smiles

March has finally arrived and springtime can be our new best reason to smile. But having a smile you’re proud of is about more than just showing a sparkling, pearly white teeth – it’s also about having strong, healthy teeth. Here are five simple tips to strengthen up your teeth:

1. Strike a balance in your diet for total oral health care

Vitamin C in orange juice will do wonders to your gums and the calcium in the milk is your teeth best friend. Avoid car- bunted drinks and acidic foods.

2. Chew Trident X-ray Care

Trident X-ray Care has two times the strengthening power of regular sugar- free gums. Every piece of Trident X-ray Care contains calcium, which will be absorbed right into the tooth enamel unlike traditional calcium supplements that are absorbed into the bloodstream.

3. Brush with an electric tooth brush

Perfect your brushing technique – slow movements for 2 minutes. Establish your routine and brush your teeth at least 3 times a day, especially after meals. The vibrating, pulsating action of an electric toothbrush gets into crevices and allows for a better cleaning. Most people don’t brush long enough, and the automatic timer often found on electric toothbrushes helps people brush longer. You don’t have to exert so much pressure with an electric toothbrush while brushing your teeth, which benefits sensitive teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush, be thorough but not overzealous to avoid eroding the enamel and separating gum tissue from teeth, which reduces nerves’ protection from hot and cold foods. Always wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth.

4. Try over-the-counter oral health products, including rinses or mouth washes

Rinses and mouth washes supplement regular flossing and brushing by pre- venting tooth decay and cavities. Tooth decay can lead to more serious problems, such as infections. By preventing tooth decay and gum disease, you can reduce the need for fillings and other costly procedures and ultimately save money.

5. Floss once a day

Flossing can help prevent other more serious diseases, such as heart disease because the bacteria that builds up in your gums when you don’t floss on a regular basis is the very same kind of bacteria that can cause heart disease.

“Having a smile you’re proud of is more than just showing a sparkling, pearly white teeth – it’s also about having strong, healthy teeth”

Cosmetic dentistry procedures can’t do long term miracles, they require regular oral hygiene care and may require maintenance over time. For example, teeth whitening must be repeated on occasion in order to maintain brightness. Porcelain veneers may chip or break off and need replacement. Permanent composite bonding may stain and require enhancement or replacement. Dental crowns typically require replacement after 10 to 15 years. Smiles with more gums than desired may also require regular enhancement. Your ceramist, lab technician and the materials chosen by your dentist also impact the longevity of your smile makeover. To achieve the best results, take special care in selecting your cosmetic dentist and inquiring about your material options.

For healthy teeth, remember to brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for a check up!

Keep smiling!

Jane Zhang, MD Dentist