Our teeth are irreplaceable. It’s important to keep those pearly whites looking their whitest because nothing says confidence quite like a beaming smile. In order to keep your smile looking its best and brightest, here are six tips to make sure your grin keeps gleaming.
1) Keep it fresh – Experts say you should be replacing your toothbrush, on average, every 2-3 months. If the bristles are beginning to fray, chances are it’s time for a new brush. Regular and thorough brushing is pivotal to maintaining a healthy smile. Removing plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay.
2) Mind the gap – Flossing, the most over looked step in oral hygiene. Equally as important as brushing, flossing helps to eliminate plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach. Unlike a toothbrush and toothpaste, floss is easy to carry around throughout your entire day. Taking a minute in the washroom shortly after meals can keep your choppers in tiptop condition.
3) Nitty gritty – In order to get set in stains out little by little, it helps to brush your teeth with baking soda. Adding a pinch of baking soda to your toothpaste once and a while can help to scrub your teeth clean. Be sure not to overdo it; using baking soda too often can damage the enamel on your teeth, causing possible permanent damage.
4) Ab-stain – Dark drinks like coffee, tea, soda, or red wine have been said to cause staining on teeth. Smoking cigarettes and cigars have also been attributed to stains. If you want to keep those chicklets gleaming, take stock of the amount of stain causing treats you allow yourself to have. Everyone deserves a treat now and again, but make sure to brush after indulging.
5) An apple a day… – They call them detergent foods. Apples, celery, raw carrots, and even popcorn (unsweetened) can help to clean your teeth when a toothbrush might not be within arms reach. It’s easy to pack these foods for your day-to-day travels. It also helps to eat these foods after your other not so cleansing foods. These foods are healthy for you as well.
6) Say, “ahhh” – In this case, it’s not rude to stick your tongue out. A surprising amount of plaque and bacteria cling to the surface of your tongue leaving a breeding ground for future oral health problems. It’s important to brush or scrape your tongue daily to reduce the amount of bad breath bacteria. That’s right, brushing your tongue helps to reduce bad breath. Some toothbrushes also have a scrubbing pad on the backside for scrubbing your tongue.
These tips will not only help you to achieve a whiter smile but they will also improve your overall oral health. Remember to consult your dentist on the status of your oral health and work together to find what works best for you.
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Please contact us for all inquiries or to book an appointment with one of our convenient clinic locations. We look forward to hearing from you.