Your smile is not just an important part of your body—it’s an important part of who you are. It represents your happiness, passions, feelings and convictions. So taking care of your unique smile should be an important part of your daily routine.  This goes beyond visiting the dentist; it means establishing (and sticking to!) brushing, cleaning and whitening habits so your smile continues to shine bright.

The American Dental Association recommends regular professional cleanings every six months for those with healthy teeth and gums, and every three months for those with more serious dental issues. This allows your dentist to update your medical history, perform necessary X-rays, examine your teeth for any decay and inspect existing fillings or crowns for issues. Identifying these issues isn’t something you can do on your own, so it’s a critical part of keeping a bright, healthy smile.

Maintaining a healthy mouth in between visits includes a combination of steps. Brushing, flossing and rinsing make up the perfect trifecta. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and ideally after every meal, for about two minutes each time. Also, be sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. You might consider using an electric toothbrush, which can help achieve a more comprehensive clean.

To prevent cavities and tooth decay, you need to remove plaque – a transparent layer of bacteria buildup that covers your teeth and gum line. While brushing plays a major role in caring for your smile, flossing is also important as it cleans the areas between your teeth. Lastly, using a mouthwash helps eliminate any final residue. Be sure to use a rinse that contains antibacterial compounds to kill the bacteria in your mouth, which reduces bad breath and fights off conditions like gingivitis.

Whitening your teeth is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your smile. Sometimes your favorite foods or drinks can take a toll on the brightness of your teeth. REMBRANDT® developed the original at-home whitening toothpaste and offers some of the best products on the market to enhance your smile.

While there’s no quick fix when caring for your smile, adding these small steps to your everyday regimen will put you well on your way to improving your oral health and overall wellness.