Jackson Family Dentistry

10/26/2026

🦷 New video from Eric G. Jackson, DDS, the fourth in the Does It Actually Work? series.
“Does Coconut Oil Pulling Actually Work? (Not Really)”
Not really. Back in 2014 I wrote a newsletter article for my patients about bad breath, and I added two words in parentheses, oil pulling with a question mark. This video is the long answer.
One of the better recent trials had one group swish sesame oil and another swish plain water, 15 minutes a day for eight weeks. Plaque came down about 19% with the oil and about 10% with the water, so the water got halfway there on its own. No trial has shown oil pulling prevents a cavity, and there’s no good evidence it whitens teeth, detoxes your body or cures gum disease.
If you enjoy it, keep it as an extra, never swallow the oil, and spit it in the trash. Oil goes solid in your pipes, and your plumber will have opinions.
Watch here →

10/26/2026

National Pumpkin Day is a fun fall reminder that seasonal treats and flavors are everywhere right now. Enjoy the season, but remember that oral health usually comes down to patterns more than perfection. Sticky sweets, sugary drinks, and constant snacking are what tend to matter most over time. Enjoy fall flavors, but keep the bigger picture in mind and do not let “just this season” turn into all-day sugar exposure.

10/25/2026

As the month starts to wind down, this is a good time for a quick reset and check-in. Are you staying on track with brushing, flossing, and your next scheduled visit? Do you have treatment or preventive care you have been meaning to revisit before the end of the year? Small check-ins now can help prevent bigger stress later.

10/24/2026

Sports dentistry is an area that matters because prevention matters. My FASD (Fellow of the Academy for Sports Dentistry) credential reflects a focused commitment to athlete protection, injury prevention, and helping active patients protect their smiles before something goes wrong. For children, teens, and adults who are active in sports or recreation, that often comes down to a simple but meaningful idea: it is always easier to protect teeth before an injury happens than to repair them afterward.

10/23/2026

Free dental care for U.S. veterans 🇺🇸 Thursday, November 12, 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, at our office in Downers Grove. Appointments required and spots are limited, so sign up early. Link in bio.

10/23/2026

If brightening your smile has been on your mind, October is a great time to start the conversation before holiday photos and gatherings get closer. Cosmetic planning tends to work best when it is not rushed. Healthy teeth, healthy gums, and a thoughtful plan all matter. Whether the goal is whitening or a broader consultation, earlier conversations usually mean more flexibility and a better experience overall.

10/22/2026

Xylitol gum works by starving cavity bacteria, but only if there is enough in it 🦷 Turn the pack over: xylitol first on the list, not fourth. And keep it away from your dog.

link in bio or watch here → https://youtu.be/kKJicbUJauI

10/22/2026

Cracked teeth do not always start with dramatic pain. Sometimes the signs are subtle: occasional discomfort, sensitivity when biting, or a sense that something just feels different. That is exactly why they can be easy to put off. The problem is that waiting can make the crack more difficult to manage and may reduce treatment options later. Earlier evaluation usually means a better chance to intervene thoughtfully.

10/21/2026

When patients are considering implants, what matters most is not just the name of a credential. It is what that background means for planning and judgment. My FICOI (Fellowship in the International Congress Of Dental Implantology) credential reflects advanced engagement with implant education, but the patient-facing value is simpler: thoughtful planning, careful evaluation, and a serious approach to decisions that affect comfort, function, and long-term oral health. Replacing a missing tooth is a meaningful decision, and patients deserve clarity when they are considering their options.

10/20/2026

A good oral hygiene routine is simple. Do it every morning and every night, and do it the right way.

Brush for two full minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, gently, in small circles at the gumline. Clean between your teeth once a day with string floss, a water flosser, or both. After brushing, spit, but don't rinse with water. The thin layer of fluoride left on your teeth keeps strengthening the enamel.

Our new post also covers manual and power toothbrushes, what mouthwash can and can't do, and why water is your smile's best friend between meals: https://jacksonfamilydentistry.us/what-is-best-daily-oral-hygiene-routine/

Curious about the water flosser? Dr. Jackson's video covers whether it works and how he uses one: https://youtu.be/DS7reLSmZCg
Which step do you skip most often?

Learn the best daily oral hygiene routine for a healthy smile from our Downers Grove dental team, including brushing and flossing tips. Book a visit today!