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Dentistry Blog

By Shawn Watson, About.com Guide to Dentistry

Looking for Love? Keep Smiling!

Wednesday February 11, 2009

A national survey conducted by the American Dental Association along with Crest and Oral B, reveals that men and women can agree on at least one thing: the most attractive physical feature is... the smile. Outranking the eyes, hair, and body, the smile took first place in the survey that also questioned the brushing and flossing habits of the 1,000 participants aged 18 and older.

Only 66% of men admitted to brushing their teeth twice a day while 86% of women brush twice a day or more. On the flipside, both sexes need to concentrate on flossing, as only 49% admit to the task once a day or more. Do you see pink in the sink? One out of three participants in the survey believes the small amount of blood that is seen when rinsing after brushing is normal. One of the first signs of gum disease is, however, bleeding gums. Improper brushing technique may also cause your gums to bleed.

Keep your best asset looking its finest by having a check-up and cleaning every six months or as recommended by your dentist. If you are not comfortable with the appearance of your teeth, consider tooth whitening as a way to improve your smile. Are you looking for a dramatic change to your smile? Visit your dentist for a consultation to see whether or not braces or veneers might be right for your situation.

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