One of the first things people notice when meeting you is your smile. Along with a bright and shining smile comes energy and confidence. Additionally, studies have reported that people with brighter, whiter smiles are perceived as being younger.

Proper oral care is the best way to create a healthy shining smile. Brushing and flossing your teeth and rinsing with mouth wash twice a day can help to make your smile shine. However, it is still important to visit the dentist regularly. Schedule visits routinely and try not to miss them. Dental issues develop gradually, therefore when they are treated early it will be less costly and result in less pain and discomfort.

Dietary choices and lifestyle can also affect your smile. Red wine, coffee and smoking can all dull your smile, leaving it slightly yellow. Not only will smoking leave your teeth discolored, but it also increase your chances of developing other health issues including oral cancers. Drinking though a straw or switching to clear liquors can help to reduce the impact on your teeth.

An electric toothbrush is a smart choice when it comes to brushing your pearly whites. It helps to provide better brushing and reaches more areas. Alternating between a standard and whitening toothpaste can help to create a healthy and bright smile.

If you are in search of teeth whitening, our Chattanooga cosmetic dentist can help to create the bright, white smile of your dreams.

The holiday season is filled with an abundance of sweets and treats. While these Christmas candies can be delicious, they can also pose a number of risks to your oral health. Cookies, candy canes and other desserts don’t have to lead to cavities.

The naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar, leaving behind acids. Over time, these acids wear down tooth enamel which leads to weaker teeth that are more susceptible to tooth decay and gingivitis.

Snacking on sweets throughout the day can be particularly harmful to your teeth. The acid produced from these sugar packed snacks can effect teeth for up to 20 minutes after they are consumed. Brushing after snacking can help to reduce bacteria and your risks for cavities and gingivitis.

Here are our top tips for staying cavity free this holiday season:

Find a Balance
When you eat sugary snacks try to do so with a meal to reduce the impact they have on your teeth.

Avoid Sticky Sweets
Sticky sweets cling to your teeth keeping contact with your enamel. Additionally, these candies can loosen or remove fillings and crowns. Opt for items that dissolve quickly.

Keep Supplies Handy
Keeping a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in your bag, desk or car can help to keep your teeth at their best even when you are on the go.

Rinse Frequently
Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking can help to remove food particles and bacteria when brushing isn’t an option.

Brush Away
Your best defense against bacteria is frequent brushing. Brush your teeth after eating and drinking. When consuming foods that are high in acid, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to protect the enamel.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. With new over the counter products and cosmetic dental procedures, bright white smiles are attainable on almost every budget. While the risks associated with at home whitening products are minimal, there are a few things to keep in mind before starting the whitening process.

Before starting any at home whitening, schedule a trip to the dentist for an exam and cleaning. It is important to have your teeth and gums assessed before you begin. Your dentist will also be able to recommend the proper product for your needs.

Many at home teeth whitening kits contain carbamide peroxide. When selecting a product, choose one with a peroxide in the 15% range. You want to ensure that the product will not irritate your mouth. It is also important to follow the directions exactly as stated, never leaving the gels or strips on for longer than specified. Leaving the product on for too long can result in sore gums and other potential problems. After whitening your teeth, avoid acidic and sugary drinks for several hours.

Whitening your teeth can cause them to be sensitive, but it usually only lasts for a short period of time. If the sensitivity and discomfort persist then stop treatment immediately. Do not bleach your teeth more often than necessary as repeated exposure can be harmful to your teeth. Follow the product instructions for best result and when you have reached your desired result, limit the whitening to a few times a year.

Our toothbrushes help to keep our mouths squeaky clean, but how clean is your toothbrush? Follow these tips to keep your toothbrush clean and your mouth healthy and sparkling.

• Don’t store your toothbrush in a closed, dark, moist space. These conditions are a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when it begins to show signs of wear. Regularly replacing your toothbrush will ensure better brushing and help reduce the buildup of bacteria.

• Sharing toothbrushes leaves you susceptible to transferring bacteria that can lead to more serious dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

• Rinse your toothbrush after each use to remove any debris in the bristles. Soaking the toothbrush in mouth wash is a good way to deep clean it.

• Keep your toothbrush at least 6 feet from the toilet. Flushing disperses particles through the air that can contaminate your toothbrush and make you sick.

• Allow your toothbrush to dry upright. This will help it to dry completely and prevent the development of mold.

Keeping your toothbrush clean can help improve your overall health. Follow these tips for a squeaky clean toothbrush and mouth.

With a variety of toothbrushes on the market, it can be difficult to select the one best suited to your needs. From soft to hard bristles to electric options, deciding on the perfect style can be a challenge. Here are a few tips from our Ooltewah dentist to help you select the perfect brush:

·         Soft bristled brushes are the best for removing plaque and debris. These brushes are also good for brushing hard to reach areas.
·         Don’t purchase those cheap, no name brushes. A brush made of quality materials will help to give you the best clean possible.
·         As for the handle grip or bristle shape, it is a matter of personal preference. Select an option that is comfortable and allows you to easily reach your teeth.
·         If you have limited dexterity or problems brushing, an electric toothbrush may be a good fit.
·         Toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes based on ages. Select the appropriate style for infants, toddlers, children and adults.
·         Replace your brush every three months or sooner if bristles show signs of wear.
·         After brushing your teeth, thoroughly rinse the brush and store upright to dry.

The best toothbrush for you is one that you will use. Make sure that the handle is easy to grip, that the head is comfortable in your mouth and you are able to reach all the surfaces of your teeth and gums. Happy brushing!