Four Tips For A Healthier, More Beautiful Smile

A nice smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A lot of us worry about how our smile looks, especially in photographs. If you’re worried about yours, try these tips for a smile that is healthier and more beautiful.

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Floss daily. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth and out from under your gum line, where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you floss every day, you’ll be less likely to suffer from tooth decay and gingivitis. Without this, tartar can build up under the surface of your gum lines, which leads to periodontal disease, which can then cause bone destruction and tooth loss. To floss in the right way, wrap the floss tightly around your finger, and insert it into the space between your teeth. Slide the floss gently up and down under the gum line two or three times. If you hate the feel of flossing, you can try an oral irrigator instead. These devices spray water between your teeth to remove plaque and food.

See your dentist twice a year. A routine cleaning every six months is a great way to promote good oral health and helps you to maintain a beautiful smile. If you don’t get a regular cleaning, you have an increased risk of periodontal disease. This causes swollen, receding, and bleeding gums, which is uncomfortable and unsightly. It is also linked to conditions including heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and sleep apnea. A good cleaning will remove stain and tartar. A regular trip to your dentist also means they can screen for health conditions, such as oral cancer, as well as problems with your teeth. Many health conditions present early signs in the mouth, so your dentist or hygienist can catch many issues very early that you can then follow up with your doctor. Your dentist can also advise you on solutions for things like how to fix crooked teeth, or how to handle staining.

Limit tea, coffee, and red wine. Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine are known for staining the teeth. This is because these drinks can build up a superficial stain that your dentist can polish off for you, but they can also cause deeper staining of the tooth enamel. Drinking through a straw can help to reduce the staining, and can also reduce the likelihood of tooth decay. If you do enjoy these drinks, rinse your mouth with water after a drink so the dark liquid won’t sit on your teeth, and have a chance to stain.

Buy a quality toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have been shown to remove more plaque and achieve healthier gums than standard manual toothbrushes. If you don’t have the budget at the moment for a quality electric toothbrush, then buy a manual brush with soft bristles. Stiffer bristles and brushing too hard can cause your gums to recede and will eventually wear down the enamel from your teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush, and brush gently to avoid damaging your teeth by mistake.

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