National Smile Month: How to Achieve and Maintain a Radiant Smile

More than 30 years ago, the British Dental Health Foundation started National Smile Month. While we may not be in the UK, that doesn’t mean now isn’t a great time to consider how you can best take care of your smile.

If you want to know what you can do to achieve and maintain a radiant smile, here are some tips.

Brush and Floss

Brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral health. Plus, they help remove plaque and stains, ensuring your smile is as bright as possible.

Make the time to brush at least twice a day (morning and night) and floss once a day. However, if you feel food trapped between your teeth during the day, partake of a particularly sugary snack, or enjoy a food or beverage that could lead to staining, a third brushing and additional flossing can be a good idea.

Watch Your Food and Drinks

Some foods and drinks are more likely to lead to staining than others. Coffee, tea, soda, dark juices, and red wine can be big culprits, but they certainly aren’t the only beverages that can promote the discoloration of the surface of teeth.

Certain foods are also known for causing stains. Popsicles, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, tomato sauce, dark berries, and nearly any other item that can temporarily stain your skin can also discolor teeth.

If you enjoy foods or drinks that can lead to stains, then you want to limit their effects. For example, you can drink a glass of water afterward to help wash away stain-causing debris or take a moment to brush with a stain-fighting toothpaste.

Try Whitening

Sometimes brushing and flossing isn’t enough to brighten your smile. If you are battling deep stains, then getting a professional whitening treatment can be a great option.

Professional whitening can be safer than some at-home methods, and you get faster results. That way, you can enjoy a radiant smile in as little as one visit, and your Jacksonville dentist can select an option that is best for you.

Visit Your Dentist

Speaking of your Jacksonville dentist, maintaining your regular dental appointments is essential if you want a healthy and beautiful smile. A professional cleaning includes everything from plaque removal to a nice polishing, allowing your teeth to shine.

Plus, they can recommend other treatments for maintaining your oral health and the look of your smile. Then, you can choose options that are right for you, ensuring your smile is amazing today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Call our Jacksonville Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health