5 Tips To Keep Your Smile Bright and Healthy

Your smile is often the first thing others notice. To ensure yours properly represents you, follow these 5 tips for keeping your teeth and gums feeling and looking fabulous.

1. Brush - but not too hard 

You already know that brushing at least twice a day is a must. Be thorough but not aggressive as to harm your gums. Be sure to use a soft or extra-soft bristle brush too. 

Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use short, gentle strokes, moving in a back and forth motion. Ensure you brush every surface of your teeth, the front, back, sides, and the areas where you chew. 

Also, make sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months.

2. Don’t forget to floss

Be sure to floss at least every evening before bed, as well. Flossing gets debris between teeth that can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Proper technique is easy. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, then glide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Bonus points for finishing off the job with a water pick.

3. Caring for teeth after meals

If you’re eating out, be sure to at less rinse your mouth afterward. Better yet, tote along a travel brush and floss. 

4. Watch what you eat and drink

It’s no secret that some drinks and foods can wreak havoc on your oral health. Avoid sugary drinks (include fruit juices), hard candy, dried fruits, bread, alcohol, and potato chips. If you must indulge, be sure to do so when you can brush immediately after.

5. Visit the dentist for bi-annual cleanings and checkups

No matter how diligent you are about brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist every six months is essential. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar from tough to reach spots, while your exam enables the early detection of potential issues, especially those looming beneath your gums. Dental problems caught in the earliest stage or more easily treatable. In addition to cavities and gum disease, your dentist checks mouth sores, bruxism, and oral cancer.