#brushbrushbrush

We hope that your Spring is off to a great start. If you made any New Year's resolutions, then now is the time to reassess them. Did you break any? Are you still on tract? Did "better oral hygiene" make the list? Any dental professional will tell you, It is never too late to start. Remember, a healthy smile leads to a healthy body. Be confident when you smile and be proud of the way you look.

Do brush after a meal: You should always brush after every meal or snack. It washes away any residue on your teeth. This is especially true with any sugar foods. If you do not have a brush handy, you can try to wash your mouth out with water.

Do floss frequently: It is not the funnest part of oral hygiene, but it is crucial. Brushing does not not get in between our teeth, so flossing will remove any build up. Also, it helps fight bad breath.

Do brush at least twice per day: If you cannot brush after every meal, at least brush twice per day - once in the morning and once at night before you go to bed. Bacteria breaks down tooth enamel, so brushing fights of the bacteria. This is why brushing at night is so important, because the bacteria collected throughout the day remains on your teeth all night. If you want to bring it to the next level, use a mouthwash after brushing.

Do use a new toothbrush: Dental professionals recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3 months. The same is for electric toothbrushes. As the bristles start to wear, the effectiveness of the brush decreases. If you feel discomfort using the brush, then change it immediately. Replacing your brush after a cold or flu will help avoid the germs form returning.

Do visit a dentist routinely: You should be visiting a dentist at least twice per year. You want to catch problems before they happen and fix any issues before they get worse.

Don't smoke: Other than the obvious reason (cancer), smoking will stain your teeth and can cause them to fall out.

Don't snack all day: Unless you plan on brushing after every snack, the residue from food will stick to your teeth causing stains and decay.

Don't chew of foreign objects: Chewing on non-food items can cause your teeth to chip or crak. Items such as: ice, pencil, pen, pen cap, etc.

Don't grind your teeth: Another name for teeth grinding is bruxism and it wears teeth down over time. This effects most people at night, so be sure to wear a special mouthguard before you go to sleep.