Your smile is one of your most valuable assets. It spreads warmth and cheer, creates a favorable first impression, and allows you to express yourself in ways that words cannot. If you are fortunate to have a winning smile, use these steps to keep it healthy. If your smile could use some improvement, try these dentist-approved solutions:
- Brush. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day, every day, using the proper technique. Your toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. This position allows the bristles to clean below the gum line, removing plaque, bacteria and food particles which may not be visible. Brush for at least two minutes and use a circular motion. Don’t brush forcefully. Harder brushing won’t do a better job of cleaning your teeth, and can actually damage your smile.
- Floss. Twice daily, and as needed after eating, is the standard recommendation by dentists. Flossing removes plaque and food particles that brushing can miss. If you have cosmetic restorations such as crowns, implants or bridges, flossing may be difficult. Floss alternatives such as Waterpik ™ and Superfloss ™ are specifically made for use with restorations and other situations where flossing may be difficult.
- Eat Healthily. Raw fruits and vegetables help to scrape plaque and food particles from your teeth. Fruits and veggies contain beneficial nutrients like Vitamin C, which keeps your gums healthy. You also want to make sure you get enough calcium for strong teeth and bones. Keep your intake of sugary foods and drinks to a minimum, and rinse with water or brush immediately after eating or drinking them.
- Get your teeth cleaned regularly. The ADA recommends a professional cleaning and exam twice a year, or as often as needed. At the least, twice-yearly cleanings provide peace of mind that your smile is in the best possible shape. At best, they provide a thorough cleaning and early detection of any potential problems. Pregnant women, diabetics, smokers and anyone taking prescription medication need to be seen more often.
- Whiten. A whiter smile can take 20 years off of your appearance. Tobacco use, injury, some medications, and certain foods and drinks (wine, soy sauce, tea, coffee, and blueberries) can all stain your teeth.
- Replace old Fillings. Currently, amalgam fillings are used to repair cavities and are tooth-colored. Prior to the use of amalgam fillings, metal was used. Metallic fillings are darker, and extremely noticeable when you yawn or laugh. They often begin to fail after about 10 years and allow bacteria to creep in around the edges. Replacing old metal fillings with amalgam fillings will improve your smile and the health of your teeth.
- Consider cosmetic procedures. Modern cosmetic dentistry can correct all but the most severe problems. If you decide to invest in your smile, do your homework before choosing a dentist. Be familiar with your dentists’ credentials, experience, and qualifications, and insist on seeing before and after pictures of other patients. Most importantly, choose a dentist that you can communicate effectively with, and who understands the results that you have in mind.
Discuss your concerns with your dentist before attempting any whitening on your own. At-home whitening products are not suitable for everyone and can damage teeth and gums if not used properly. Your dentist will guide you toward the best solution for you. For more Information Contact Us!
