We all know (or at least we SHOULD know) that it’s important to make a trip to the dentist twice a year and brush regularly, but here are five other ways to improve one’s smile:
1. Floss at least once a day. Of course most of us know this is what we should be doing, but how many of you truly floss your teeth at least once a day? Of those who do, are you flossing correctly? Flossing helps to remove excess plaque and particles that our toothbrush can’t reach, like between our teeth and around the gum line, where plaque can build up resulting in tooth decay and gum diseases.
To properly floss your teeth allow for approximately 18 inches of floss. Most of this floss will be wrapped around each of your middle fingers and you will guide the floss with your index fingers and thumbs. Slide the floss gently between your teeth and also make sure to curve the floss up around your teeth by your gum line on each side. As you floss between your teeth make sure to use clean sections of floss each time so that you don’t carry plaque particles from one section to another.
2. Cut out sugar. This includes all sugary beverages and energy drinks! A simple way to introduce this into your diet is to cut our soda and switch to seltzer with a small splash of fruit juice. For your morning coffee or tea you can also use honey as an alternative sweetener, or even cinnamon to add a little extra flavor. Sugar increases tooth decay, so if you are able to cut even one bad drink or some sweets out of your diet, you’re doing your teeth a favor!
3. Whiten your teeth. Many dentists offer teeth whitening services, and even some spas! If you would prefer to skip the more expensive route there are plenty of at-home teeth whitening methods and even some organic methods to help eliminate those coffee and wine stains.
4. Put a stop to bad habits. Smoking is not only bad for your health in general, but especially rough on your teeth. Smokers tend to notice an increased prevalence of stained teeth, bad breath, buildup of plaque and tarter, and inflammation of mouth tissue. Not to mention smoking can cause oral cancer and smokers are more likely to develop gum diseases.
Nail-biting is also a bad habit that some of us pick up due to stress or nervousness. Biting your nails not only introduces all types of bacteria to your mouth, but it chips away at the enamel on your teeth.
5. Drink more water. Water keeps you hydrated, but it also helps wash away stains from coffee and wine, and helps your mouth produce more saliva. Saliva helps our mouths combat germs and provides protein and minerals for our mouths. A lack of saliva can cause bad breath and the most obvious side effect, dry mouth.
Follow these five simple and helpful hints on maintaining a healthy mouth and remember to SMILE!
About the Author
Rory Mycek is a guest contributor from www.TopDentists.com, a dental health resource in the Everyday Health, which also covers men’s health.
