Story Last modified at 6:37 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2005
Career success starts with million-dollar smile
(NAPSA)-You may have heard the catchphrase "a million dollar smile," but did you know that your smile might actually help you land your dream job or snag a coveted promotion?
Nearly 74 percent of adults believe an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances of career success, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. But that doesn't mean you need to spend a million dollars to enhance your teeth and your smile.
The experts say the best smiles are a result of good overall oral hygiene, not fancy whitening treatments. "People are missing the concept of keeping their gums healthy," said Dr. Harold Katz, a dentist to the stars in Los Angeles and founder of the California Breath Clinics. "Most whiteners leave one thing out and that's cleaning in-between your teeth. That's why flossing is so important."
Below are six easy and inexpensive tips that can help everyone maintain good oral hygiene, better teeth and fresher breath.
Drink Lots of Water. You may know that for a good diet, you should follow the eight-glasses-a-day rule. But did you know that drinking water helps improve your oral hygiene too? The bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath thrives when it is in dry areas. By drinking more water throughout the day, you are increasing the amount of saliva and creating an atmosphere bacteria hates-all of which means fresher breath for you.
Floss. You hear it from your dentist every time you visit. You think about it every time you get food stuck in between your teeth. You know it's important. Even so, only two percent of Americans actually floss every day. Many people consider flossing a hassle or messy.
Avoid Sugar. Bacteria love many types of sugars. Avoid gum or mints that contain sugar. Studies show that within seconds oral bacteria can process these sugars into plaque, leading you to an increased risk for bleeding gums, tooth decay and yellow teeth.
Brush Your Tongue. One major cause of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria on the tongue.
Keep The Bristles Fresh. When the bristles on your toothbrush start to look frayed, it's time to throw out the old and bring in the new. Rule of thumb-replace your toothbrush (or the head on your electric toothbrush) every two to three months. This helps ensure you are achieving optimal oral health.
This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, February 24, 2005.
