You know those smiles that light up a room — shiny white and perfect like a movie star’s? Guess what? That’s not just good genes or an accident. A beautiful smile is the product of good dental habits, brushing twice a day, and following through on a flossing routine. The truth is a brighter, more beautiful smile is possible through what we do every day to take care of our teeth. Want a beautiful smile that lights up your personality? These 5 daily habits can make your dream of perfect teeth come true.

Floss Daily

There’s no real replacement for floss — not even toothpicks! Floss gets in between your teeth to reach bacteria no toothpick or even brushing can. Floss everyday to remove plaque buildup and rid your mouth of damaging bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Drink More Water

Water naturally rinses out your mouth of harmful bacteria. It provides a bath for teeth and gums. We recommend drinking several glasses of water a day. Skip the soda or juice, and stick with a nice cold glass of water. It’s great for your teeth and can lead to a beautiful smile.

Stick to tap water over bottled. Most municipalities include fluoride supplements in the water — which can help strengthen your teeth and decrease your risk of cavities.

Brush for 2 Minutes, Twice a Day

Of course you should brush. But did you know that dentists recommend brushing twice a day for two minutes every day? Set a timer. Walk around the house while you brush to distract yourself. And don’t skip. Many of us are guilty of not brushing at night because we are too tired — just this once, we say. But that one time becomes two or three, and before we know it we’ve skipped half the week. Try brushing before you settle down to a TV show or a book. This will get it out of the way so when you are tired, you can just go to bed.

Use a Mouthrinse

Brushing and flossing are great. They are critical to your dental care. You definitely should make them a priority. Yet they are only part of the picture. You should also rinse with mouthwash too. Mouthwash can reach areas of your teeth and gums that flossing cannot. As your dentist, we’d recommend a commercial mouthwash that’s supplemented with fluoride, or even salt water if you prefer the DIY approach.

See Your Dentist!

Come in and see us. If you haven’t been to our office in Tucson in the last 6 months, you’re overdue. It’s important that you get regular dental cleanings and checkups. First, we’ll remove plaque buildup that ordinary brushing and flossing cannot. We’ll also check your teeth and catch potential dental problems early — before they’ve rotted your teeth. And we can save you money too. Dental problems caught earlier are a lot cheaper to deal with. Plus, your smile will be more beautiful as a result.

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