Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Oral Health Between Dental Visits

Good oral health doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of consistent care. While regular dental checkups are essential for catching issues early and keeping your smile in top shape, what you do at home every day is just as important.

At Forward Dental Studio in Chicago, IL, we believe prevention starts with small, daily habits that make a big difference. Here are five simple, dentist-approved tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits.

1. Brush Like a Pro (Twice a Day)

Brushing your teeth properly is the foundation of oral health. Here’s how to make the most of your brushing routine:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush for two full minutes, twice a day—morning and before bed.
• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and use gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth.

Why It Matters: Plaque buildup leads to cavities and gum disease. Proper brushing removes plaque and food particles that cause decay and bad breath.

2. Don’t Skip the Floss

Flossing often gets overlooked, but it’s the only way to clean the spaces between your teeth and below the gumline. Make flossing a daily habit to:

• Remove plaque and food debris where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Prevent gum inflammation (gingivitis) and bleeding.
• Lower your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Tip: If traditional floss is tricky for you, try floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes for an easier experience.

Why It Matters: Skipping flossing means missing out on cleaning up to 40% of your tooth surfaces.

3. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Your diet plays a major role in your oral health. Some foods and drinks can strengthen your teeth, while others can cause harm. Here’s how to make smile-smart choices:

• Limit sugary foods and drinks (like soda, candy, and pastries) that feed harmful bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water, especially after meals, to rinse away food particles and acids.
• Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, which help clean your teeth naturally.
• Choose foods rich in calcium and vitamin D (like dairy, nuts, and leafy greens) to strengthen your teeth and bones.

Why It Matters: Sugary and acidic foods erode enamel, leading to tooth decay, while a balanced diet supports strong teeth and gums.

4. Use Mouthwash to Boost Your Oral Hygiene

Adding mouthwash to your routine provides an extra layer of protection. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help strengthen enamel or one that’s antibacterial to fight plaque and bad breath.

Rinsing for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing can:

• Wash away leftover debris and bacteria.
• Freshen your breath.
• Reduce plaque buildup and prevent gum disease.

Why It Matters: Mouthwash reaches areas of your mouth that brushing and flossing may miss, improving your overall oral hygiene.

5. Protect Your Smile with a Night Guard or Mouth Guard

If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism) or play contact sports, protecting your teeth is essential.

• Night Guards: Custom-made guards prevent wear, fractures, and jaw pain caused by nighttime grinding.
• Mouth Guards: If you play sports, a custom mouth guard protects your teeth from injury during falls, collisions, or impacts.

Why It Matters: Grinding your teeth can lead to cracked enamel, tooth sensitivity, and jaw pain, while injuries from sports can cause serious damage. Prevention is always easier than repair.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

If you experience any of the following issues, don’t wait until your next dental appointment:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth or fillings

These are signs of potential dental problems that need attention. At Forward Dental Studio, we’re here to help you prevent small issues from turning into emergencies.

The Importance of Routine Checkups

While these tips will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, routine dental visits are still essential. At Forward Dental Studio in Chicago, IL, our comprehensive checkups include:

• A professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
• A thorough dental exam to catch problems early.
• Digital X-rays for a clear view of your oral health.

Together, we’ll keep your smile healthy, confident, and strong.

Take Care of Your Smile Today

By following these simple tips, you can maintain excellent oral health between dental visits. Small daily habits—like brushing, flossing, and making healthy choices—go a long way toward preventing cavities, gum disease, and dental emergencies.

Ready to take your smile to the next level? Schedule your dental checkup at Forward Dental Studio in Chicago, IL today. We’re here to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best.