Who doesn’t want nice, shiny pearly whites? We all love getting compliments on our smile and are eager to keep our mouth fresh and clean. That means brushing frequently, doing some occasional whitening, and making regular trips to the dentist.

But did you know the health of your smile goes beyond aesthetics? There are a number of daily habits that can do some serious damage to your teeth and gums, without you even realizing it. For example, did you know stress can be bad for your chompers? Or that some types of soda can wreak greater havoc inside your mouth than others?

Fortunately, there are also a number of things you can do to help reverse or prevent damage to your kisser. Brushing and flossing the right way, for example, will help your mouth stay in tip-top shape.

There are 6 ways to keep your smile healthy:

1. Brush better 

Use a soft brush with rounded nylon bristles. Make a gentle circular motion at 45-degree angle to your gum line.

2. Quit drinking soda 

Sugary drinks can be bad for teeth and the acids in all sodas even sugar-free can weaken tooth enamel.

3. Watch out for wine 

The acidity can dissolve tooth structure and both red and white wine can stain your teeth. So drink in moderation

4. Keep stress at bay 

Nighttime teeth grinding can be brought on by stress and clenching can wear away enamel over time.

5. Hot the hot drinks 

Black tea and coffee can stain tooth enamel, so consume in moderation or add milk to help neutralize the acids.

6. Don’t forget to floss 

Flossing removes plaque and debris that stick to your teeth. It gives you a brighter smile.

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