Information: Dental Care

Preventive dental care is the practice of maintaining good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid future dental problems. Instead of waiting for issues like cavities or gum disease to develop and require more expensive treatment, preventive care focuses on stopping them before they start. It is a partnership between you and your dental team

Your daily habits are the foundation of good dental health.

  • Brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Flossing: Clean between your teeth with floss at least once daily to remove food and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Eating a healthy diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which can lead to decay, and choose foods that support strong teeth.
  • Avoiding harmful habits: Steer clear of tobacco products and be careful with hard foods that could chip or damage your teeth

What does a dentist do

Regular visits to your dentist allow them to catch and address problems early, often when treatment is simplest and most effective. Services include:

  • Regular checkups: Routine oral exams allow dentists to detect early signs of cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer.
  • Professional cleanings: A dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you cannot get rid of with regular brushing and flossing alone.
  • Fluoride treatments: A dentist or hygienist can apply a highly concentrated fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
  • Dental sealants: These are thin, protective coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth to prevent bacteria and food from causing cavities.
  • Custom mouthguards: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, a dentist can provide a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage.

Steps to get care

  1. Check Medicaid eligibility or contact DentaQuest (Illinois dental help line: 1-888-286-2447). 
  2. Call dental schools and free clinics first to ask about eligibility, scheduling, and costs.
  3. Visit a Federally Qualified Health Center and ask for dental services on a sliding scale.
  4. Work with providers listed above, and ask specifically:
    • “Do you offer a sliding scale based on income?”
    • “Do you provide payment plans or discount plans for uninsured patients?”

Illinois Dept of Healthcare Dental Program

Information about Medicaid dental coverage.  To find a dentist: https://www.dentaquest.com/ 

Malcolm X College Dental Hygiene Clinic

Dental hygiene treatment may require multiple appointments. Referrals are provided for comprehensive dental treatment and dental repairs. (312) 850-7060 for the current schedule

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

This links to a search tool to find an FQHC.

211 Metro Chicago

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone.  2-1-1 is a free, local, 24/7/365 service that connects all  Cook County residents to essential health and social service support and information during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs.

The information is adapted from text generated by Gemini.” Gemini, Google, 19 Nov 2025 and from OpenAI on 01/19/2026 using “Describe preventive dental care in plain language and what resources are in Chicago, IL”

This information provides no warranties regarding the accuracy or application of its content, disclaims responsibility for its use, and does not offer medical or legal advice. It does not endorse specific products or therapies, mandate medical care, or represent the standard of care. The information may not be continually updated, and it is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a treating provider. Provided “as is,” it makes no express or implied warranties, assumes no responsibility for any harm arising from its use, and disclaims liability for errors or omissions.