When asked what people typically notice first when meeting someone new for the first time, one of the more common answers is their teeth and smile. So how can we keep our smile healthy for decades to come? By following three pretty simply dental tips. We explore those tips in today’s blog. If you’re looking to have a radiant white smile for years and have the appearance of a younger, more youthful smile, you’ll want to keep these three tips in mind.
Brush
Brushing is the easiest way to whiten your smile and protect it against bacteria and other developments that can harm your mouth. The American Dental Association recommends that your brush your teeth 2-3 times a day for best oral health. Most people brush their teeth in the morning and before bed, but if you can squeeze in one more brush after lunch, you’ll be taking an extra step towards a healthy smile. Not only does brushing help to remove food particles and sugar from tooth surfaces, but it also helps prevent against periodontal disease, which is important for a healthy gumline. Regular brushing is the single best thing you can do for your smile on a daily basis.
Floss
The second tip, and the one that people do with far less regularity, is floss. Flossing helps to remove food particles that brushing can’t reach, and flossing goes a long way in preventing enamel breakdown and tooth decay. When plaque develops between our teeth, it can remain there for a long time since the bristles from a brush can’t easily clean between your teeth. And while this plaque may not be big enough to feel between your teeth, rest assured that bacteria is damaging your teeth. Don’t just floss when you feel a popcorn kernel stuck between your teeth, make a daily habit of flossing before bed to ensure your teeth are as clean as possible before you go to sleep.
Regular Dental Visits
The final tip to keep in mind if you want to have a healthy and youthful smile for years to come is to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Even if you don’t suspect that you have a cavity, you should visit your dentist every six months. Besides a more in-depth cleaning, these dental exams can catch problems before they turn into bigger issues. They can also apply sealants to help strengthen enamel that can wear down over time, which is very important to the whiteness of your smile. Insurance oftentimes covers most or all of these routine cleanings, so it’s well worth it to schedule regular dental visits for you and your whole family.
We’re confident that if you abide by the three tips, you’ll have a healthy and bright smile for years to come. If you have any questions about other ways you can protect and strengthen your teeth, or if you want to set up an appointment with Dr. Brooks, reach out to our office today!