can damage tooth enamel. If plaque is not removed regularly, it will mineralize and harden into tartar. Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque and can only be removed through professional cleaning. If tartar is not removed, it will continue to accumulate and eventually lead to tooth decay. Therefore, it is important to brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and to see our dentists at Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, Illinois for a professional cleaning!

Who Should Receive Routine Dental Cleanings?

It is important for both adults and children to have their teeth cleaned by a professional at least once every six months. If a patient has existing oral problems or disorders, the dentist will recommend that they come in for routine cleanings more often. A professional dental cleaning will remove tartar, plaque, and stains from teeth. Over time, plaque can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems. That's why it's important to remove plaque on a regular basis through brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Professional dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that most people have their teeth cleaned by a dentist every six months. However, some people need to have their teeth cleaned more often, depending on their risk for cavities and gum disease. Our highly trained dental hygienist at Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, Illinois provides the proper cleaning to prevent current and future problems with your oral hygiene.

What is Involved During a Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining oral health. Professional dental cleanings can be performed by either a dentist or a dental hygienist. The procedure involves the use of three cleaning techniques.

Tooth scaling - Scaling is the process of removing the layers or films of foreign substances that accumulate on your teeth's surfaces.

Tooth polishing - The process of making teeth smoother is called polishing. This can be done after scaling.

Debridement - The process of debridement is used when too much tartar has accumulated and scaling is insufficient in removing the tartar. Using this technique, the dental hygienist will gently loosen deposits with a variety of instruments before removing them from your teeth for you!

Our Goals For Your Routine Dental Cleanings!

Remove Surface Stains
Prevent Tartar and Plaque from building up
Prevent Cavities
Prevent periodontal disease
Maintain good oral health

What are the Benefits of Having Your Teeth Routinely Cleaned?

Fresh Breath!

Having good oral hygiene is the best way to reduce bad breath. When you go beyond brushing and flossing, a dental cleaning treatment will help keep your mouth most healthy with fresh breath!

Cavity Prevention!

The best benefit to maintaining your teeth to prevent plaque buildup will delay the future risk of cavities! Brushing twice per day and using dental floss can help keep the dentist away, but the best to clean them is through routine visits to our dental office in East Alton, Illinois!

Beautiful pearly white smile!

Some foods and drinks stain your teeth. A dental cleaning removes built-up stains which results in perfectly polished pearly whites! There's no better way to brighten up your smile than having it cleaned by our dental office in East Alton, Illinois.

Overall health is boosted!

It’s important to maintain good oral health in order not only to keep your teeth white and strong but also to lower the risks for certain diseases. Dentists can detect some medical conditions during an exam that may be related to overall oral health!

A healthy mouth is a happy mind!

Schedule an Appointment at Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, IL!

Our team of dental professionals makes your smile our priority! We're here to keep your teeth clean, straight, and beautiful.

Our locations are always accepting new patients, if you are interested in learning more about what our dental office in East Alton, IL offers please reach out to us at (618) 258-0239 or fill out our instant contact form below!

5 Tips For Healthy Teeth and Gums

Justinw@mogulbrandsolutions.com (Justin Wineinger ) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 18:00:41 GMT

5 Tips to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Looking Healthy!

Oral health is essential to overall health, and good oral hygiene habits can help to prevent a variety of problems, including cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. It is commonly known that we should brush our teeth twice a day and see the dentist every 6 months, but many of us don't realize the importance of these habits until it's too late. By establishing good oral hygiene habits early on, we can help to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and seeing the dentist regularly are all important steps in maintaining good oral health.

Our team at Bellwood Family Dental can also help you create a personalized Oral Health plan that fits your needs! By following these simple steps, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and prevent problems in the future. It's never too late to start taking care of your teeth. If you're not sure where to start, continue reading our blog below for tips and tricks to guide yourself to a healthier oral hygiene routine!

1. Brush Teeth Twice a Day!

Brushing your teeth is one of the most simple and effective ways to care for your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that has long been recognized for its oral health benefits. Many municipalities have fluoridated drinking water to help reduce cavities. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can help to remineralize teeth, making them stronger and less susceptible to cavities. It is important to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush and to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Be sure to brush gently so as not to damage your gum tissue. For best results, brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day.

In addition to brushing with fluoride toothpaste, be sure to visit your dentist regula rly for professional cleanings and checkups. Together, these habits will help you keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.

2. Floss Teeth At Least Once a Day!

Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque from between teeth and along the gum line where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that forms on teeth. If plaque isn't removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. That's why it's so important to floss once a day. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease. When done properly, flossing should be gentle on gums and effective at removing plaque. To get the most out of flossing, be sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth, use gentle back-and-forth motions, and avoid snapping the floss into place. Flossing helps prevent cavities from forming in between teeth so you can avoid an unpleasant surprise during your next teeth cleaning and oral examination with us!

3. Avoid Smoking, Chewing Tobacco & Alcohol

Smoking is one of the most detrimental habits to your oral health . Smoking causes tooth discoloration, plaque/tartar build-up, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Plus, it reduces your mouth’s ability to heal after an injury. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and smoking is a major contributor to this problem. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health.

Talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to quit smoking, and make a plan that works for you. You may also want to consider using tobacco-free products! These products are less harmful to your oral health than traditional cigarettes, but they still pose some risks.

Alcohol consumption can be detrimental to your oral health for a variety of reasons.

First, alcohol dries out your mouth, reducing saliva production and increasing the risk of bacterial growth and plaque formation.

Second, many alcoholic beverages are sugary and acidic, which can lead to tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.

Finally, alcohol consumption can also cause problems with the gum tissue, leading to inflammation and bleeding. If you are concerned about the impact that alcohol may be having on your oral health, it is important to speak with one of our Dentists at Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, IL . Our Dentists can help you determine the best way to protect your teeth and gums from the harmful effects of alcohol.

4. Look into getting Dental Sealants!

Dental sealants are a special coating generally applied to newly erupted molars in children, but adults can receive dental sealants as well. Dental sealants are a preventive measure against tooth decay. They fill in the grooves and fissures which help prevent plaque from building up and causing cavities. Dental sealants are usually made of clear or shaded plastic resin and act as a barrier, protecting your teeth from the effects of chewing and biting. Sealants can last for many years but will eventually need to be replaced. As long as they remain intact, they continue to provide excellent protection against tooth decay. If you are interested in dental sealants, please discuss them with our dentist during your next appointment.

Contact Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, IL about whether sealants are right for you!

5. Schedule Routine Cleaning and Check Ups!

Routine dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it will harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Having teeth cleaned every six months will help remove plaque and tartar before it has a chance to cause problems. During teeth cleaning, one of our dental hygienists will gently scrape away plaque and tartar. They will also polish your teeth and floss between them to remove any remaining debris. Routine dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health, so we recommend that you have one every six months.

Schedule An Dental Appointment in East Alton, IL

Schedule your next appointment at Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, IL today! Routine teeth cleanings are important for maintaining a healthy smile. Our dentists will remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, leaving you with a fresh and clean feeling. In addition, we will also perform an oral examination to check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems. By getting regular teeth cleanings, you can help prevent serious dental problems from developing.

So call us today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile!