Saturday, June 2, 2012

Secrets to Maintaining a Youthful Smile


Many people become self-conscious about their smile because of poor oral health. Here are a few tips that can help reduce the decay of teeth and maintain a healthy looking smile. These tips will make trips to the dentist a breeze, because the dentist will be saying how wonderful those pearly whites look. Make sure to follow these recommendations and consult with a dental care provider, as they may not all fit every unique situation.
The first secret may not seem like such a secret, but it is surprising how many people do not perform the task regularly. Brush and floss at least twice a day and preferably after each meal. Flossing should be done at least once a day and preferably twice a day. Using un-waxed floss is the most beneficial. Additionally, make sure to change toothbrushes every 3 months or so, as to maintain prime effectiveness.
Next secret is to avoid soda as much as possible. This can be beneficial for a myriad of different reasons besides dental health, such as reduction in chance of diabetes and other diseases. Drinking milk (and also tea) is a great way to add beneficial liquids into a diet. Soda contains many chemicals besides sugar that are harmful to teeth and the body. The most consumed beverage in America is soda and the average consumer intakes roughly 45 gallons annually!
Another secret to a healthy smile is avoiding sugary gum. The average person chews 300 sticks of gum a year and most gums are loaded with sugar. All gum is not created equal and there are plenty of healthy alternatives to sugar-loaded gums. Gums sweetened with xylitol, a natural sweetener found in an array of gum brands, are a healthy alternative to the sugar-laden gums that mostly fill the store shelves.
Another greatly beneficial secret to maintaining a youthful smile is choosing toothpaste wisely. With a mind-boggling amount of brands of toothpastes on the shelves, all claiming to be recommended by your dentist, it can be hard to choose the one that is best. While many times natural toothpaste can be very good, actually consult a dental professional to find out which toothpaste fits the specific needs you may have.
Be sure to maintain a healthy diet, as this is crucial in oral health. Ingesting foods that are high in calcium, like yogurt and cheese can go a long way in keeping a beautiful smile for years to come. Also, foods rich in Vitamins A, D, and C are beneficial to gums and in preventing gum disease. Try to avoid overly sugary food or food that stick in teeth and can break down enamel over time. Additionally, avoid drinking acidic beverages slowly, as the prolonged exposure on your teeth can be damaging.
Finally, always remember to get regular checkups at a dentist. It is recommended to see a dentist every 6 months, in order to keep on top of the overall health of your smile. Many problems may not cause pain right away or be visible to the eye, so it is important to regularly see an oral care provider. In those cases where there has been some damage, seeing a dentist every 4 months can be recommended.
Following these recommendations will go a long way to keeping smiles youthful and beautiful for years to come. It is always recommended to ask a dentist about more tips to keep up with oral health. We only get one set of teeth and it is important to do anything necessary to keep them shiny and healthy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7063921

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