Every individual wants a lovely and healthy smile since it is usually one of the first things that people notice when they meet you. A beautiful and healthy smile is not something you can get over night, unfortunately. However, if you observe some of these helpful tips, you should be able to improve your smile.
Brushing your teeth
Brushing your teeth twice each day, at the minimum, is always a smart idea. It’s also critical to brush your teeth in the proper manner. Unfortunately, the majority of people are unaware that there is a very specific way to brush your teeth. Following this method for brushing teeth does two things.
- Protects your gums from being damaged by brushing
- Removes the most amount of food particles from your teeth and mouth
This method includes brushing your teeth with the toothbrush being held at a 45 degree angle to the gums. With gentle strokes, you should brush the outer surface of your teeth in this manner. In addition to brushing all around each tooth, remember to brush your tongue. Brush like this for two minutes.
Be sure to rinse your toothbrush after brushing your teeth. Cleaning your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide will help keep it from breading bacteria.
It is important that you select a tooth brush that has soft bristles. Also, do not brush your teeth too aggressively. Doing so can put your teeth and gums at risk. In spite of the fact that tooth enamel is hard, it is susceptible to damage. So, we need to be gentle with our teeth to protect them from damage.
Floss Daily
Unfortunately, toothbrushes do not reach everywhere we need them to. Flossing helps to remove the plaque and food particles that get stuck in between your teeth. It also helps to prevent the buildup of tartar under and around your gums.
Gum disease and gingivitis (the early/mild stages of gum disease) are common among people who do not floss regularly. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and and the deterioration of your jaw bone.
Bleeding gums are a classic sign of gingivitis or gum disease. Gingivitis can be reverses in most cases, whereas full fledged gum disease cannot be reversed. It can only be treated.
Flossing helps to prevent the onset of gingivitis and gum disease.
Stop using tobacco products
Smoking and other forms for tobacco use is incredibly bad for your teeth. Tobacco use causes gum recession which makes your teeth look longer and have dark spaces in between them. It also causes dry mouth.
These issues increase your chances of needing additional dental work and put you at risk of tooth loss! Tobacco use can also disqualify you from certain dental procedures as well.
Lastly, smoking and chewing tobacco stains your teeth. Although this can be corrected with teeth whitening or bleaching, it is still incredibly difficult to combat.
Foods that will help you to improve your smile
Obviously there are certain foods that we should avoid, but what about foods we should seek out to improve your smile? Foods that are high in calcium are good for your teeth. Some foods that are high in calcium include:
- Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products
- Salmon and most other fish
- Dark leafy greens
- Almonds
Phosphorus is another mineral you want to add into your diet. It can be found in eggs, beans, meat, dairy, and nuts.
Lastly, vitamin C is also good for your teeth. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include citrus, peppers, spinach, tomato’s, potatoes, and broccoli.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your smile. Our bodies use water in a variety of functions, including the production of saliva. Saliva helps you to start the digestion process. It also flushes your mouth of food particles, preventing bacteria from from building up in your mouth.
Additionally, most municipalities tap water contains fluoride. Fluoride is extremely helpful in protecting your tooth enamel and promoting good oral health.
Regular dental appointments can help you maintain your smile
Seeing a dentist on a regular basis is important because your dentist can see things that most other people cannot. Partly because of their special training, but also because of the equipment they have in their office. The dentist can detect small issues before they get out of control.
Additionally, this is a time when you should get a dental cleaning. These deep cleanings performed by a dental hygienist, or sometimes the dentist, give you a cleaning that you cannot get at home on your own.
Dentists recommend visits every six months for most people.