When people meet you, your smile is one of the first things to notice. So, it is vital to maintain your gums and teeth in good shape to give an excellent first impression. Remember, it is not only the aesthetic part to be considered, but also the oral hygiene.
Even if you receive compliments about having nice teeth, it is crucial to take the necessary steps daily to care for your teeth. It is not possible to achieve a healthy smile overnight.
Creating and maintaining excellent oral hygiene and a healthy smile takes numerous steps. Consider the following tips in improving your oral care and the appearance of your teeth.
Floss Daily
It removes plaque in the gum line and between the teeth, where the toothbrush may not reach. Daily flossing prevents gingivitis and tooth decay. If not removed, there will be a build-up of tartar and plaque in the gum line. The outcome is a periodontal disease that may cause tooth loss and bone destruction.
If bleeding occurs as you floss, it could be an indication of gum disease or gingivitis. If it is from moderate gingivitis, it will resolve after two weeks. You can consider an oral sprinkler as an alternative to flossing. The device sprays water to remove the plaque.
Consider Your Diet
Sugary food is harmful to your teeth. Acidic fruits, coffee, and teas corrode enamel. Note that you don’t have to evade these foods permanently. However, you can reduce the consumption and consider brushing your teeth immediately after the consumption when possible. Besides, consuming vegetables and crunchy fruits which are rich in fiber is suitable for your oral health.
It has been proven to prevent unpleasant breath and inhibit plaque formation. Vitamin C found in vegetables and fruits is an antioxidant that protects gums from oxidative stress and bacterial invasion. You may also consider using straws when taking such drinks to reduce the chances of tooth decay. Consider rinsing your mouth with water so that the liquid does not stay on the tooth for long.
Drinking plenty of water is healthy for your body and smile. It prevents tooth decay and flushes your teeth clean. It is advisable to take tap water because it is rich in fluorides. For most bottled water, the fluoride content is not monitored. Some bottled water lack fluoride.
Get Quality Toothbrush
A quality electric toothbrush is effective in removing plaque and achieving healthier gums than manual toothbrushes. The current electric toothbrushes entail modes for tooth whitening. They last for longer, and you can change the heads routinely.
It would be best if you brushed your teeth at least two times every day. It is necessary because plaque may harden and transform into tartar. Frequent brushing will assist your teeth to remain healthier and whiter, unlike individuals who rarely brush.
Seek Dental Treatment
Dental conditions do not correct themselves. Untreated tooth decay will transform into tiny cavities and later large abscesses. A dentist may have to use a crown or tooth canal in areas where a small filling would be considered suitable. Consider a timely orthodontic treatment for better oral care. Early treatment of teeth may require less invasive dental restorations.
Orthodontic treatment aims at straightening your teeth to improve appearance. Besides, it looks at the long-term jaw joints, gum, and teeth health by distributing the biting pressure across all the teeth. Aligning the teeth allows for easy cleaning.
When your teeth do not meet correctly, there will be a strain on the jaw muscles leading to headaches, joint, and jaw problems. Orthodontic treatment allows for even biting and reduction of pressure. Failure to treat the decay may lead to infection spread across other body areas.
Improve Other Conditions
Chronic conditions such as bruxism, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure will influence the appearance of your smile and health. Instead of managing the symptoms, it is advisable to consider preventive methods. Having enough exercise and eating right will dramatically improve the appearance of the gums, teeth, and body.
Carefully Choose the Whitening Products
Based on your interest, there are various whitening products to choose. The choice varies from laser whitening, custom trays, strips, toothpaste, rinses, and gel pens. Each is associated with specific benefits.
It is easier to improve your smile by reaching out to a cosmetic dentist who will assist you in improving gum and teeth appearance. The dentist will deliver the services in various ways, based on the patient’s interest. It may involve the following:
- Veneers
- Whitening
- Crowns
Veneers
They are thin shells shaped carefully and placed in front of the teeth. Veneers may be used for cosmetic reasons and in case of discoloration, gaps, and chipped teeth. Adherence of the porcelain veneer to your tooth imparts a natural appearance to the tooth.
Whitening
Your cosmetic dentist may recommend tooth whitening. It is an affordable method of brightening your smile faster than through brushing of teeth. The dentist will apply a safe whitening product to your teeth.
It is effective in correcting stains from beverages, colored foods, and smoking. To preserve the brightness and freshness of your tooth, consider general oral health, flossing, and brushing.
>Crowns
They are shaped caps and tooth-colored to restore the functions and mouth look. Your dentist will have to examine the enamel to ensure it can support the crown before beginning the process. Crown allows for the protection of teeth that you cannot fill.
Cosmetic dentistry is available for anyone willing to correct and gain confidence in their smile. You will achieve your goals irrespective of whether it involves shaping them, brightening, or whitening.
Note that it may take a while before you realize changes in oral hygiene or whitening. However, it’s worth the effort for the sake of your overall health and smile.