Jackson Family Dentistry | Downers Grove Dentists 

Daily brushing and flossing are imperative to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, other things beyond brushing will benefit your overall well-being too. Read below for our ten tips for the healthiest teeth.

#1 BRUSH TWICE A DAY 

Brushing with a soft-bristle brush for two minutes twice a day, known as the 2×2 rule, helps keep plaque at bay. To avoid damaging the soft tissue, brush with fluoride toothpaste and proper techniques using small circular motions. Don’t forget to brush your tongue thoroughly to keep bad breath away. 

#2 FLOSS DAILY

Floss nightly before brushing to remove anything your toothbrush is unable to dislodge. Don’t skip this step, as it will leave small food particles that can eventually decay and cause oral health problems. Flossing may cause gums to be extra sensitive, which is natural and will stop once you’ve been flossing for a couple of days. 

#3 REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH 

Change your toothbrush every three to six months. Frayed toothbrushes don’t clean the tooth’s surface correctly and damage your gums. Remember to buy a soft-bristled brush and always rinse and store it upright to dry completely.

#4 BIANNUAL DENTIST VISITS 

Regular six-month visits will allow your Downers Grove dentist to catch issues before they take hold. During these visits, your teeth get a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup and buff and polish your tooth enamel for a sparkly smile.

#5 MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET

Avoiding foods and drinks that are highly processed and full of sugars plays a massive role in long-term dental health. Including foods high in calcium that can help support strong and healthy teeth, like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, almonds, yogurt, and cheese. 

#6 DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Brushing and flossing are fundamental to preventive dental health. Still, you can help keep your teeth in top condition by incorporating supplemental aids into your routine. Consider mouthwash, oral irrigators, interdental cleaners, and tongue cleaners. These hygiene products can help support good oral health and should be used in addition to regular brushing and flossing.

#7 KEEP HYDRATED 

Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy saliva flow by moving food particles through your mouth, preventing them from getting stuck in your teeth where bacteria grow. 

#8 DON’T SMOKE

Smoking causes tooth staining and severe health issues like gum disease, leading to tooth loss and oral cancer. The best thing you could do to care for your oral health and overall health is to quit smoking immediately.

#9 DENTAL SEALANTS

Dental sealants fill in the depressions of your molars and premolars to protect your teeth from cavities. Everyone benefits from sealants, but children and teens are good candidates as they often don’t brush as thoroughly as adults.

#10 EXAMINE REGULARLY 

While regular checkups with your Downers Grove dentist are an excellent preventive measure, issues can develop between visits. To prevent problems, do a quick scan of the inside of your mouth as part of your oral care routine. If anything has changed or seems unusual, share this information with your dentist at your next appointment.

Visit Your Downers Grove Dentists Today

Jackson Family Dentistry has years of experience and is here to guide you with the best dental practices to maintain oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile. Schedule an appointment with your Downers Grove family dentist today.