by April Mims

Created on: May 08, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

A beautiful smile can be one of your greatest assets and help get you noticed. A sparkling, healthy smile shows confidence, warmth, and caring and can light up the room. But how do you get and keep your pearly whites pearly white?

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (but no more than three times) with a fluoride toothpaste. A good habit is to brush after every meal to remove any food. If brushing after every meal isn't practical for you, set a standard routine for brushing. Many people brush in the morning and at night. When brushing, brush teeth for at least 2 minutes. Select an American Dental Association (ADA) approved "soft" or "extra soft" bristled toothbrush to protect your gums and brush lightly to prevent receding gums and replace it regularly (about every 3 or 4 months).

Floss your teeth every day. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that toothbrushes are not able to reach. Establish a scheduled time each day to floss your teeth, such as in the morning or at night when you brush your teeth. Choose the type of floss that works best for you. Be sure to use plenty of dental floss, making sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth. Take your time while flossing to make sure to remove all plaque and food particles that are between teeth. Your toothbrush won't be able to reach these areas so flossing is another line of defense to take care of your teeth.
Use a mouth rinse daily. Rinsing with mouth wash helps remove plaque and other germs in the mouth and creates fresh breath. Used with flossing and brushing, mouth wash is another effective tool in maintaining a healthy mouth.
Visit your dentist regularly. In general, it is recommended that most people should visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. However, some people find it necessary to visit either more or less frequently based on their individual needs. Discuss your dental needs with your dentist and follow his recommendations carefully.
Limit sugary snacks and eat a balanced diet. Sugar is enemy number one for teeth. Certain foods and drinks loaded with sugar can really harm your teeth if consumed in large quantities. Avoiding sweets and sodas will help keep your teeth sugar free.
Get enough calcium. We've seen the advertisements that milk does a body good. It's good for your teeth too! Healthy amounts of calcium help to strengthen teeth and bones. Discuss your calcium needs with your dentist to ensure you are getting the right amount of calcium to maintain healthy teeth.

The most important thing you can do for your dental health is to establish a daily routine of caring for your teeth and gums. A regular routine, when paired with regular dental visits, will help you keep your pearly whites for many years to come and will help to avoid costly and painful dental issues.

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