See 10 tips for achieving optimum oral health and wellness, as recommended by the Manhattan cosmetic dentists at NYC Smile Design.

1. F O R A H E A L T H Y , B E A U T I F U L S M I L E
O R A L H E A L T H T I P S
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2. TOOTHBRUSHING TIPS:
Brush twice a day, for about 2 minutes each time
Use a soft­bristled toothbrush to be kind to your gums
Hold the bristles at a 45 degree angle to your gums
Brush the chewing surfaces, outer surfaces and inner surfaces
of your teeth using gentle motions
Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth
Optimize the Way
You Brush
Brushing is brushing right?
Wrong! Consider these tips to
make the most of your
brushing routine.

3. 1x per day
every day
DON'T
FORGET
TO FLOSS
Flossing is essential to a
proper oral hygiene routine.
Flossing is easy to overlook,
but think of it as the other half
of your nightly dental routine.
Flossing is one of the best
ways to fight dental plaque,
which causes gum disease.
Flossing reaches the plaque
in between your teeth,
where your toothbrush
bristles cannot reach.
DENTAL INSIDER TIP
Pick a time of day for flossing,
and stick to it! Whether
morning, noon or night, having
a designated time helps you
get into a routine.

4. DITCH YOUR OLD
TOOTHBRUSH...
FOR A FLASHY
NEW ONE!
Bristles get frayed
and become ineffective.
Bacteria builds up on
the head of the brush.
For these reasons, the
American Dental
Association suggests
replacing your brush
every 3­4 months.

5. Don't Smoke or Use Other Tobacco Products
Tobacco is not only bad for your heart
health and the rest of your body, it's
bad for your teeth and gums too.
Tobacco use increases your risk of
developing the following:
Quitting an addictive substance is really
hard. Reach out to a support network,
ask your doctor about medications, and
visit smokefree.gov for free resources to
help you quit.
Trouble quitting?
Oral cancer
Gum disease
Stained, yellow teeth
Delayed healing after
oral surgery
Impaired ability to smell
and taste

6. What your childhood
dentist always said was
true: Soda is bad for your
teeth. Soda has lots of
sugar, which increases
your risk for tooth decay.
When the bacteria in dental
plaque meets the sugary
soda residue, the bacteria
produces acid that eats
away at your tooth enamel.
Go Easy on
the Soda

7. Get Your Symptoms
Checked
If you have symptoms
you aren't sure about,
call your dentist! Tooth
pain, swelling and other
abnormalities may
signal a problem.
Certain dental problems
are more treatable in
their early stages.

8. the power
DON'T UNDERESTIMATE
OF FLUORIDE
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It is
added to tap water to increase exposure.
Fluoride is very effective at preventing tooth
decay by strengthening your enamel.
If you use a fluoride toothpaste, you are
probably exposing your enamel to adequate
levels. Keep doing what you're doing! But ask
your dentist if you are concerned about
fluoride and your oral health.

9. Rinse
after eating
Rinsing your mouth with
water after a meal
washes away food
material that may
otherwise stick to your
teeth. Rinsing helps
fight tooth decay and
teeth stains.

10. Treats in Moderation
Just like soda, sugary snacks and desserts promote
tooth decay. Bacteria in plaque break down the
sugars, producing acid as they do so. It is this acid
that destroys tooth enamel and leads to cavities.
Everyone deserves a treat at least once in awhile.
Remember to brush or rinse your mouth after
indulging so sugar doesn't linger on your teeth.

11. Visit Your Dentist
One of the best things you can do for your oral health is to
continue visiting your dentist every 6 months. The hygienist
removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, and the dentist
checks for signs of problems, ensuring you have excellent
oral health and a gorgeous smile.

12. You deserve the smile of your dreams. For a
consultation with the experienced Manhattan
cosmetic dentists at NYC Smile Design, please call
(212) 574-4660, or visit nycsmiledesign.com.