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Brush twice a day.
Brushing is the key to good dental hygiene, fighting gum disease and a healthy, beautiful
smile for life. Remember to brush twice a day for at least two minutes morning and night,
giving attention to the gum line with small circular movements.
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Floss before brushing.
Flossing helps remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth. If these particles
remain on the tooth surface, it can lead to dental hygiene problems such as cavities, gum
disease and gingivitis. It is best to floss before brushing to remove plaque and loosen debris
from the tooth surface.
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Get dental check-ups twice a year.
Visiting the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings is imperative for dental hygiene
and to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile. It is especially important for women who take
birth control pills, or who are pregnant or menopausal, as they have an increased
susceptibility to oral care problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and cavities. Sign up
for our free reminder service and we'll make sure you never forget an
appointment.
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Limit sodas, coffee and alcohol.
Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral
for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body's level of calcium. This
causes dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing
additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and
discolored. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth
and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful smile.
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Put out the cigarette.
Smoking cigarettes is one of the greatest contributors to the aging mouth. According to the
Center for Disease Control, more than 22 million women in the United States smoke
cigarettes. In addition to staining teeth, smoking interrupts calcium absorption in the body
and can also cause potentially life-threatening diseases such as oral cancer. So stop smoking
and enjoy the health benefits as well as a healthy, beautiful smile.
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Visit your dentist before becoming pregnant.
Expectant mothers can suffer from pregnancy gingivitis caused by hormonal changes and
increased blood flow in the body. Prior to becoming pregnant, all women should have
periodontal screenings for gum disease. They should also schedule regular dental check-ups
throughout their pregnancy to help diagnose and treat related dental hygiene conditions.
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Increase your calcium intake.
After the age of 30, women experience a 25 percent reduction in bone density. Restore lost
calcium with a daily supplement and by eating fruits and vegetables high in calcium, such
as dark leafy greens. These foods will also help to lower the acid buildup in the saliva that
can lead to breakdown of tooth enamel.
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Sleep at least 8 hours nightly.
Sleep allows the body to be replenished and renewed. Plus, you're more likely to flash your
healthy, beautiful smile if you're well rested. According to the National Sleep Foundation,
women are more likely than men to experience insomnia. Lack of sleep will cause a
woman's immune system to become run-down and depleted. This leaves you susceptible to
infection from oral bacteria in your mouth.
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Take a daily dose of vitamins C and D.
Vitamins C and D help support the absorption of healthy mouth minerals such as calcium
and phosphorous, which support the bone and gum tissue, keeping it healthy. This is an
easy way to maintain dental hygiene and fight gum disease.
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Use the right toothbrush.
Whether for children or adults, Crest has a variety of toothbrushes to meet all your dental needs. It’s important to select just the right toothbrush so look for one that will give you the clean you need with comfort and control. Getting a healthy, beautiful smile with Crest toothbrushes is easy.
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