How many of you have heard of Shannon Sharpe before?
Some people might know him as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, some might recognize him as a sports media personality for ESPN, and some might know him from his Club Shay Shay podcast.
Here at Healthy Smiles – Staten Island’s finest dentist – we know him for having one of the best sets of pearly whites in all of television. And we know a lot of you out there would love to have one just like it!
So, how does one achieve a smile as bright as Shannon Sharpe?
Well, don’t just take it from us – take it from the man himself.
The 56-year-old Hall of Famer broke it down for everyone on a podcast episode in Dec. 2023. And his routine was so insane that it left his guest, gospel singer Kirk Franklin, as well as the rest of us, aghast.
At one point during the interview, Franklin criticizes Sharpe for brushing his teeth too much. Sharpe later admits to brushing his teeth 7-10 times per day and going through a new toothbrush every two weeks.
“As soon as I get up in the morning, before I do anything, I don’t go downstairs before I brush my teeth,” he said. “Now I eat, I gotta brush them again. I get to work, I gotta brush them again before I go on air.”
He also goes on to reveal that he has both veneers and implants, and sees the dentist twice per year.
Now, as your local Staten Island dentist, we’re not here to advise you to brush your teeth 7-10 times per day. In fact, we highly recommend against it, as it can be damaging to the gums and enamel on the teeth.
In fact, it can cause a little something we like to call ‘tooth abrasion.’
We do, however, think Sharpe brings up some good points about maintaining a healthy smile. And since we love a healthy smile here at Healthy Smiles, we’re going to highlight some of those points below.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth ‘twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes,’ while also cleaning between your teeth and using mouthwash once per day.
Not doing so can result in a wide range of oral issues and concerns.
For example, brushing your teeth twice per day can help lower your risk of gum disease, prevent tooth decay, reduce bad breath, prevent tartar and plaque buildup, and prevent stains for a brighter smile.
Consult with your dentist to determine the right type of toothpaste for you.
If you have specific dental concerns, such as sensitivity, gum disease, or frequent cavities, your dentist might recommend a specific type or brand of toothpaste to ensure it’s accounting for your specific needs.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium or zirconium oxide, that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to support a replacement artificial tooth or bridge.
In general, dental implants consist of one of three components:
With proper care, implants can last for decades or even a lifetime, making them a durable alternative to other popular tooth replacement options. They also help maintain jawbone density and prevent bone loss.
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells typically made from porcelain or composite resin that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, and are used to improve the overall appearance of teeth.
For example, they can correct issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, or misalignment.
During the procedure, your dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the front of the tooth (usually less than a millimeter) to make room for the veneer, which is bonded to the teeth using a special adhesive.
There are two primary types of dental veneers. Porcelain veneers are known for their long-term durability and natural appearance, while composite veneers are less expensive and require less enamel removal.
Contact your local Staten Island dentist to learn if dental veneers are right for you.
Routine dental check-ups are a critical component of maintaining good oral health and preventing serious dental problems. Even Shannon Sharpe knows how important his bi-annual trip to the dentist office is.
According to the ADA, you should visit the dentist once every six months.
And not just for the dental cleaning, but for the dental exam and oral screening.
Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to catch problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral infections in their early stages, which can help make treatment simpler, less invasive, and more cost-effective.
Not only that, but your Staten Island dentist can offer personalized advice on how to better care for your teeth and gums, such as proper brushing and flossing techniques or the use of specific dental products.
Do you want more from your smile? Are you tired of hiding your smile in selfie photos? Do you wish you had a Hall of Fame smile like Shannon Sharpe and all the other celebrities we see on social media daily?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place.
Welcome to Healthy Smiles – where Staten Island goes for a whiter, brighter, and straighter smile.
If it's been a while since your last dental cleaning, or if you have specific questions or concerns about your teeth and gums, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Cipriano.
Our friendly and experienced team is here to help you keep your smile in its best possible condition, at all times. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or call us today at (718) 948-1600 – we can’t wait to speak with you!
