A bright, white smile doesn’t appear out of nowhere. You can’t neglect your oral hygiene and still hope to blind people with your megawatt grin. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to maintain a happy, healthy smile. You just have to nurture happy, healthy habits.
Brush Up on Brushing
Do you brush your teeth the correct way? Best practices dictate that you brush twice a day, but you need to use the proper technique, too. Brush up and down, not side to side, and get into the nooks and crannies. Don’t forget to brush the backs of your teeth as well, not just the surface.
Fun with Flossing
Everyone needs to floss. You’re not exempt, even if you think you are. You only need to do it once each day. After dinner is best. Get in between all of your teeth, but don’t press down or apply too much pressure. Some people aren’t comfortable with flossing, or they find it painful. In that case, opt for a water pick.
Eat for Your Teeth
Lean protein and calcium are excellent for the health and strength of your teeth. Dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, along with other calcium-rich foods are the best snacks. Nibble on almonds and eat salads with leafy greens.
Skip the Sugar
High-sugar substances will rot your teeth. Say “no” to candy and sticky sweets. Not only can they cause cavities, but they may result in painful breaks or cracks.
Drink Smart
Drinks that contain a ton of sugar are bad news, too. Pass on the soda pop where you can. Fruit juices that are high in sugar are best in moderation, as well.
Butt Out
Smoking causes halitosis and discolored teeth. Rather than a white smile, you’ll end up with a yellow one. Far worse, smoking increases your risk of gum disease, which leads to tooth loss and oral cancer. It’s not worth it.
Checking Up
Nothing replaces the need for regular dental check-ups. See your dentist at least twice a year for tartar and plaque removal. Your dentist can also keep an eye on any problems. If you need fillings, root canals, or other dental work, you’ll have to visit more often.
Face the Braces
You may need orthodontic work to correct your bite or your alignment. Your dentist will make a referral if you need braces or a retainer.
Author Bio: This article was written by Chris Scalise, a content strategist, and specialist in covering topics on how behavior and technology affect the health of developing children. The infographic was provided by Children’s Dentistry in Las Vegas, one of the fastest growing pediatric dental practices in the country.
