Despite your best efforts your teeth often do not shine as you would like them to. Despite maintaining a good hygiene routine they feel sensitized. Then it is time to treat your teeth with some extra care. Try these four things to keep your teeth looking fabulous at all times and your breath smelling sweet.

1. Kick the butt: Of the cigarette that is. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes not only turn your teeth an unsightly shade of yellow, but they eat away at your gums. Smoking actually encourages bacteria to grow and plaque to develop. Smoking is also known to lead to oral cancer.

2. Visit every six months: Your dentist that is. Regular sessions on the dentist’s chair will ensure that your teeth are clean. Your dentist can catch problem like decay, gum disease, cancer and offer timely treatment.

3. Clean right: It’s not the toothpaste but the brush that ensures perfectly cleaned teeth. It takes only about two minutes to properly clean your teeth and gums. Use an angled brush and one with zigzag bristles for maximum cleaning. Brush in a circular motion and not too hard.

4. Floss fine: Flossing is important in keeping teeth and gums clean. But you have got to do it right. To get the maximum benefit use about two inches of floss and keep it tight against your tooth to break up plaque while leaving your gums in good shape.