Seven easy steps to improve your smile
It’s probably no surprise that a bright, white smile can make you appear younger and more attractive, but good dental health goes beyond the way you look. The mouth is the gateway to the body, which means the state of your teeth and gums affects your overall health. By following these steps to a better smile, you’ll be taking important strides for the rest of your body, too.
1. Brush regularly.
Brushing is the cornerstone of dental hygiene. It removes food particles that bacteria feed on, cleans teeth, and freshens breath. A toothpaste with fluoride helps strengthen teeth, but you must brush for at least two minutes to allow it to do its work!
2. Floss daily.
Flossing removes the bacteria from in between your teeth that your toothbrush does not reach, which helps prevent gum disease. Dr. MacDonald recommends flossing twice a day, but if you only do it once daily, be sure to floss before bedtime. When you sleep, you produce less saliva, which leaves teeth and gums particularly vulnerable to bacteria.
3. Visit your dentist.
Visit your dentist at least twice a year for thorough dental cleanings. Your dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease, which is more easily treated when caught in the beginning stages. If you are prone to gum disease and cavities, consider visiting your dentist every four months.
4. Eat a healthy diet.
Include plenty of dairy and other calcium-rich foods in your diet. Calcium helps maintain strong bones and teeth, and the vitamin C in citrus fruits boosts gum health.
5. Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
People who smoke are four times more likely than non-smokers to have gum disease. Using smokeless tobacco increases a person’s risk for oral cancers, including lip, tongue, cheeks, and gums. On a smaller scale, tobacco products contribute to bad breath or halitosis.
6. Whiten teeth.
While the benefits are solely cosmetic, with today’s products, whitening is a very safe procedure that will not harm your teeth as long as the products are used as directed and you are under the care of a dentist. Over-the-counter whitening products are effective for minor staining; professional-strength whitening products are better for more severe yellowing. Speak to your dentist before undergoing any whitening procedure to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
7. Consider cosmetic procedures.
The first thing a person sees when they meet you is your smile, and having crooked, stained, or missing teeth can affect your confidence. There have been great advances in cosmetic dentistry over the past decade, and it is possible to fix most cosmetic problems. Veneers for improving the appearance of crooked, stained, or oddly shaped teeth and orthodontics for straightening teeth are only two of the many cosmetic procedures offered. However, most cosmetic dentistry is not covered by insurance.