Martin Charnin once famously said: “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” In Western culture, this sentiment couldn’t be more true. Large, bright, and well aligned teeth are valued in our culture, and associated with high status, wealth, and beauty. In order to achieve this look, many flock to the top cosmetic dentists for dental implants and porcelain veneers. However, these cosmetic dentistry tactics can be extremely expensive and time consuming.
Besides personal aesthetics, there are other important reasons for you to care about your teeth: your health. While this may surprise you, many dentists feel that oral hygiene is the basis of good overall health. For example, did you know that gum disease can be a major contributing factor to both heart disease and diabetes?
Luckily, there are ways to love and care for the teeth you already have and make sure they are their brightest, healthiest, and most beautiful. After all, beauty comes from the inside out; if you’re confident in yourself your natural smile will take care of the rest!

Brush, brush, BRUSH!
This first tip may seem obvious, but we really cannot stress it enough. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque and germs that buildup on your teeth throughout the day and while you sleep. Brushing your teeth protects your gums and keeps your breath staying fresh. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least 2 times per day. It is also recommended that you change your toothbrush every 3 months. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as a lot of smelly bacteria can hide out on its surface.
It’s important to supplement tooth brushing with regular flossing and mouth rinsing with mouth wash. It keeps your breath minty fresh and keep cavities at bay!

Go to your annual checkup!
In order to maintain proper oral hygiene, it is recommended that one sees their local dentist at least once a year. Think of it as a yearly maintenance check, to ensure that everything is working properly. During your yearly checkup, dentists will check your mouth for any cavities and abnormalities, give you a deep cleaning, polish your teeth, and give you a fluoride rinse.

You are what you eat!
One of the secrets to good oral hygiene is a healthy and balanced diet. Eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit the amount of sugary snacks, candy, and soft drinks you consume, as sugar wreaks havoc on teeth and gums.

Oral hygiene is important and should be taken just as seriously as any other aspect of your health. If you have any additional questions, your local dentist will be happy to educate you on the importance of dental health. Local dentists can also aid you in finding the right dental insurance, ensuring you have a beautiful (and affordable) smile!