Five Tips For Tidy Teeth

     There are countless wonderful desserts and sugary snacks to be found in every corner of Neopia. I've yet to meet any youth who would turn down a trio of delicious Planet Pops. Who can resist a yummy Haiku Dessert? I'm sure we all dream of eating a Marshmallow Plumpy at least once.

     Indulging in these delights plays a part in what makes Neopia so beautiful! I would never want to take that away from anyone. Even I have my sweet tooth: I love a good Chocolate Lupe Ice Cream, and I pay my occasional visits to the Chocolate Factory.

     So, what am I getting at? Many Neopians know to pay the Grooming Parlour a visit when they want to look their best. All of my friends always carry a Blue Short Hair Brush these days, in fact.

     Despite this, many neglect the benefits of looking after their teeth! Some will regrow their teeth quickly and feel that dental hygiene is a waste, such as Jetsams. Other Neopians are far less fortunate, especially Kikos with their candy-filled diets!

     You don't want to increase your risk of Neogitus, do you? Or worse, a Floppy Tongue? I'm sure most Neopians prefer to avoid a visit to the Neopian Hospital. That Gelert's been busy enough since the attack on Brightvale. Consider lending a hand at the Volunteer Centre, by the way! For my efforts I received a Doctor Plushie that I'm very happy with.

     Anyway, dear reader, help me help you!

     Here is a list of valuable tips that I learned firsthand from the Tooth Faerie.

          Brush Your Teeth

     Brushing our teeth two to three times a day, including once three minutes before bed is the Tooth Faerie's personal recommendation! Remember to brush in circular motions for the best results.

     It's important to brush your tongue well, especially after having a sugary snack. Not to poke fun at her, but my younger sister asks for a Blue Tongue Slushie every time we pass through Happy Valley. True to their name, the blue on her tongue lasts an entire weekend if she doesn't brush properly. Don't be like her!

     A toothbrush should be replaced every three months, or sooner if the bristles appear to be wearing down. Neopians with sharper teeth may find their toothbrushes deteriorating at an even faster rate.

     There are fun and exciting toothbrush variants for everyone. Personally, I enjoy my Walking Carpet Toothbrush. I just love their adorable eyes and pointy horns! You can buy a Green Toothbrush at the General Store, though cheaper options may be available if you shop around.

          Remember to Floss

     No, I'm not talking about candy floss!

     Dental Floss is a regular find at the Grooming Parlour, located in the center of the Neopian Bazaar. Flossing between your teeth once a day is what's recommended. According to the Tooth Faerie, flossing beforehand helps your toothbrush do a better job at cleaning.

     I recommend the classic Mint Dental Floss, or Dr. Sloth Floss and Cherry Dental Floss for anyone craving something different.

     We floss not just to keep our teeth tidy, but also to keep our gums healthy! Regular flossing is proven to reduce your risk of contracting Neogitus, a disease that results in an uncomfortable swelling of the gums. Remember, stick to a healthy brushing routine so you don't have to resort to a Medicinal Toothbrush later!

          Consider Mouth Wash

     Let me preface this section by saying that using a mouth wash daily is not for everyone. Some Neopians may find the cold sensation and taste unpleasant. Using a mouth wash more often than what's recommended may also result in staining your teeth a different color.

     If mouth wash isn't for you, that's okay! Otherwise, the benefits of using it alongside a toothbrush and flossing daily are greater than without.

     Alternatively, if you are a Neopian who has difficulty holding a toothbrush or flossing, using mouthwash is a way to maintain some good dental hygiene. Just make sure to check with your dentist first!

     If you want the best out there, Tooth Faerie Mouth Wash is the way to go. Or if you don't mind the taste, Orange Mouthwash what's cheapest on the market.

          Drop the Coffee

     Everyone knows that The Coffee Cave on Roo Island has many fantastic offerings. I mean, have you seen how adorable the selection is? From an Abominable Snowball Borovan to their Uni Frappes, there's always something sweet and cute for sale.

     Coffee used to carry me through every morning, but it's important to acknowledge the stains they can leave on our teeth Drinking it too often can even lead to breath so bad, it's like you're casting Halitosis!

     If you absolutely can't resist drinking your morning coffee, try having one with less sugar like their Authentic Tyrannian Coffee. Or simply enjoy coffee in moderation!

     Drinking water afterwards will help rinse your mouth, though it's better to have water by itself to begin with. Water is a healthy alternative to coffee or any other sugary drink that could damage your teeth. Make sure to buy Two Bottles of Water than one Bottle of Water if you'd like to save some Neopoints in the long term!

     Speaking of...

          Healthy Alternatives

     When we want to reduce our sugar intake, how do we do it?

     Well, the obvious is to drink more water and eat more veggies. Everyone knows that! But knowledge alone isn't enough to stop us from wanting to gobble down our favorite treats.

     This is where I'd like to promote something I call the Mini-Tyrannian diet: where we eat less processed and sugary foods and instead more natural foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This is a combination of items you would find at Health Foods in Neopia Central and a selection of Tyrannian Foods.

     Here are some sample alternatives to consider that the Mini-Tyrannian diet provides.

     Breakfast:

     Eggs on Rock, Gravel Cereal, Tyrannian Everything Omelette, Brogleberry Porridge, Cinnamon Oatmeal

     Lunch/Dinner:

     Poogle Shish Kabob, Tyrannian Rock Salad, Tyrannian Taco, Chokato Burger, Pineapple Rice Bowl

     Snacks:

     Terry Berry, Tri-Nana, Nautilus, Pumpcorn, Baked Avocado Crisps

     Drinks:

     Tyrannian Rockberry Juice, Coconut Juice Bowl, Cauliflower Shake, Kougra Kombucha, Stramberry Slushie

     Dessert:

     Tyrannian Brownies, Chokato Parfait, Berry Topped Frozen Yogurt, Sesame Pistachio Cake, Vinberry Ice Lolly

     Congratulations! You are now more informed on how to brighten your healthy smile. Give yourself a pat on the back, the Tooth Faerie will be proud! All that's left is to put this knowledge into practice. Thanks for reading, and stay tidy!