{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"1FQDMKjCjj45KT3I3tfd1T","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Health trends may come and go but dental hygiene is forever. And while you might think you’ve got the basics nailed when it comes to brushing and general care, the market for products that help you clean and whiten your teeth can be vast and overwhelming. To break it all down for ya, we chatted with New York–based dentists ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://doctorlaurenbecker.com/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"}],"value":"Dr. Lauren Becker","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" and ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.windsorcourtdental.com/alexandra-simpson-dds/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"}],"value":"Dr. Alexandra Simpson","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" (...and their hygienists, Eric Nicoti and Johanna Rutitskiy). We’ll be covering everything from brushing tips to the best whitening recs. Say cheese.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Teeth-cleaning basics","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Brush your teeth twice a day (for two minutes each time) and floss at night. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"“There's no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to taking care of your teeth,” Becker says. And in an ideal world, you’ll want regular visits to your dentist","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":" ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"for cleaning twice a year. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Strong, healthy enamel is the goal. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"That’s because the stronger your enamel (that’s the hard outer layer of your teeth), the less likely your teeth are to get cavities or break in structure. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"The best time to brush your teeth in the AM is first thing. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Then drink your coffee or tea, wait 30 minutes (and drink water to help neutralize the pH in your mouth) if you want to brush again, Simpson says. The reason? If you drink an acidic liquid like coffee or OJ and brush immediately after, you’re brushing the acid right onto your teeth and breaking down your enamel…which is a no-no. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"“Anything that stains a white T-shirt is going to stain your teeth,” ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Becker says. Think: dark sauces, dark liquids, jam, wine, chocolate, etc. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Traditional string floss > floss picks > no floss. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"String “is the most effective form of flossing and cleaning in between your teeth,” Becker says. That’s because the string lets you floss the front, middle, and side of your tooth, whereas it’s harder to get that manipulation and reach with the picks, according to Becker. But…if the only way you’re going to floss at all is with picks, then that’s okay. Because any sort of flossing > no flossing at all. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Toothbrush care and basics","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Replace your toothbrush heads every three to four months. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Or more often if the bristles are frayed. Because PSA: The effectiveness of your brush lessens as the bristles get worn.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Soft-bristled toothbrushes for the win","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":". And when using yours, apply gentle pressure. Because yes, there ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"italic"}],"value":"is","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" such a thing as brushing too hard. Plus, it’ll ensure you lessen the risk of any gum or enamel damage.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Electric toothbrushes are great because the bristles can vibrate, oscillate, and move","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":". And that’s what’s going to help free the debris and grime from your teeth. Plus, they do a lot of the work for you, so they’re solid options for people with poor dexterity. PS: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), manual toothbrushes can still be an effective way to remove plaque. So talk to your dentist about which is best for you.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Let your brush dry upright in open air after use.","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" That’s especially important when you travel. According to the ADA, it’s best not to put your wet brush back in a closed container right away because that’ll promote microbial growth. Gross.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Other things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for dental care products","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":" ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Stay away from over-the-counter night guards. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"It’s going to do more harm than help, Becker says. That’s because they’re likely not properly fitted nor do they take your specific bite into account and can sometimes even exacerbate your issue, she says. So if you think you’re grinding your teeth, clenching or suffering from TMJ, go to your dentist — not your local pharmacy. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Don’t forget to brush your tongue. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Some experts believe it helps curb bad breath. You can scoop up ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://amzn.to/3Ld5oe2"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"}],"value":"a special scraper tool","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" or just use your toothbrush. Either way, your tongue is a part of your mouth and bacteria can build up in its crevices. So it needs to be cared for too.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Use toothpaste with fluoride","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":". It strengthens your enamel, which, reminder, helps make your pearly whites more decay-resistant and less susceptible to breakdown and cavities. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Think twice about using whitening products with charcoal. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"It’s abrasive. And while charcoal ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"italic"}],"value":"does","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" whiten your teeth, it does so because it strips the enamel from your teeth. So avoid ’em if you can.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Products that’ll help you improve your oral hygiene","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"4gtEekcaEAlcQwLWttZAcr","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"bwD81D37eEOtxiuFJl1XL","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"6Lh5tHSX2P9AW5cPTsO0Ut","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"FB5kRYxhAFcxA5KsGmMPT","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"6XafwIYrtu0Ckdl781lbxp","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"5ckMB8eTdxYKmkJpfzQADW","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"2fDgK3SAeXrITNmb5vJO78","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"1qF8LrwDP9g7bH54XuvFiO","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"document"}