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There’s a reason toothpastes will market themselves as having properties that will make your teeth whiter, because everyone wants a shiny, white smile. Unfortunately, things we enjoy such as coffee, tea, red wine, and even some sodas can stain your teeth and darken your smile. Thus, a whitening toothpaste is often not enough to keep your teeth shining bright. Luckily, there are some foods that whiten your teeth naturally. To learn more about what foods can naturally whiten your teeth, keep reading for some advice from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

Fortunately, there are several foods you can find at your local grocery store that can help make your teeth whiter. Be sure to add these foods to your cart next time you’re at the store!

• Strawberries – They contain an enzyme called malic acid that may aid in the tooth whitening process.

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While braces are not painful, your mouth is a very sensitive area. Thus, it is not uncommon to experience a little soreness after your braces have been tightened. However, what everyone feels is a little different! Most only feel a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. The longer you’re in braces, the quicker your discomfort will go away after each tightening. In the meantime, have no fear! These simple tips can help ease your discomfort from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

Stick to Soft Foods

Soft foods like mashed potatoes and applesauce are great when you are experiencing any mouth discomfort. When you initially get your braces, soft foods are a great option for the first couple of days. Then, on each day you go in for a tightening it is smart to stick to a soft food diet.

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Your oral health is always extremely important, whether you’re in braces or not! If you’re looking for some simple ways to boost your oral health, you’re in luck. Keep reading for some daily habits that you can incorporate into your routine from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

Some of the easiest ways to keep your oral health in tip-top shape are to do the simple things you have been told to do your whole life, like brushing your teeth. 

• Proper brushing is an essential part of dental hygiene. Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too – plaque can build up on the surface of your tongue as well as your teeth! Also, be sure to use a toothpaste with fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.

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It is quite common that when you go to the dentist, they will take X-rays of your teeth. Dental X-rays are images of your teeth that your dentist will use to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays may seem complex, but they’re actually very common tools that are just as important as getting your teeth cleaned. Keep reading for more information about dental X-rays from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

You may be wondering if dental X-rays are safe. Fortunately, they are! This is because these X-rays are used with low levels of radiation to capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums. These X-rays are incredibly important because they can help your dentist to identify problems such as cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth. Dental X-rays are typically performed yearly. However, they may happen more often if your dentist is monitoring a problem or performing dental treatment.

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Wrapping up your orthodontic treatment is an exciting time! Your hard work is rewarded with a beautiful smile. However, the work doesn’t end here. It is crucial that you continue to take great care of your teeth in order to maintain your new smile. This includes wearing your retainer, which allows your smile to last a lifetime. Keep reading for some advice on retainers from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

Retainers hold your teeth in their new positions while bone tissue rebuilds around them, stabilizing them. This process takes time, and it is important that you continue to wear your retainer after this process has been completed. Your bite can change over time as bone continues to break down and rebuild. Wearing your retainer will help preserve your smile throughout this process.

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Wearing your retainer is a crucial part of maintaining your new smile after your braces treatment is completed. However, your teeth can shift over time, especially if you neglect wearing your retainer. If you stop wearing your retainer and want to start again or it begins to feel tight, you can still wear it – in certain instances. Continue reading for some advice on retainer use from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

As long as your retainer doesn’t hurt and still fits over your teeth, you can wear it even if it feels tight. This probably means that your teeth have shifted. In this case, you should wear your retainer longer each day to prevent your teeth from moving further. You can start by wearing your retainer all day for a few days to encourage your teeth to move back into the correct positions.

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