There was a time when it was expected to lose your smile as you got older. With advancements in dental education and dental technology over the last few decades, many of us now expect to have our smiles for a lifetime. Unfortunately, our dental health is constantly under attack from trauma, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and our own daily habits. A few simple tips can go a long way to keeping your smile intact for decades to come. How To Keep Your Full Smile? -Floss Regularly. This is such a simple task, but for many, seems to be a real chore. Regular flossing will help prevent the development of periodontal disease as well as ward off tooth decay. It is recommended to floss at least once per day, generally before bedtime.-Brush Regularly. Another simple tip but many people rush through their brushing or do not do it often enough. It is recommended to brush at least twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes each time. Use a soft toothbrush, preferably an electric toothbrush which is more efficient.-Maintain Regular Dental Visits. A 6 month dental examination and professional cleanings every 3-6 months are highly recommended. This will not only help keep your teeth clean and decrease risks of periodontal issues but it can also catch developing issues before they arise into something bigger. These visits are also a great time for dental education if you have any questions or the dental team notices you are not doing something properly.-Be Proactive. It is important to note when you have a dental issue between dental visits. If something has changed or there is discomfort or sensitivity, contact your dentist. Having a problem evaluated in its earliest stages will usually save you time, money, and discomfort down the road.-Check Your Diet. Our diet (including both food and drink) have a significant impact on our dental health. Drinks high in in sugar or acids should be avoided as they can lead to tooth decay and tooth enamel erosion.-Rinse Or Chew Gum After Meals. If you are unable to brush after eating, a good habit is to rinse with water or chew sugar free gum. The water can wash away loose debris as well as neutralize any acid build up in the mouth. The gum chewing will increase salivary flow which will naturally wash away harmful oral bacteria and neutralize acid.-Protect Your Smile. Participating in sports like football or skateboarding can be hazardous to our teeth due to possible trauma. A well fitting mouthguard can protect our teeth from damage during these activities. You should also protect your teeth and TMJ from the damages of clenching and grinding. Yourdentist can fabricate the appropriate appliance for you. Conclusion A smile can last a lifetime with proper care. A few minutes a day and a change in habits is all it takes to stay healthy as long as possible.