7 Secrets to a Healthier Smile
A top dentist shares his professional tips -- and personal habits -- for keeping teeth in tip-top shape.
Steven Roth's Dental Habits
Ever wonder how much of their own advice dentists follow? Roth is one health professional who practices what he preaches.
How often do you get a new toothbrush?
Every 90 days, right after I get my cleaning -- it's easy to remember that way. I use a mechanical toothbrush, so I just swap out the old head for a new one.
If you can't brush, what do you do?
I rinse with [a mouthwash] to kill bacteria. (I also like to dip my toothbrush in it, but I guess this is when you have no brush on hand.) If nothing else is available, I rinse with warm water.
Do you have a special brushing technique?
Well, do you count brushing my teeth while I'm in the shower as special? Hey -- it's very efficient and I like to multitask! Also, I often floss three times a day -- I just love the feeling.
Confess: Do you have any bad habits that you usually advise patients to break?
I'm pretty virtuous -- no ice-chewing, candy-eating, or soda- or coffee-drinking for me.
What's the last thing in your nightly dental routine?
I put in my bite-guard. Yup, I have one, and I think a huge percentage of people could benefit from one. They help prevent a lot of the damage from nighttime clenching or grinding.
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