A healthy smile makes you feel confident, and it also means you can enjoy your favourite foods without worry or pain in your teeth. So, there are many things you can do to maintain your pearly white smile and make sure your teeth don’t worsen with age.
Why is it important for me to take care of my smile?
Caring for your smile is always important. Preventing infection is the key reason why you should look after your teeth and gums, as gum disease can be the result of poor dental hygiene and can be painful. There are aesthetic reasons too, nobody wants their natural teeth to fall out or decay. It’s relatively simple to look after your teeth, so there’s no excuse really. Once you get into the habit of looking after your dental health, it will become part of your routine and second nature to continue it.
How can I take care of my smile?
Begin with home care by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes a day. It’s super easy and super effective as brushing your teeth regularly helps keep your enamel strong and gets rid of any built-up plaque. Don’t be too aggressive when you brush though and change the head of your toothbrush every 2-4 months. Flossing will also help to remove any debris and food which gets stuck in both your teeth and gums. A great smile really does start at home.
Does an electric toothbrush clean better?
An electric toothbrush is more effective in removing plaque than a manual toothbrush because of the vibrations and movement of the head. Many people prefer using an electric toothbrush, as it does all the work for you and is easier to use with children. If you take one thing away from this post, invest in a good electric toothbrush.
Brushing your teeth with the correct method is also extremely important. As stated by the NHS, begin by positioning your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the bottom of the tooth near the gum line. Then, brush the outer side of the tooth in a circular motion and repeat this motion when brushing the inside of your teeth too. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the back of your mouth too as this is what causes bad breath.
Is it important for me to get regular dental checkups?
Yes! The next step in maintaining your smile is regular trips to the dentist (twice a year is advised). Having a regular dentist appointment means that if you do have any problems with your teeth, they can be monitored and resolved, and any underlying oral issues can be caught early.
During a usual trip, your dentist will look in your mouth to see if it looks healthy and they will also clean your teeth and remove any surface plaque. Your dentist will also be able to talk you through any extra services they offer, like teeth whitening, if this is something you would be interested in.
Do I need to monitor what I eat?
Everyone has a cheat day every now and then, but to ensure your smile looks top-notch you might want to avoid excess consumption of fizzy drinks, fruit juice, sweets and chocolate. These foods can prematurely rot teeth and cause excess bacteria build-up, which can dull your smile. So, if you’re having a particularly acidic snack, make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Low-carb foods like cheese, nuts and green vegetables tend to be best to upkeep your pearly whites.
It’s been proven that tea, coffee and alcohol can dull your smile. BUPA states the reason behind this is that food dye and other additives in food and drink can quickly discolour your teeth. If you do find yourself reaching for a coffee in the morning, try drinking it through a straw. This way, the colour is less likely to come into contact with your pearly whites and leave them with lasting stains.
Good dental health begins at home, but with a combination of regular professional dentist checkups and clean eating, maintaining the health of your teeth has never been easier. Remember that consistency definitely is key!
