Super Smile

From Scholastic News:

We talked to Mary Hayes, a pediatric dentist in Chicago, Illinois, about proper ways to care for your teeth. “Teens need to realize that their teeth need to last a lifetime and require maintenance and a lot of TLC,” Hayes says.

Here are Hayes’s tips:
Brush and floss. When you eat and drink, you’re not only feeding yourself, you’re also feeding colonies of bacteria called plaque that live in your mouth. These bacteria eat sugars and other carbohydrates, producing acids that break down tooth enamel and eventually lead to cavities. That’s why you should brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove the plaque. Flossing daily is equally important, because it removes the hard-to-reach plaque between your teeth.

• Bacteria on your tongue are the biggest cause of halitosis, or bad breath. So don’t forget to brush your tongue—it’s a great way to get rid of garlic breath. Chewing gum with xylitol, a sugar substitute, improves bad breath too by neutralizing mouth bacteria. Mouthwash can also be a short-term solution, but if your halitosis persists, consult your dentist.
  
  
• Visit the dentist regularly. Even if you haven’t had a toothache in years, you should visit a dentist every six months. Often, early stage cavities don’t hurt but will show up on X-rays. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can prevent having to undergo painful and expensive procedures.
  
  If you have braces or a retainer, be sure to follow all of your orthodontist’s instructions. Your jaw keeps growing into your early 20s (age 25 for boys, age 23 for girls), so stick to your orthodontist’s rules to make sure your smile stays straight.
  
  
• Be aware of what you eat and drink. Cutting back on sugary juices, sodas, and snacks can help keep bacteria at bay. If you’re consuming a lot of carbohydrates, like bread and pasta, brush your teeth more often. Those extra carbs fuel the bacteria in your mouth. If you can’t brush after a carb-heavy meal, drink water or milk to help neutralize the acids.
  
  Here’s more vital information: Drinks like coffee and tea can stain your teeth. Tongue piercings can chip teeth. Lip rings can wear away your gum line and expose your lower teeth’s roots. Smoking cigarettes and using chewing tobacco also wreaks havoc on your mouth and gums—and can lead to mouth cancers.