5 SECRETS TO A BEAUTIFUL SMILE {GUEST ARTICLE}

When you look in the mirror, what is the first thing you notice about yourself? Your bright blue eyes? Your thick, wavy hair? What about…your smile?

When we think of ourselves and how we look, most of us think of our smile, one with attractive, sparkling white teeth. Take a look at these 5 secrets to a beautiful smile:

1. Eat right
You can't have a bright, beautiful smile without proper nutrition. One of the 5 secrets to a beautiful smile is to eat right.

What does it mean to "eat right"? Eating right has two components. 

Number 1: You have to ingest the right nutrients to have beautiful teeth. For most people, that means focusing on fresh, healthy foods.  Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, an abundance of foods rich in calcium and magnesium (especially important for beautiful teeth) such as nuts, dairy products, and leafy green vegetables, and healthy, nutritious fats such as fish oils and monounsaturated oils such as olive oil.
Your teeth and the rest of your body are built from what you eat and eating right is the foundation of a beautiful smile.

Number 2: Eating right also means making sure that you choose foods that are naturally cleansing for your teeth. Not everything you eat can be teeth-cleansing, of course, but make sure you choose a good variety of foods that require plenty of chewing and are naturally cleansing at the same time. Fresh fruits and vegetables, again, help remove plaque as you chew them, while foods such as some hard cheeses discourage tooth decay because they are naturally antibacterial. In addition, beverages such as freshly brewed, non-sweetened tea contain fluoride as a natural ingredient, to further encourage strong teeth.

2. Brush

Nothing encourages a good, healthy smile more than incorporating a daily oral hygiene program into your routine. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a good, fluoride toothpaste. These days, electric toothbrushes are ubiquitous and inexpensive, and they do a better job in some cases than manual toothbrushes. This is especially beneficial if you have difficulties with grip because of arthritis or other ailments. Therefore, one of the 5 secrets to a beautiful smile is to make sure you brush twice a day, every day, for at least two minutes each session.

It's important to note that brushing hard is not necessary; in fact, if you do so, you could be causing damage to your teeth. Again, the newer electric toothbrushes on the market often have safeguards built in so that if you press too hard, the toothbrush shuts off. If you've been told you brush too hard or you think you do, consider purchasing one of these brushes to ensure that tooth damage does not occur.

Finally, DON'T brush right after you have eaten a particularly acidic food such as vegetable and fruit juices; these can soften tooth enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and wait 20 to 30 minutes before brushing.

3. Floss

This little task is often overlooked by people because it can be particularly difficult to do; however, it's important to floss at least once daily. Flossing removes particles of food between the teeth and plaque on the tooth surface, both of which lead to tooth decay. If you have difficulty flossing, buy flossing devices that make the job easier, or buy disposable floss "picks" for the same purpose.

4. Use a good mouthwash

A good antibacterial mouthwash helps kill plaque and germs that you miss when brushing. These mouthwashes prevent the immediate re-growth of plaque and can prevent tooth decay. Some also contain fluoride. Ask your dentist to give you suggestions for a good one and use it as one of your 5 secrets to a beautiful smile.

5. Visit your dentist regularly

Even though you may pay scrupulous attention to your diet and brush and floss regularly, good oral hygiene is still no substitute for regular visits to your dentist. Visit at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning, and more often if your dentist deems it necessary for good health.

About the author:

Dr. Joseph Zelig, D.D.S., is a Board Certified Periodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. A practicing periodontist, speaker and educator, Dr. Zelig is currently practicing at Smile in the City located in Manhattan, New York.