TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SMILE There's more to dental hygiene than just pearly white teeth. You could spend hundreds of dollars for in-office professional whitening, yet your breath still smells bad. You could be wasting your money on expensive toothpaste formulated to fight plaque, yet you still have chronic canker sores. You may brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day, but if you're not practicing good oral hygiene, it's all for nothing. It takes commitment and grit to get a healthy smile, but it's not a Herculean task. Here are easy tips to help you achieve that. How can one person have such varying results doing almost the same things? It's from not paying attention to the small details. BRUSH THE RIGHT WAY 1 Just as there are many different flosses and rinses, there is an array of toothbrushes for different oral needs. But you must know the right way to use them if they're to do their job and work across every surface of your teeth. You do not brush by going "back and forth," but rather, in a circular motion. This ensures every surface is cleaned equally without causing damage to your gums or enamel. DON'T UNDERESTIMATE FLOSSING If you don't floss, it's time to start. If you're in the same boat as most, you probably think: "I've tried: it hurts, and I can't do it." The truth is flossing is as impactful as brushing. If you don't do it, your gums will recede, and you'll be leaving a lot of food behind for bacteria to feed on. It may hurt a little at first (your gums are sensitive), but the pain goes away as your gums toughen up with time. GET DENTAL CHECKUPS TWICE A YEAR Many people overlook the importance of dental checkups, or else they only do so once a year. You should pop in twice a year regardless of how good your teeth look. Your dentist will find cavities you're not even aware of and can treat them before they get larger and more expensive to fix. Plus, this allows for professional cleanings to be done twice a year, which is much needed to remove the plaque building up between visits. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY Nutrition is a key factor in keeping a healthy smile, but so is the state of your health. Make sure you're not fighting any other conditions that may lead to problems such as gingivitis or cavities. If you don't feel well, see a doctor. Only a health professional can tell you if your oral health is at risk because of an underlying condition. CONSIDER COSMETIC DENTISTRY Even if you have white teeth and refreshing breath all the time, they still may not look their best. People with crooked, chipped or misshapen teeth should consider cosmetic dentistry to get those aesthetic imperfections fixed. DRINK WATER Water is underrated, but it works wonders if you wish to have a healthier smile. When you drink enough water, your mouth stays hydrated and prevents problems like bad breath. Dehydration causes dry mouth, which allows bacteria and particles to stick and thrive on tissues and teeth. It takes work to achieve and keep a healthy smile, but so are all things in life. The worst you can do is be complacent about your oral hygiene, as bad habits are difficult to break. If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call your Chandler Dentist. Our Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Chandler, AZ 85286 +1 888-414-1852 thebestchandlerdentist@gmail.com dentist-chandler.com