Five Tips for a Healthier Smile
Your smile is an important part of who you are and plays a major role in determining how others see you. More importantly, though, your smile can directly impact how you see yourself and have either a positive or negative effect on your self-confidence. Unfortunately, few people go through life with naturally perfect healthy smiles. Most of us can only enjoy dental health and aesthetic beauty by committing to proper dental care and maintenance. These five tips can help you to enjoy a healthy and vibrant smile.
Schedule More Frequent Dental Appointments
Many people only visit the dentist’s office once a year. Sadly, millions of others never schedule a dentist appointment until they experience a problem. And there are even some people who avoid dentists altogether. That’s a real problem. As a rule, you should visit the dentist twice a year – or even more frequently if you’re prone to recurring dental issues like cavities. Professional dental care is the linchpin of a sound dental health regimen.
Flossing is Not Negotiable
If you’re one of those people who hates to floss, it’s time to rethink that reluctance. Brushing, toothpicks, and mouthwash simply cannot remove all the debris and bacteria that hides on and between your teeth. In fact, your toothbrush typically removes only half of all bacteria and debris. Want to take a guess as to what you need to do to remove the remaining substances? That’s right: floss!
Watch Your Bad Habits
Do you smoke, drink liquids that stain your teeth, or delay brushing for hours after a meal? All of those habits can create problems for your teeth and gums and require more dental intervention than you might otherwise need. Tobacco is a special danger, since the tar and nicotine can negatively impact not only your teeth but your gums as well.
Brush Like There’s No Tomorrow
Brush at least twice a day, for at least two minutes each session, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This is essential for maintaining clean and healthy teeth. Just as important, try to brush soon after a meal, to ensure that acids, sugars, and food particles are removed from your teeth and gums as promptly as possible.
Eat Healthy Foods
Most of us know that sugars are a mortal threat to our teeth. They tend to accumulate on and around teeth, leading to tooth decay and those dreaded cavities. Unfortunately, sugary treats are seemingly everywhere in America, making them an easily-available snack for us whenever we are out and about. Commit to including more whole foods, healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet to help you resist the temptation to snack on sugary foods.
The bottom line is simple: you can enjoy healthier teeth and a more attractive smile, but it won’t happen by accident. To achieve those goals, you need to be committed to your own oral health and dedicated to protecting your teeth and gums. Focus on these five simple tips for a healthier smile to make that battle one that you’re sure to win.