protect your smile

take good care of your teeth and gums!

Try a tooth-friendly sweetener!

Xylitol is a low-calorie sweetener, equal in sweetness and volume to table sugar. Research supports using xylitol to prevent cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. Bacteria cannot utilize xylitol to grow; therefore, fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on the tooth’s surface over time, reducing plaque formation.

Practicing good oral hygiene every day not only preserves your winning smile, but it also helps stave off illness. Research has shown that people with periodontal (gum) disease have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Although the connection between gum disease and cardiovascular issues is not yet fully understood, it’s safe to say that taking good care of your teeth and gums plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being. Start with a clean foundation

Brushing and flossing make up the foundation of good oral health. The American Dental Association offers the following tips to help you clean your teeth and gums effectively:

Brush

Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and gently brush back and forth. Be sure to brush all outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth, including the insides of your front teeth, which are easier to brush by holding the toothbrush vertically. Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue to get rid of odor-causing bacteria.

Floss

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around the middle finger of each hand. Holding the floss between your index fingers and thumbs, wrap the floss around each tooth and gently move it up and down—never push the floss into your gums! At the gum line, carefully slide the floss between your gum and tooth using a C-shape motion. Periodically wind the floss either to the right or left to ensure you’re using a clean section of floss. Don’t reuse floss, as it doesn’t work as well and could transmit bacteria to your mouth.

Choose the right toothpaste

Since daily brushing is so vital, it’s important to use the right toothpaste. Many toothpaste brands feature effective, natural ingredients. Here are a few to look for: ✔ activated charcoal ✔ baking soda ✔ peroxide ✔ green tea ✔ eucalyptol ✔ vitamin D ✔ xylitol

Call in the professionals

While natural remedies can go a long way toward keeping your mouth healthy, it’s still important to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist. Regular dental checkups may help to identify potential issues early on, making treatments easier and more affordable. Most people should visit the dentist at least once or twice a year.

Serious pain and infections should always be treated by a dental health professional. ●

SELECTED SOURCES “5 steps to a flawless floss”; “Brushing your teeth”; “Your top 9 questions about going to the dentist—answered!” American Dental Association, www.MouthHealthy.org • “Anticariogenic potential of . . . xylitol chewing gum, and black tea” by P. Gul et al., European Journal of Dental Education, 4–6/18 • “Antimicrobial activity of toothpastes containing natural extracts . . .” by A. De Rossi et al., Brazilian Dental Journal, 2014 • “The caries preventive effect of 1 year-use of low-dose xylitol chewing gum . . .” by F. Cocco et al., Clinical Oral Investigations, 12/17 • “Gum disease and heart disease: The common thread,” Harvard Heart Letter, www.Health.Harvard.edu, 3/18 • “Xylitol: The decay-preventive sweetener,” California Dental Association, www.CDA.org