You're never fully dressed without a smile

A smile is often the first thing we notice about a person. But what if your smile gives off a bad first impression? The following tips will not only have your teeth looking great, but will contribute to your overall well-being by giving you the resources to practice proper oral hygiene. Practicing good oral hygiene keeps common bacteria found in the mouth from getting out of control and causing tooth decay, gum disease, dental discoloration and halitosis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the best way to fight against tooth decay is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months to ensure it is effective at removing food particles and preventing plaque buildup. You should also schedule regular visits to the dentist.

Avoid foods and drinks that contain a high amount of sugars, as they can be very harmful for your teeth. These sugars cause plaque to build up on the surface of our teeth, which release toxins that attack the hard enamel that coats and protects our teeth and cause cavities, gingivitis or gum inflammation. On the other hand, foods like cheese and yogurt are good for your smile because they contain calcium, which strengthens the enamel on your teeth.

Supplementation may be a good idea for someone who is concerned about the health of their teeth. Make sure you are receiving your daily dose of Vitamin D, which supports dental health. A little sun exposure each day will do the trick. If you are not exposed to the sun each day, discuss taking a daily Vitamin D supplement with your pharmacist in order to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Tea tree oil can be found in natural toothpaste products and is also beneficial to your oral health. Another common substance, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), is a powerful antioxidant that helps convert food into energy. Studies have shown that people suffering from gum disease exhibit low levels of CoQ10. This substance can be applied directly to the tooth and gum line after brushing or swallowed in capsule form. Many everyday foods also contain CoQ10, including broccoli, beef, poultry, fatty fish such as herring, soybeans, eggs and nuts such as pistachios and walnuts.

So eat well and invest the time to maintain your teeth. A great smile is within your grasp.

Steve Bernardi is a registered compounding pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email steve@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.