Burr Ridge, IL patients who are interested in working with a quality dentist to improve the health of their smiles are welcome to learn more about dental care from Dr. Janet Stopka. Her practice is available to provide tips for good dental hygiene and healthy, beautiful smiles. At her facility, each patient is treated as a family member and can enjoy a wide range of dental solutions all under one roof. Dr. Janet Stopka is a dentist committed to ensuring patients receive the care they need to maintain the beautiful smile they’ve always wanted!
What are some tips for good dental hygiene and healthy, beautiful smiles?
Dr. Janet Stopka is pleased to educate patients on taking care of their smile for now and many years to come. Below are just a few of the most common recommendations made to patients who are seeking healthier teeth and gums:
- Brush teeth after every meal. One of the best ways for patients to keep their smile healthy and free from decay and disease is with proper oral hygiene at home. Brushing the teeth after every meal is a great way to remove sugars and food particles that may impact oral health. Patients should make sure to brush long enough and to brush all areas of the smile, including the gums and tongue.
- Flossing at least once a day. Flossing is necessary to remove food particles from between the teeth that can be damaging to the smile. Patients are encouraged to ask Dr. Janet Stopka about the most effective way to floss if they are unsure if they are performing this duty correctly.
- Visiting the dentist every six months. Part of keeping the smile healthy is preventative care. When patients take a proactive approach to their oral health, they can significantly reduce problems such as infection and decay. Visits to the dentist twice a year may include a thorough, professional cleaning, education on oral health, and even x-rays. During this time, patients are also urged to ask questions about their smile and about future treatments that can improve its appearance.
- Calling the dentist when problems arise. Many patients who have a toothache or problem with their smile may wait until it becomes unbearable before they make an appointment to see the dentist. In most cases, early intervention can improve the chances of fixing a problem before it becomes severe. As soon as a problem occurs, patients should call their dentist and make an appointment, even if it’s between their routinely scheduled visits. Issues addressed early are often cheaper to treat than those that are left to worsen over time.
- Enjoying a nutritious diet. We all know how important it is to eat healthy for your body but eating the proper foods can also help improve one’s oral health. Additionally, patients should try to eliminate sugary and acidic foods, as these can often stick to the surfaces of the teeth and contribute to infection and decay. Patients can ask Dr. Janet Stopka about any food and beverage recommendations that may be enjoyed as an alternative to those that are bad for the smile, including sugary sodas and candies.
- Consider smile alignment services. Patients with improperly aligned teeth who are candidates for braces may want to consider treatment. Many adult patients are worried about having metal bracket and wire braces. However, when the teeth are better aligned, there are fewer places for food particles to become trapped. A straighter smile also functions better and can significantly reduce the risk of breaking natural tooth enamel or dental restorations with poor bite alignment.
- Obtain dental mouth guards when needed. Protecting the smile is vital for lifelong health and beauty. Patients who have bruxism (clenching or grinding) may want to use a mouth guard at night to keep from wearing down their natural teeth and breaking restorations. Additionally, patients in high-impact sports should also use a dental mouth guard to keep their teeth protected from unintentional blows to the mouth area.
Schedule a consultation appointment today
Patients who are ready to educate themselves further on the benefits of taking care of their smiles are encouraged to book a visit with Dr. Janet Stopka of Burr Ridge, IL. Her practice is available by calling (630) 756-5844.
Dr. Janet S. Stopka
Janet S. Stopka DDS, PC
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Janet S.
Stopka is a driven, passionate and renowned professional in the field of dentistry. Her ability to
provide patient-centered care and insistence on healthy biological dentistry has created an environment of
trust and comfort amongst herself and her patients.
Whilst being a patient-oriented expert, she is also a strong advocate of mercury safe dentistry and
invests in the latest technological equipment to assist and reduce risk during complicated dental
procedures.
She is also a progressive and keen member of the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and
Toxicology).