Preventative Dentistry

For Healthy Teeth

That Last A Lifetime

^{Serving patients in Glenview, Golf, Northbrook, Winnetka, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Wilmette, Northfield, Mt. Prospect, Deerfield, Illinois}

Believe it or not, almost any kind of dentistry is preventative dentistry. Any procedure which supports the prolonged health of a tooth or teeth and helps bolster its structural integrity is preventing further decline. Even procedures generally thought of as cosmetic dentistry originate out of the desire for healthy-looking, functional teeth.

Tooth Structure

When you hear preventative dentistry you probably think about brushing your teeth and flossing. While these do fall under the loose interpretation of dentistry, the team at Colonial Dental Group knows that flossing and brushing may be enough to keep most cavities at bay, but may not be enough to keep the structure of your tooth healthy.

Some teeth never fully develop a healthy root, while others may lose their structural integrity through a long process of an unhealthy diet, poor care, or even just the natural process of decay. Options like porcelain fillings and endodontic treatments can keep the roots of your teeth healthy for decades longer than if they were left to their own resources.

Tooth Appearance

If your tooth looks unhealthy there’s a very good likelihood that it is. Discoloration can be an indicator of a partiality toward coffee, but it may indicate something more serious, like a bacterial infection, which could lead to tooth loss. One of the many reasons people want white, healthy-looking teeth is because a healthy smile often indicates a healthy mouth. Even if you aren’t excited about the idea of having a smile that could stop the "L" in its tracks, you probably are concerned about having healthy teeth, gums and jaws.

How they Work Together

Teeth are composed of two major parts: the root and the enamel. The root is made of dentin, a yellow material that extends deep into your jaw bone and protects the nerves in your teeth. When the enamel, or outside, of your tooth is weakened or breached, the softer dentine can allow in sensations of cold and heat, a warning sign that your tooth is in serious danger.

Powerful Prevention

The most important element of preventative dentistry isn’t your dentist, his hygienist, or even the equipment he uses. The most important part of preventative dentistry is you. Telling your dentist as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary about your teeth or mouth can help him or her determine the best steps to keep your mouth looking and functioning exactly how it should.

If you are in Glenview, Illinois and surrounding areas on the North Shore and have questions about preventative dentistry, please contact Colonial Dental Group and let us help you keep your smile looking healthy and happy.