Smile Tip | Get A Healthier Smile in 3 Simple Steps

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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 - Saving Your Smile Could Save Your Life

TIP:  Saving Your Smile Could Save Your Life

The eyes may be the window to your soul,

but the mouth is the window to potential serious health problems

5 Warning Signs Your Mouth May Be Telling You:

Fiery Red Gums and Mouth Lesions: If they fail to heal with treatment, they may be a sign of leukemia, heart disease, stroke or diabetes

Yellow-Tinged Tissue: This could be a sign of liver disease

Eroded Enamel: On the insides of the upper front teeth, eroded enamel may be a result of bulimia or gastric reflux disease

Jaw Stiffness: If the joint that hinges your jaw and mouth together is stiff, this could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis or TMJ

White Lesions: Particularly on the lower lip, floor of the mouth, and back sides of the tongue, the appearance of lesions may be indicative of mouth cancer. See a dentist immediately if this is the case.