subject: The Secret To A Healthy Smile? [print this page] The Secret To A Healthy Smile? The Secret To A Healthy Smile?
Copyright (c) 2010 Thomas StrekoIt Still Starts at Home with Good Dental HabitsWith advances in modern technology ranging from whitening treatments and veneers to dental implants, a beautiful, healthy smile has never been more attainable. But if you ask any dentist what he or she considers to be "the key" to a great smile, chances are good technology will have very little to do with it. Because when it comes right down to it, the secret of a healthy smile lies in the way you take care of your teeth and gums on a day-to-day basis.. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles and a small enough head that you can reach all areas in your mouth.. If you use an electric toothbrush, make sure it has the ADA Seal of Approval.. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months.. Use a fluoride toothpaste - no matter how old you are.. Remember to brush ALL surfaces of your teeth - firmly but gently, so you don't damage the enamel.. Brush your tongue as well.. Floss your teeth at least once a day. You can use whatever type of floss you like best - waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored.. When flossing, use pressure to scrape the floss up and down your teeth a few times to remove the plaque. Be sure to floss below the gum line.. Eat a healthy diet including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.. Incorporate some foods that are "mouth healthy," including mozzarella cheese (and other cheeses), yogurt, milk, peanuts, and yes - sugar-free chewing gum. Gum that contains the ingredient xylitol is especially mouth-healthy.. Avoid sugary foods and soft drinks that are bad for your teeth - especially sticky foods like candy and (believe it or not) raisins.. Don't snack before bedtime.. If you use tobacco products, stop! And if you can't stop, at least try to cut down.
Following these steps will not automatically guarantee you white, straight, beautiful teeth. But what it will do is guarantee that whatever your teeth look like on the outside, they are as healthy as they can be on the inside. Healthy teeth are much better candidates for cosmetic improvements - and good dental habits insure that any cosmetic improvements you choose to have will stay beautiful for years to come.Of course, if you let your routine slip - or even if you don't - and dental problems occur, there are more and better solutions now than ever before to restore your smile to optimal health. Just remember, once you leave the dentist's office, you'll still need to do your part to keep that smile healthy and beautiful.
