We all know that maintaining a healthy smile can be a difficult task. How many times have you climbed into bed, just to think, "oh man! I forgot to brush my teeth!"? And how many times have you realized just as quickly that your will to get up was far less than your will to stay in bed?

It is so easy to put off the simplest things that can truly help us have a healthy and beautiful smile that we can share with confidence. The following 5 things can keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

1. Brush Your Teeth

Good basic oral hygiene is the best and most effective way to keep your teeth healthy. And it's not just about making your smile look good. Although having a clean, beautiful smile is sure to be your best friend in social, professional, and personal circles, your teeth have an important job to do and if they can't be strong, then they can't do the one thing they are here to do. When plaque builds up on and in between our teeth, they are more likely to be weakened by cavities that can lead to sensitivity, pain, and even fracture.  Dentists always recommend brushing twice a day for at least 2 minutes to keep the plaque at bay. Plaque is that sticky yellowish film containing bacteria that eats away at your teeth and is both gross and dangerous without proper care. Keep those pearly whites both strong and beautiful!

2. Floss Daily

Flossing is recommended at least once a day and it is for more than digging out that popcorn kernel or shred of beef nagging away at the tender gums between your plaque covered teeth occupying every thought until you can get it out. It helps to remove bacteria from the hard to reach areas and also helps to reduce the risk of gum disease which is linked to far worse things for your health like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, and diabetes. It also strengthens the gums and reduces infections from bacteria. Flossing is easy and keeps the spaces between your teeth away from becoming home to nasty decay. 

3. Healthy Diet

While sometimes we can't go another minute without our favorite treats, the same favorite treats can be our enemies and have a negative impact on our oral health. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that contains all of the nutrients we need can help reduce the risk of decay. Foods high in sugar, yes, including the ice cream you are dreaming about right now, can lead to cavities and wear away at our teeth. If your diet includes drinking lots of water, a good balance of fruits, veggies, and proteins without the excess sugar, you are at much less risk of cavities and decay. This combined with avoiding habit forming substances like alcohol, tobacco, smoking, and other drugs that can also lead heavily to decay allows us to be healthy in mind, body, and mouth.

4. Regularly visit the dentist

The dentist is a doctor who has specifically trained and learned to treat and care for your teeth. They really do have your best interest at heart. He/She can look specifically at your teeth and help you see what you can't and give you the best recommendations to keep your smile healthy. By going to see them regularly, you can avoid painful and expensive situations later by doing the basic things now. If you haven't seen you dentist in a while, give them a call, they want to help.

5. Pay attention

You know your mouth and teeth better than anyone and if you think something is wrong, schedule an appointment with your dentist to check it out. And if you have questions, feel free to call us.