For most people, a great smile is important because it is part of the first impression. A smile can only be great if the teeth behind the smile are clean, straight, and pearly white. While many people will visit their dentist every six months as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), most will not complete the recommended daily personal care for their teeth. So if you are looking for ways to improve your dental health and keep a beautiful smile year after year, follow these simple tips and create a routine for dental care that will save you a lifetime of unpleasant visits in the dentist’s chair.First, the ADA recommends regular dental appointments for professional cleaning every six months. Regular cleaning visits will allow the dentist to not only keep plague at bay, but also keep cavities at bay and make any early detection of other dental problems. Since the professionals will remove the plaque build up, you will need to focus on the daily needs of your mouth.The second tip is to brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste which contains fluoride. For best results look for a toothpaste endorsed by the ADA. Keep in mind also, a toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. If this is difficult to keep track of, simply jot the date on your toothbrush when you take it out of the package.Third, the step in dental care that most people skip is flossing. Flossing is the most important step in removing destructive plague between teeth and gums that lead to decay. Flossing between regular dental cleanings is the only way to avoid tooth decay over time. Since flossing seems to be the most often neglected step in dental care, companies have designed convenient and easy to use dental floss picks. So consider increasing your flossing routine to at least once daily.Lastly, the only other general tip that will improve dental health is to choose your diet wisely. Eat regularly and limit snacking between meal because you are less likely to brush after these snacks. Following these simple guidelines can improve your dental health and create longevity for your pearly whites. If after following these tips, you still have concerns about your teeth, talk to your dentist and discuss your dental needs. You are likely to discover that there are multiple, simple solutions for most dental problems.