The second week of August officially marks National Smile Week, which gives us the perfect excuse to talk about your smile! Your smile is important to us in more ways than one. Of course, we want you smiling when you leave our office, feeling genuinely happy you came in for a checkup. We also always want to do our best to keep your smile as healthy as possible. Although we can do a lot to achieve the latter, like regularly cleaning your teeth, providing other needed treatments like crowns and fillings, and care instruction, it’s up to you to maintain a healthy oral routine at home. To help you improve your oral care habits, in honor of National Smile Week we’ve created a simple checklist of 5 ways to take care of your smile:
1. Brush, brush, brush!
You’ve heard it over and over, and we’ll keep repeating it until it sticks. Surprisingly only about half of men (49 percent) and a little more than half of women (56.8 percent) in the United States brush their teeth twice a day. That’s crazy! It’s absolutely essential to brush your teeth in the morning and at night to get rid of bacteria, prevent gum disease, remove stains, protect your gums, and improve your health overall. Check out our recent blog post on myths on teeth brushing to make sure you’re doing it the right way.
2. Consider orthodontics.
For those who are insecure about their smile, orthodontics can be a great option to consider during National Smile Week. Braces or Invisalign will help correct your bite and straighten your teeth, which will boost your confidence and help prevent future problems like tooth decay, headaches, and problems with chewing or talking. Learn more about the orthodontics services we offer by visiting our website.
3. Eat the right foods and avoid the wrong ones.
A general rule of thumb is that foods that are considered healthy and good for your body are also the foods that are good for your teeth. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like celery and apples are an awesome way to take care of your smile. Food high in calcium, such as cheese and milk, will also help protect your teeth. You can find more healthy food options for your smile here. As far as foods you shouldn’t eat, try to avoid or minimize anything with a large amount of sugar, like candy or juice.
4. Maintain good habits.
Sure, it still counts a little if you floss every now and then, but your smile is only really going to benefit if you make it a consistent habit. And this doesn’t just apply to flossing. If you want to maintain a good oral care routine, make it so everything is second nature, from brushing for a full two minutes to drinking more water. Research shows it only takes about 21 days to form a habit, so get started now!
5. Schedule a checkup twice a year.
While our hygienists and dentists will take good care of you when you’re in the office, it’s up to you to make the appointment! The best way to make sure you stick to the recommended schedule of visiting the dentist every six months is to make your next appointment each time you come in for a regular checkup. Visiting the dentist regularly helps to ensure your dentist will find trouble areas before they really become a problem. They’ll make sure you get a thorough cleaning and new x-rays to help keep your gums and teeth healthy for years to come.
If you’re due for a checkup or you are interested in learning more about Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments we offer, call Artistic Dental at (602) 840-5400.