A healthy, sparkling smile really helps to light up your face and make you appear more beautiful. It is also a huge signifier of the state of your general health and hygiene, as dental problems can impact the rest of your body. Maintaining a bright smile does require a good oral hygiene routine and a high level of self-care, and it can sometimes be hard to keep up with improved treatment and maintenance options. Here are some tips that you can follow for a happy and healthy smile.
Establish a robust oral hygiene routine
The most effective way of guarding against tooth decay for a healthy mouth is to clean and floss your teeth twice a day. You should use fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and guard against plaque. Use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles that can reach the very back molars and is gentle on the gums; an electric toothbrush is a particularly good option as it senses when you are applying too much pressure. Floss your teeth at least once a day, as this removes debris from nooks and crannies that, if left, would break down and damage the tooth. Check out Kent Express at kentexpress.co.uk for a wide variety of oral hygiene tools.
Eat for dental health
What you eat can have a huge impact on the health of your teeth. Sugary food and drink combine with the plaque in the mouth to create tooth-damaging acid, so it is important that you cut down your consumption of sugar. Likewise, acidic foods, such as citrus fruit and carbonated beverages, can damage your tooth enamel. Snacking in between meals increases the level of acidity in your mouth, which can damage your teeth and raises your risk of dental disease. It is therefore important that you make the most of balanced, filling meals so that you only eat at these designated times. If you do get uncontrollably hungry, however, try to snack on low sugar foods that have some teeth cleaning properties, like carrots and apples.
Visit your dentist regularly
You should visit your dentist regularly for a check-up even if you are not experiencing any dental issues. Your dentist will be able to identify any potential problems before they become serious and either provide treatment or advise you of preventative measures that you can take. For instance, the early stages of tooth decay can be reversed through scrupulous dental hygiene and topical application of fluoride gel. If you feel self-conscious about your smile – for instance, if your teeth are crooked or discolored – your dentist can advise you of appropriate treatment options. For example, crooked teeth can be fixed with braces fitted by an expert orthodontist. Tooth whitening treatment can remove stains and brighten the enamel; however, resist the urge to try at-home whitening kits as these can seriously damage your teeth. Instead, consult a dentist who specializes in this treatment and can perform it safely.
