Your pearly whites need to be healthy in order for your smile to be beautiful. Fortunately, taking care of your teeth begins with the simple stuff. Read on to find out the basic steps and reminders that lead to a healthy, beautiful smile.  

Know brushing basics.  Many of us spend less than a minute with our toothbrush at each brushing session. However, an effective amount of time is closer to three minutes. The easiest way to solve this problem is to buy an automatic toothbrush that alerts you when you’ve brushed effectively. Even the more affordable, simpler electric brushes usually have this capability. If manually brushing, brush in round circles, not vertical or horizontal motions.  Remember to replace your toothbrush at least every three months.

You really do have to floss. Even with an electric toothbrush, only using a toothbrush is not enough. Flossing removes the plaque between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Wrap a long string of floss (about 18”) around the middle finger of each hand, and floss a few times between each tooth. This only takes a couple of minutes a day, and is worth the effort. Try flossing while you wait for your moisturizer to settle in, or put some on your nightstand for a bedtime reminder. 

Top it off with a rinse. Swish around a mouthwash before heading out the door or off to bed.  Rinses come in many flavors, so avoid buying one that you know you will not like or use. Not only will it give you amazing breath, it will also leave you feeling refreshed and energetic.

See a dentist regularly. Don’t wait for a toothache to visit the dentist.  Schedule a cleaning and checkup every six months. Most dentist offices are proactive about contacting you for checkup reminders, but try to schedule the cleaning in person before you leave the dentist’s office. Even though you may change the day or time at a later date, you are less likely to procrastinate and postpone the appointment.

It is important to see a dentist immediately upon noticing anything abnormal. Red, puffy and bleeding gums, consistent bad breath, and loose teeth should not be left without professional attention.

Be kind to your teeth. Avoid sugary, sticky candy, as it is terrible for your pearly whites. Try not to chew on anything hard that could potentially chip or damage your teeth. This includes ice or sugary cereals (without first adding milk). Tobacco products cause staining and increase the possibility of gum disease and cancer.