Smile Tip | Get A Healthier Smile in 3 Simple Steps

Smile Tip of the Week

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Tip: Get A Healthier Smile in 3 Simple Steps

It’s important to take care of your teeth for a healthy smile. The eyes may be the window to your soul, but the mouth is the window to potential serious health problems such as heart disease, cancer and even strokes or diabetes. Studies have shown that 60% of people who lost teeth because of plaque also happened to have plaque in their carotid arteries. Commit to regular check-ups twice a year and follow this regimen, recommended by the experts at Lowenberg, Lituchy and Kantor, twice a day to keep plaque and cavities at bay:

Brushing:   Brush twice a day, for two minutes, in front of a mirror. Opt for a soft bristle brush to   effectively clean the tooth’s surface and pair it with toothpaste containing fluoride to help   strengthen the tooth enamel. Electric toothbrushes are also a great option because they time   2 minutes of sonic technology brushing for optimal cleaning.

Flossing:   Floss at least once a day and don’t forget to floss between back teeth. Although many choose   to skip this step, flossing is essential to remove plaque build-up in between teeth, where   brushing can’t reach. This is where many cavities begin.

Rinsing:  Rinsing twice a day can combat bacteria, bad breath and most importantly strengthen teeth.   Look for a mouthwash that does more than just freshen breath. As we age, our tooth enamel   naturally erodes so choose a fluoride rinse to decrease the likelihood of cavities.

Smile Tip - Fact vs. Fiction

 The Experts Dispel Common Dental Myths

Myth:  A hard-bristle toothbrush is best for removing tartar

Fact:    Brushing too vigorously with a hard-bristle brush may cause irritation and erosion of the gums

Myth:  Chewing gum is bad for your teeth

Fact:    Chewing stimulates saliva production which helps flush your mouth of foods and beverages that can stain teeth

Myth:  Whitening toothpastes bleach teeth

Fact:    They don’t. Whitening toothpaste alone is not strong enough to achieve a whiter smile – it must be used in conjunction with other at-home whitening products or as a follow up to an in-office whitening treatment

Myth:  Women shouldn’t get their teeth cleaned during pregnancy

Fact:    Pregnant women actually need three cleanings during their term. This is due to high estrogen levels which increase blood flow throughout the body, especially to gums, putting them at greater risk of gingivitis

Myth:  Brushing is as good as flossing

Fact:    Wrong! Flossing twice a day is necessary for clean gums and dislodges food that is stuck which can cause bad breath

Myth:  Candy causes cavities

Fact:    As an adult, as long as you brush and floss twice a day, candy does not necessarily cause cavities