Do you ever find yourself wondering what your smile would say to you, if only it could talk? Many people think that effective dental care is a mystery, or that developing dental problems over time is an unavoidable inevitability. Fortunately, that is not the case. Your preventive dentist can actually arm you with the knowledge you need to take excellent care of your teeth, so you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile.

3. If You Want Beauty, Start with Good Health

Many Americans spend a great deal of time and money trying to make their smiles beautiful, but not all of them give their teeth and gums the oral care they need to reaming healthy. A healthy smile should always start with great oral health, and this can be accomplished through a combination of daily dental hygiene and regular professional cleanings. Even if your teeth appear healthy, keep in mind that regular dental appointments are crucial to keeping plaque bacteria under control. Though over-the-counter products might be able to lighten teeth, to some extent, they are no substitution for regular, professional dental care!

4. Stop With All the Sugar!

If you truly want to keep your smile healthy, and cavity-free, it is important to limit how much sugar you consume. There are added sugars in many even seemingly healthy products, such as sports drinks, granola and protein bars, juices, smoothies and other snacks, drinks and foods. Limiting sugar is important to your oral health because plaque bacteria feed on sugars, so the more you eat and drink, the more chance the bacteria has to buildup on your teeth, creating an acidic environment that can lead to both cavities and gum disease, which might require periodontal therapy.

Avoid these and other dental issues by drinking lots of water, and eating fruits and vegetables, which are nutrient-rich and free of added sugars! Rounding out your healthy diet with lean proteins and dairy products is also good for both your teeth and body.