A beautiful smile can say volumes about you to the rest of the world. However, many of us aren't taking proper care of our teeth. "The biggest mistake I see, especially with African-Americans, is the tendency to go to the dentist only when we are in pain," says Marcia Irving-Ray, D.D.S., Assistant Clinical Professor at the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery and Dental Director of the Harlem United Community AIDS Center. She says regular maintenance visits can help prevent major problems down the road.

BRUSH STROKES

How we clean our teeth also matters. Dr. Irving-Ray suggests changing toothbrushes every three months and brushing with an up-and-down or circular motion. Brushing with the same back-and-forth motion over many years can actually harm the teeth, causing them to wear down. Flossing regularly is also important to clean in between the teeth.

RAZZLE DAZZLE 'EM

White is right--but it takes work, particularly as we age. "Your teeth will naturally get darker as you get older," says Dr. Irving-Ray. "The enamel wears and the darker area underneath shows through." To prevent further staining, she suggests you avoid black coffee, dark colas, and cigarettes, which can turn teeth yellow.

REFRESH AND REJUVENATE

Crest[R] Whitening Plus Scope[R] whitens your teeth and leaves your breath cool and clean. It combines the whitening power of Crest with the freshening power of Scope to whiten teeth and kill germs that cause bad breath. It also provides cavity and tartar protection. Enjoy Crest Whitening Plus Scope in Cool Peppermint, Minty Fresh and a surprisingly refreshing new Citrus Splash flavor!

For a unique and unexpected brushing experience with surprising flavors, try Crest Whitening Expressions. It combines the whitening power of Crest with a range of exhilarating flavors to give you an invigorating brushing experience that will leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed. Experience new sensations in four exciting flavors:

* Cinnamon Rush--a bold blast of cinnamon that keeps your taste buds tingling

* Fresh Citrus Breeze--a light splash of citrus flavor that leaves your mouth feeling clean and refreshed

* Extreme Herbal Mint--an intense rush of natural mint with herbal extracts for an invigorating brushing experience

* Refreshing Vanilla Mint--refreshing mint with a smooth vanilla taste for a cool and inviting brushing experience

Try these additional tips for maintaining a healthy, radiant smile:

* Snack on raw vegetables instead of sugary foods.

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once.

* Visit your dentist every six months to have teeth cleaned and professionally polished.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Essence Communications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group