Do you feel like you can’t show off your smile because you’re unhappy with your unhealthy or yellowing smile? We spoke to a top NYC dentist for his tips to get you looking and feeling best this spring!

Do you wish you had a celebrity smile like Nina Dobrev? Stars are always showing off their perfect, white teeth, but you don’t have to be on a red carpet to get an amazing smile. Read our easy-to-follow steps for a healthy smile below!

Teeth Whitening NYC — Get Happy & Healthy

Dr. Timothy Chase, a NYC based oral health expert, spills on how you can avoid common teeth mistakes and get a great smile for summer:

“1. Brushing too long or too often

Dr. Chase says you can actually end up doing more harm than good if you brush your teeth too often or too long. He suggests that you brush 2-3 times per day, at least a half hour after meals to avoid eroding your tooth enamel. If you can’t brush that often, a good substitute is chewing sugar free gum with Sorbitol.

  

2. Brushing too hard

Brushing too hard can actually cause injury to your gums and can lead to loss of enamel and notching of the root surface of the teeth. Brushing should be done using gentle pressure, with the bristles angled toward the gum line, in small circular motions. Another easy solution is to replace your manual brush with a quality electric brush, which studies show work better and cause less damage.

3. Brushing immediately after eating

Brushing soon after eating or drinking acidic foods is one big mistake a lot of people make. Doing so can increase the risk of tooth abrasion. Shortly after you eat or drink acidic foods, the acids in the food weaken the enamel of your teeth. Therefore, postpone brushing to at least 30 minutes after eating, by which time the saliva secreted in the mouth can neutralize the acids.

4. Only brushing your teeth

Brushing is not limited to just the teeth. Your tongue needs to be cleaned too. The grooves and ridges on your tongue can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Ignoring your tongue can be the cause of bad breath as well.

More Helpful Tips For Oral Health

5. Using the wrong toothbrush

All tooth brushes are not created equal! The only types toothbrushes that should be used are those with soft or extra soft bristles. Using a medium or hard brush can lead to gum recession and damage to tooth structures.

6. Not replacing your toothbrush

Can you remember the last time that you replaced your toothbrush? Over time, brushes lose their flexibility and the bristles begin to wear out. Not changing your toothbrush at least every three months can make your efforts to maintain oral hygiene useless.

7. Not using floss

Toothbrushes can’t reach certain places, such as between your teeth and under the gum line. Flossing should be done at least once a day to reach these areas, but can be done more often if you tend to have food stick between your teeth. Gently move the floss between your teeth until it reaches the gum, then pull it so that is partially wraps around each tooth. Floss once or twice a day, preferably after dinner.

8. Not drinking water

It is very important to drink water throughout the day. Not only does water help rinse food particles from the mouth, but it also helps restore the natural PH.  In addition, water keeps you hydrated, which helps in the production of saliva that keeps the mouth healthy and clean.

9. Not receiving regular dental check-ups

You still need to visit your dentist at least once every six months or more if you have any dental issues or have had many teeth filled. Brushing and flossing alone cannot remove plaque that can harden into calculus; only your dentist or hygienist can remove this. Besides dental disease, your dentist can also help diagnose other potential issues such as oral cancer, TMJ and other systemic diseases. If you are in the New York City area, you can visit Dr. Chase (SmilesNY.com) for a comprehensive exam and to find out exactly how healthy your mouth is.”

Are you trying to get your smile healthier for summer, HollywoodLifers?

— Dory Larrabee

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