TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR SMILE THIS YEAR

January is almost over, but we hope your New Year’s Resolutions are still going strong! If one of your resolutions was to improve your smile, look no further. There are many ways to do this, but they depend on your needs and the current state of your teeth. Consult your dentist if you feel that you might benefit from porcelain veneers, teeth whitening services or Invisalign. There are also many ways you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile in 2015 at home. To keep your smile white, bright and strong, try the tips for taking care of your smile below:

BUY THE RIGHT TOOTHPASTE AND FLOSS

Toothpaste is obviously an important part of your dental hygiene routine, but with so many options out there, how do you know which one is best for you? Of course, this decision begins by speaking with your dentist. He or she will describe what your mouth and teeth need to be strong and healthy. Toothpaste is generally just an abrasive that removes plaque buildup from your teeth. Any toothpaste can do this, but many toothpastes are created with ingredients that specialize in different areas of dental hygiene, so take a look at what’s out there. One piece of advice is to stick with a toothpaste that has fluoride, which is good for tooth enamel. There are also tons of types of floss out there. It doesn’t matter what type you buy. It’s up to your preference. All types of floss will work the same; some will just have extra benefits. Waxed and non-waxed flosses work the same. Flavored and non-flavored work the same, but minty floss can help freshen breath. Waterpicks are also a great investment. Waterpicks help remove plaque and buildup from deep corners of your teeth where even standard floss cannot reach.

CLEAN YOUR TONGUE!

Cleaning your tongue is just as important as cleaning your teeth! Your tongue can harbor quite a bit of bacteria. Tongue bacteria creates sulfur compounds with the resulting scent-causing particles. Brushing can prevent this from happening.

MAINTAIN FRESH BREATH

Maintaing fresh breath begins with proper hygiene, but there are many reasons why breath can be unpleasant. Bad breath can be caused by your gums, your tongue, your throat, your stomach or your lungs. Consistent bad breath can be a sign of a bigger problem, so address it immediately. However, it’s generally not difficult to maintain fresh breath throughout the day. Consider what’s healthy or unhealthy: are your gums in a good place? Does your throat hurt? When the last time you went to the dentist? Try to address these questions before just popping a mint to cover things up. Consider the foods you eat on a consistent basis. Spicy foods can make your breath very strong. Fattening foods can produce overall bad health, which makes your breath consistently unpleasant. A healthy diet (especially one that’s filled with greens) can help to generate consistently good breath. Of course, brushing your teeth throughout the day, flossing regularly and using mouthwash are all ways to have fresh breath on a consistent basis.

LIPSTICK

The right lipstick shade will make your teeth appear whiter. Lipsticks that have an orange or yellow base tend to pull out any yellow tints to your teeth. Blue -and-pink-based lipsticks will make your teeth appear whiter than they are. Also – have you ever had lipstick stick to your teeth? This can be an indication of dry mouth or excess plaque, so ask your dentist if you constantly experience lipstick on your teeth.

VISIT YOUR PHOENIX DENTIST REGULARLY

It cannot be stated enough – when you visit the dentist every six months or so, your mouth, teeth and gums will remain in top condition. You simply cannot achieve as deep a cleaning as your dentist can provide. In addition, visiting the dentist frequently helps him or her catch a cavity or another problem before the condition worsens. Always discuss your hygiene habits with your dentist if you want a brighter and more beautiful smile.