While it may seem that having white teeth means you have a healthy smile, this is not always the case. There is more to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile than meets the eye. As with most things in life, knowledge is the first step so Lasting Smiles Dental Care in Las Vegas would like to share some useful tips for a beautiful healthy smile that can last a lifetime.

Regular Dental Visits

Make dental visits part of your 3-month ritual. Many dentists, including Dr. Ghodsi believe that the standard twice-a-year dentist visit is just not enough. You should be seeing your dentist every three months (quarterly) since even the most thorough cleaning does not last longer than that. While dentist visits may seem expensive and time-consuming, that really is not the case, especially when you consider the cost of other routine expenses (haircuts, hair color, oil changes, etc.)

Brushing Routine

Day & Night: Brush at the right time. While we all know that brushing first thing in the morning and right before sleeping is recommended by dentists for a healthy smile, we may not know the scientific reasoning behind it. Brushing first thing in the morning helps to brush off the plaque and bacteria that build up throughout the night. According to dental research, while brushing at night cleans plaque before buildup while sleeping – saliva, which naturally protects teeth from plaque buildup, dries up at night so brushing in the morning should be a vital part of your brushing routine in order to maintain that beautiful healthy smile we all want.

Your Toothbrush

Toss that old toothbrush into the bin. Most of us have probably been guilty of overusing a toothbrush beyond the three to four months recommended by dentists and toothbrush manufacturers. At Lasting Smiles Dental Care, we strongly advise against overusing your toothbrush since the brush’s bristles wear down and then the brush fails to serve its purpose.

Using an electric toothbrush is the way to go. While it requires a higher upfront cost, research has shown that electric toothbrushes improved oral hygiene in more than 80 percent of patients, with a significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis. Dr. Ghodsi recommends the use of an electric toothbrush, which helps prevent gum disease. Of course, don’t forget to throw out the old head of the electric brush. A good way to remember this is to change toothbrushes right after your professional cleaning.

Using a Nighttime Bite Guard

A bite guard won’t bite back. Nighttime teeth grinding (nocturnal bruxism) afflicts about 15 percent of the American population, which over time could age a person’s teeth by up to 10 years. The most common cause of nocturnal bruxism is stress, and most people afflicted with it are unaware until it is pointed out by their partner or dentist. While wearing a bite guard may seem uncomfortable at first, experts believe that it can significantly reduce damage from nighttime grinding and protect your teeth keeping them beautiful and healthy.

Go Sugarless

Enjoy sugarless gum. While not a replacement for brushing and flossing, chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals could help prevent tooth decay. Sugar-containing gum, on the other hand, could lead to further plaque buildup (a precursor for tooth decay).

Say no to soda. With up to 10 teaspoons of sugar in every can of soda and various types of harmful acids (phosphoric, organic, and citric), which can cause the loss of tooth calcium over time, Dr. Ghodsi suggests minimizing soda intake. When thirsty, healthier beverage alternatives include fruit juices; low-calorie, non-carbonated flavored drinks; or a tall glass of water.

Don’t Forget To Floss

Floss regularly. Flossing is something we are most likely to forget or skip, but flossing regularly can help protect gums, keep teeth healthy and prevent expensive oral care treatments over time.

Update Your Dentist

Update your dentist about medical conditions. In order to receive the right treatment by your dentist, always make sure you provide your current medical history. Medications may have an effect on your oral health, and therefore it is important that your dentist knows about which treatments or medications you may be using.

If you have any questions regarding dental care, contact us today to schedule a Free Consultation!