A sparkling, healthy smile really helps to light up your face, making you feel beautiful both inside and out. However, there are many reasons why you might not feel 100% confident in your smile. Perhaps you feel self-conscious about crooked teeth or believe that they could be a bit whiter? Maybe you are experiencing painful problems with your teeth but are reluctant to visit the dentist? To help you to take the first step in being confident about your mouth, here are four top tips for a healthy smile.
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1. Establish an oral hygiene routine
The first, most essential step for a healthy smile is establishing an oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice a day – morning and night – to remove plaque and bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums. An electric toothbrush will ensure that the correct pressure and motion is applied; however, if you do use a manual toothbrush, choose one with a small head that can reach your back teeth while you brush in a circular motion whilst applying gentle pressure. Additionally, floss at least once a day to remove any food stuck in hard to reach crevices.
2. Visit your dentist on a regular basis
Many people have a fear of the dentist, perhaps due to traumatic childhood memories of scary dental equipment and an unsympathetic practitioner. However, receiving regular check-ups is essential for identifying and dealing with dental problems early on before they become a severe problem. Additionally, you can rest assured that most dentists nowadays have an excellent bedside manner and work hard to reassure you. For instance, by seeking dental care from Best Dental, one of Houston’s top dentists, you can be safe in the knowledge that you will be treated by experienced and compassionate dental practitioners.
3. Reduce intake of enamel damaging foods
It is common knowledge that sugary foods and drinks can damage your teeth; however, did you know that too many acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomato products, can damage your tooth enamel and cause erosion? You might find it more challenging to reduce your intake of acidic food – they are, after all, healthier choices than sugary snacks, but an additional way of protecting your teeth that can make it easier is to swill your mouth out with mouth wash or by drinking plenty of water after eating. Doing this will help neutralize acids and wash sugar from your teeth, helping to stop dental erosion.
4. Consider orthodontal work
If you have crooked teeth and are self-conscious about your smile, you might want to consider getting orthodontal work. Braces are the most common form of orthodontics, used to straighten the teeth, and there are several different types of braces that can be used. Fixed braces, for instance, cannot be removed and are used to fix the alignment of your teeth over a longer period of time. Retainers are used at the end of orthodontic treatment to hold newly straightened teeth in place while the gums and jawbones adjust to their new position.
