| A letter on coronavirus awareness from Cameo Dental Specialists |
Home Dental Care Advice
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| • | Type of Brush: Many patients have wondered if they should use a firm, medium or soft-bristled brush, we recommend a soft-bristled brush. We want you to remove plaque, but not layers of enamel. When choosing your toothbrush to consider the handle shape for your comfort, some patients have found an electric toothbrush to be beneficial. The most important factors in choosing a brush are to replace it often. Bacteria can remain on your brush, and we do not want you to introduce bacteria into your mouth from your brush. Consider changing your toothbrush every 3-6 months. |
| • | Time: Are you brushing long enough? Proper tooth brushing should take about two minutes, spending about 30 seconds in each of the four quads. Time yourself, two minutes is probably longer than you realize. Some patients have found silently singing a song in their heads while they brush to help. |
| • | Toothpaste: There is a large variety of toothpaste available. We recommend purchasing toothpaste that contains fluoride. Other benefits listed on toothpaste such as teeth whitening or fresh breath are nice added features, but the fluoride is key. Fluoride, when used as directed, will assist in rebuilding enamel and strengthening your teeth. |
| • | Technique: There is a certain technique that is beneficial when brushing. We recommend angling the brush toward the gums, brushing along the rim of the tooth and gums. This is where plaque tends to gather and should be removed. Following this step, take the time to brush each tooth, front back, and between in a circular motion. |
| • | Floss Regularly: Floss every day before going to bed each night. Food and debris left between your teeth can irritate your gums causing you discomfort. |
| • | Floss before you brush: Most patients brush before they floss, but this is not ideal. Flossing is done to remove larger debris, by removing it, your brushing will be more successful. Additionally, many patients are exhausted at the end of the day, and though they may understand the importance of brushing, they may choose not to floss because they want their bedtime routine to be done faster. Starting the habit of flossing before you brush will increase the likelihood of doing it. |
| • | Length: Using about 18 inches of floss, shift the floss to a clean area while removing debris. The goal is to remove bacteria, not move it. |
| • | Form a C: When flossing, angle the floss in an arch, similar to a letter C in shape. We want you to scoop the floss between the teeth, not just an up and down motion. |
 The Cameo doctors who lead our experienced and highly trained staff provide exceptional care in a friendly and comfortable environment.
Call Cameo Dental Specialists today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Chicago, Berwyn, River Forest ,La Grange and Elmhurst, IL. |
7603 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708-456-7787 3116 Oak Park Avenue Berwyn, Illinois 60402 708-484-9011 475 West 55th Street, Suite 208 La Grange, Illinois 60525 708-579-0488 910 W. Van Buren Suite 600 Chicago, Illinois 60607 312-201-4141 148 N. Addison Avenue Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 630-425-4488 
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There are steps that you can take to keep your teeth healthy at home. Dental care involves more than just seeing your dentist twice a year, to have a healthy mouth, dental care needs to be continuously done at home. At Cameo Dental Specialists, we understand that an important aspect of dentistry is educating our patients on their oral health and how the steps they take can have a strong impact. 
