If you want to keep your pearly whites looking happy and healthy, there are a few simple actions you can take to protect your teeth. Dr. Michael L. Kinsley, D.M.D., the best dentist in Perry, GA, has been helping people make a glowing first impression for years. A cosmetic dentistry expert, Dr. Kinsley specializes in tooth whitening, porcelain dental veneers, composite fillings, dental crowns and bridges, and tooth bonding.

One of the best ways to take care of your teeth is to schedule regular visits to the dentist office for teeth cleanings and checkups. But there are also many simple things you can do at home to protect your smile. Here are four ways to make sure your smile always looks good in a selfie:  

• Brush & Floss Your Teeth: Dr. Kinsley recommends patients brush their teeth two times a day for two minutes. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean food and bacteria from your mouth. Be careful not to brush too hard, though. If you over-brush, you might remove the enamel layer that protects your teeth. Follow up with flossing to make sure you remove the remaining particles that, if left behind, eat away at your teeth and cause cavities.

• Don’t Drink Soda: Soda contains acid that eats away at your teeth's enamel, leaves stains, and erodes the structure of the tooth. To avoid tooth decay, stay away from soda. Instead, increase your water intake, which helps rinse away bacteria and protect your smile.

• Eat A Balanced Diet: Certain foods can actually help prevent cavities. Look for calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and tea, which includes fluoride. If you can’t brush your teeth following a meal, chew on sugarless gum, which increases the saliva in your mouth and reduces the production of acid.

• Get Sealants: The American Dental Association recommends children receive sealants on their new adult teeth. Sealants are an added preventative measure to reduce tooth decay by 90 to 100%, especially on hard-to-reach teeth in the back of the mouth. Dr. Kinsley quickly and painlessly applies sealants.

Follow these simple steps at home and schedule regular dental checkups, and you’ll have a beautiful smile for years to come. For more information about the services offered by Dr. Michael L. Kinsley, D.M.D., visit the website or call the best dental practice in Perry, Georgia, at (478) 987-1441.