While we all obsess about getting beach ready for the summer, most of us overlook one of the most important parts of our appearance: dental health.

A recent survey revealed women want a sparkling set of pearly whites above anything else when it comes to looking hot for summer 2015. A great smile always makes a great first impression. Plus, paying attention to your dental hygiene can really pay off. 

So with so many women wanting a brighter, whiter smile, we tapped top cosmetic dentist, Dr. Timothy Chase of SmilesNY, for his expertise on how to achieve a great grin without breaking the bank. Check out his simple tips.

Get A Gargle Going. Use a nonalcoholic mouthwash. The alcohol component tends to dry the mouth out.

Floss First & Foremost. Floss at least once a day. Flossing cleans out food particles, bacteria and it brings oxygen under the gums to help reduce mouth odor.

DIY Brighten & Whiten. For a quick at-home "power bleach," use a traditional whitening gel. The trick is to change the solution every 10 minutes instead of leaving it in for the full half hour. Switching solutions insures that the gel is fresh and stronger for better, quicker results.

Stick To The Basics. Instead of using toothpaste with a whitening product in it, opt for the regular toothpaste instead. Whitening toothpaste only removes surface stains by using more abrasive particles that may harm your teeth and gums.

Lay Off The Lattes. Drink less soda and coffee. If you find yourself reaching for those sugary, staining drinks, brush or at least rinse out your mouth with water afterwards.

Tote Your Toothbrush. Bring a toothbrush to work. Brushing after lunch helps keep your gums healthy. Remember to brush your tongue to reduce bacteria and keep your breath fresh as well.

Stock Up On The Sugar-Free. In a pinch you can chew sugar free gum. Gum containing Xylitol has been shown to reduce the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

This article was originally published on Fashion Times.