A set of happy teeth means a healthier smile. Summer means loads of sugary drinks and sodas, ice-creams and popsicles, and iced coffee. If you cannot avoid these foods altogether, it is still a good idea to compensate the damage by following these tips for a healthier smile this summer:

FLOSS IS THE BOSS:

If you don’t know already, now is the best time to start flossing. So, should you brush first or floss? A better idea is to floss first as it removes all the small chunks of food from between the teeth, leaving room for more effective brushing.

GO EASY WITH TOOTHPICKS:

Use a toothpick in the absence of floss, but remember to not go too crazy with it. Pick your food gently from between the teeth as pressing too hard can damage the gums. You shouldn’t use a toothpick on a daily basis as a replacement for flossing as the latter helps better remove the food particles and also rids the teeth from bacteria and plaque build-up.

SAY CHEESE FOR WHITE TEETH:

The whey and casein protein in cheese help reduce mineralization in tooth enamel and keep in it top form. Cheese has plentiful vital, tooth-building calcium, which is great for your teeth. Just make sure to incorporate vitamin D into your diet for your body to better absorb calcium.

IT TAKES A WHILE TO BRUSH YOUR SMILE:

Not only should you be brushing your teeth at least two times a day, but also keep in the mind the desired brushing length. A thorough brushing job requires about 2.5 to 3 minutes!

BE GOOD TO THOSE GUMS:

Keep a close eye on your gums for signs of swollen, red or tender gums, gums that persistently bleed or bad breath. These are all signs that you should see your dentist pronto.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE:

Don’t wait for bleeding gums or rotting teeth to signal a dentist’s visit, but make regular trips for cleaning and preventative checkups to steer clear of trouble areas. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Follow these tips and you can easily maintain a healthy smile this summer.