A winning smile has another component other than healthy teeth: Don’t forget about those luscious lips! If you’re spending time in the sun, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends protecting your lips with a sunblock for lips that has an SPF of at least 15. Look for a broad-spectrum product that guards against …

You’re better off avoiding candy and sugary drinks such as soda during the day. Plaque, which is a film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. Sugary foods or drinks cause this bacteria to produce acids that attack tooth enamel, which leads to tooth decay. If you’re going to have a piece of candy, eat …

The best place to start your quest for whiter teeth is at your dentist’s office. Routine cleanings (the ADA recommends every six months) can do wonders. A  whitening toothpaste also can make a big difference. Look for one that uses a non-bleaching action (the only kind of over-the-counter whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance). …

You’ve heard it a zillion times, but it’s so essential we have to remind you again: Brush, brush, brush! Brushing removes plaque, which builds up on the surfaces of your teeth. Dental technology has come a long way in the past few decades, but  brushing twice a day  and flossing once a day remain your best defenses against tooth …