A Healthy Smile for Your Love-Life

We all look at Hollywood stars and wonder how they have such beaming smiles. The truth is, many of the biggest stars once had less-than-hollywood smiles before they were stars. They often take matters into their own hands by opting for cosmetic dentistry. Even if that’s out of the question for the time being, there are still plenty of things you can do to make sure that your smile is healthy and attractive.

Brush and Floss Daily.

The old adage is that you should brush for at least two minutes, twice daily. It takes at least this long to thoroughly clean your teeth. The best way to make sure you stick it out is to come up with a kitchen timer, or get an electric toothbrush with an built-in timer on it. Also, make sure you use a soft-bristled brush and that you don’t exert too much pressure. As a guide, try using your nondominant hand to brush.

Brushing is only half the story, though. Brushing only removes about 50% of the bacteria on your teeth and floss is the only way to remove the other half.

Keep Your Breath Fresh and Approachable.

Halitosis, or bad breath, could have a few different causes. It can be a result of acid reflux, poor diet, or even diabetes. If you have a chronic case of halitosis, talk to your doctor or dentist about it. If you only have the occasional problem with unruly breath, there are some basic things you can do to make your mouth a little more approachable. As mentioned above, daily brushing and flossing is key, because it removes the plaque that not only causes tooth decay, but also bad breath. Here are some other tips for keeping your breath romance-friendly:

• Drink lots of water. Dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath. When you salivate, the fluid rinses away the offending bacteria, and when you’re running low on saliva, the bacteria remains.
• Chew sugarless gum. Make sure your gum is the sugarless kind, and for extra bacteria-fighting power, look for sugarless gums that contain xylitol.
• Eat “crunchy” fruits and veggies. Chewing foods like apples and celery also promote saliva flow.

See Your Dentist Regularly

No oral care regimen is complete without regular professional cleanings and regular checkups to make sure you’re cavity-free. Your dentist will also be able to detect and treat gum disease and keep your smile beaming!