Your smile is so important to your overall health. Not only does smiling boost endorphins and serotonin, but a healthy smile can affect your overall physical health. Check out these six tips on how to have a healthier smile!
- Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily: This one may seem obvious, but studies have shown that up to 25% of adults do not brush twice a day. Not brushing twice daily can increase your risk of developing tooth decay by 33%, and it can also affect the appearance of your smile. Brushing your teeth eliminates leftover food particles that can form plaque and cause tooth decay, so make sure you take those four minutes out of your day (two minutes for each brushing session) to improve your smile!
- Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue: In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, you should also be brushing your tongue. Bacteria can accumulate on your tongue and cause bad breath. Brushing your tongue back and forth and side to side, then rinsing with water in an effective way to combat bacteria and bad breath.
- Utilize Mouthwash: While mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing twice daily, it can help strengthen enamel, stop plaque buildup, and prevent tooth decay. Mouthwash also kills the bacteria in your mouth that can infect your teeth and gums and cause gingivitis.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water is excellent for your overall health, but it can also help your teeth! Saliva, made up of 99% water, is your mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay. Your saliva helps wash away food particles, and drinking lots of water promotes saliva production. Fluoridated water, which comes out of the tap in some communities, can also strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
- Limit Beverages That Stain Your Teeth: Beverages like red wine and coffee can cause staining of your teeth. The stains can be superficial, which a dental hygienist can clean off, but they can also cause internal staining of your tooth enamel. To reduce staining, drink through a straw or rinse your mouth frequently with water.
- Schedule Your Biannual Cleaning and Exam with Chestnut Ridge Dental: Regularly visiting your dentist for a checkup and cleaning is an essential step in maintaining a healthy smile. Regular dental visits allow us to deep clean and polish your teeth, as well as check your teeth and gums for any cavities or early signs of tooth decay or gingivitis. Contact us today at (201) 391-4466 to schedule your appointment!
