It’s been said that smiling is the second best thing you can do with your mouth. If that’s the case, keeping your smile healthy might be the most important thing you can do! A radiant smile is rooted not only in confidence, but in good oral health. Brush up with these tips on flossing, whitening and more.
The bristle buzz
Don't get lazy when running late for work in the morning or when heading sleepily to bed. Freshen up your brushing regimen with these tips:
Choose a brush with an angled head, which specializes in hard-to-reach areas.
Soft-bristle brushes are best on cheeks, tongue and gums.
Remember to change your toothbrush every 3 months to eliminate germs.
Brush not only the tongue, but the insides of your cheeks, to eliminate bad breath.
Brush twice daily, for no more -- and no less -- than 2 minutes.
Forgotten floss
According to the Canadian Dental Association, "Gum disease can lead to heart disease and stroke, and also puts you at greater risk of diabetic complications." Since brushing alone cannot remove all of the bacteria that causes gum disease, floss before you brush to fight plaque.
Food dos and don’ts
Dairy products and nuts build strong teeth and prevent decay. When you need a snack, reach for popcorn, cheese, a raw carrot or green apple, as these don’t stick to teeth, lessening buildup.
Foods high in sugar, such as baked goods, desserts and juices stay attached to your teeth. This causes acid to be produced, which encourages bacteria.
Vitamin C reduces the chance of gum disease.
The fluoride in tap water strengthens tooth enamel.
A routine rinse
The benefits of using a rinse go beyond fresh breath. Regularly rinsing twice a day fights gingivitis and kills germs lingering in your mouth. For best results, look for a rinse that is alcohol-free.
Sublime smiles
Tooth whiteness is no longer solely dependent upon daily brushing and visits to the dentist! Keep teeth pearly white with at-home, convenient whitening strips that can be applied for as short a time as 5 minutes.
Toss out the cigarettes and drink coffee, tea, red wine and soda only in moderation. Avoiding direct contact with these liquids will protect teeth from stains.
Apply whitening strips to coat tooth enamel and remove daily surface stains.
As a rule: schedule regular check-ups with your dentist, stay diligent with your cleaning routine and give yourself monthly oral exams.
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