Healthy Tips for a Winning Smile

Winning smiles take work. Find out how you and your kids can get one.Keeping your smile healthy involves more than just brushing those teeth (though it often starts there!). How you care for your smile should be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and when your smile shines, so will the rest of you. How can you make sure that you've got a winning smile, and the positive attitude that goes with it?  

Eat a healthy diet.

What you eat and drink matters when it comes to a healthy smile and a healthy lifestyle. There's a place in your diet for that occasional cup of coffee or a cookie here or there. But be mindful of moderation and the effect it has on your teeth and your overall health and well being.

Floss and rinse, too. As any good dentist will tell you, brushing is only half of the battle when it comes to fighting cavities, plaque, and gum disease. Flossing and using mouthwash are also absolutely essential components of a healthy smile.

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Receive regular dental care and physicals. There's more to a healthy smile than a visit to your dentist every six months, though that does matter. Make time for yearly physicals with your healthcare provider, too. Your dental health and your physical health are often more interconnected than most people realize. If you are having dental problems, seek the advice of your dentist-sometimes, a health issue may also be present.

Pay attention to your toothbrush. You can't have a smile that sparkles if you don't use the right equipment! Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis, at least 3-4 times a year (so more often than your dental visits!). Make sure to rinse your toothbrush after you use it and let it dry. Don't cover it up, or you may breed bacteria.

Be wary of bad habits. Bad habits, especially those that have been around for a lifetime, can have a negative impact on your overall health and your dental health, too. Smoking, drinking a pot of coffee every day and excessive quantities of soda can all be bad habits that can hurt your smile. Changing just one of these can help you live a healthier (and sometimes longer) life.

Set a good example. One of the best ways to guarantee that your kids have healthy smiles is to let them see you taking care of yours, too. Remember that children learn from what we do more than merely what we say. So set that smiling, shining, and healthy example for your little ones, and you may end up with more than just one winning smile in the family.

Content by Kelly Herdrich.