Maintaining a healthy smile requires a lifetime of continuous effort, but the rewards of oral hygiene are great indeed. Healthy teeth allow you to thoroughly chew a wide variety of foods and charm others with a pretty smile, but many people fall short when it comes to their oral care simply because they don’t know how to do it the right way. Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, here are some oral care tips from your dentist to keep your teeth in smiling shape for decades to come.

Some people think going to the dentist is only necessary if you’re experiencing tooth pain, but that’s not the case. The best way to protect your smile is preventive dentistry. You might be thinking, why would anyone not go get their tooth troubles fixed early on or get their teeth cleaned, but it’s not always so simple. Recent studies have shown that up to 60% of Americans could be avoiding the dentist out of fear. Others struggle with the cost of care, especially if they’re uninsured. Even so, it’s best to see your dentist sooner rather than later. Here’s how skipping your dental cleaning affects your oral health.

Practically everyone has heard of Botox at this point. It’s a well-known treatment for reducing and even eliminating fine lines and facial wrinkles, but did you know it has another use that is scarcely talked about in the media? For decades, Botox has offered a quick and effective way to relieve jaw pain and headaches associated with TMJ disorder, or dysfunction of the jaw joint. How does this work, and if you’re struggling with these problems, should you consider getting Botox?