‘Tis the season for cleaning out our closets and cupboards, so why not add your smile to the list? Oral care may be important year-round, but now’s the perfect time to make sure your regimen—and your teeth—are on the right track. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Husam Almunajed of Empire Dental Aesthetics in New York City shares his tips for kicking off the new season with a stellar smile.

Oral health starts at home.
According to Dr. Almunajed, “Good oral-care habits have benefits that extend well beyond the mouth, and several studies have shown links between mouth health and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, arthritis and more.” This oral-systemic connection is the subject of much current research, as the mouth can provide many clues about potential problems elsewhere in the body. “It’s also possible that there’s a bi-directional relationship between periodontal disease and certain conditions such as diabetes—meaning that treating one can positively impact the other,” he explains.

Yet one thing is for sure: Oral health begins with good daily habits, and the bare essentials are:

• Brush at least twice daily.
• Floss and use an alcohol-free mouthwash every night before bedtime.
• Replace your toothbrush every two to three months.
• Avoid using your teeth as “tools,” as this can lead to chips and cracks.

Schedule a cleaning.
Even though you’re doing your part at home, it’s important to see a dental professional at least every six months for a cleaning and check-up, or sooner if a problem arises. “Professional cleanings remove the hard deposits, or tartar, that brushing and flossing alone cannot. A build-up of tartar increases the risk of gum disease and potential loss of the bone that supports the teeth and keeps them in place,” Dr. Almunajed says. Even more, your hygienist or dentist should be looking beyond your actual teeth. “It’s important that the soft tissues in and around your mouth are being checked for abnormalities that could indicate other issues. You should also be asked to open and close your mouth to assess jaw function, and dentists have been known to spot skin cancer on and around the lips.”

Consider cosmetic enhancement.
Of course, the overall health of our teeth, gums and body as a whole are of utmost importance, but a healthy, beautiful smile can give your mental health a boost as well. Dr. Almunajed explains, “The smile can be a source of self-confidence or insecurity, and even small improvements can impact how the world sees you and how you feel about yourself.” A single teeth-whitening treatment can significantly brighten the smile in less than an hour, and there are a variety of ways to improve tooth shape and position. From orthodontics to long-lasting restorations like bonding, crowns and veneers, a skilled cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. “Every set of teeth is different, and any cosmetic treatment should be customized to meet the patient’s needs and goals. Many patients don’t realize that a skilled cosmetic dentist also evaluates other facial features when designing the ideal smile that enhances the appearance of the entire face,” he explains.