As seen in Hollywood and popular culture, we frequently equate a beautiful, healthy grin with a bright, white tint to it. However, even if this is the case, having a white smile doesn’t always guarantee that the mouth is in good health. Teeth that have been professionally whitened are just as susceptible to cavities and gum disease the same way as regular teeth.
Therefore, to achieve an attractive and healthy smile simultaneously, you must manage your dental health in the same way you treat your skin. With a combination of gentle preventative care, timely treatment for minor concerns when they arise, and aesthetic treatments as appropriate.
Here are some simple, doable methods for maintaining a radiant smile:
Maintain Good Dental Health
The most critical step in maintaining good dental health is to establish an excellent oral hygiene regimen. Flossing once a day, brushing your teeth twice a day, and gargling with mouthwash are all essential for good oral health. This helps keep germs out of your mouth, which can lead to dental conditions in the long run. Although brushing your teeth removes a lot of plaque from the enamel, it can’t reach every part of your mouth. This makes mouthwash and flossing equally critical for ensuring good oral health.
You can remove plaque stuck between your teeth through flossing, which helps prevent periodontal disease, the primary cause of tooth loss in the United States. Mouthwash covers places that flossing and brushing cannot, which are available to combat any problem, such as gingivitis or cavities that might concern you. Doing this regularly can help keep longer-lasting white teeth. You can also use whitening toothpaste to add an extra whitening kick to your regimen.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Periodontal treatment and other services such as teeth cleaning are always recommended, no matter how diligent you are about your oral health. It’s similar to visiting your primary care doctor regularly. Dentist visits are a reasonable preventative precaution. During routine maintenance, your dentist and dental hygienist can clean your mouth’s hard-to-reach regions, remove tartar-hardened plaque deposits, and find cavities or trouble spots before they become cavities.
Rest Your Mouth
Because people are eager and expect results right away, they often go excessive with homemade teeth whitening products. Remember, enamel and living tissues make up your gums and teeth, neither of which are used to having bleach applied to them. This means you should only do one or two teeth whitening procedures each year.
Schedule Whitening Treatments
If you desire a whiter smile but can’t seem to clear your yellow teeth away with only whitening toothpaste, you might want to consider a specialized whitening procedure. These methods are risk-free and highly efficient, so much that they will whiten your teeth by several shades in only one visit!
Because the treatments only work to eliminate existing stains and prevent new ones from forming, you are responsible for how long your teeth stay the same color. Treatments usually last ranging from several months to three years. Maintaining your pearly whites for a more extended period is possible if you follow the advice in this article and consult with your dentist about obtaining regular maintenance treatments.
Use Straws
Straws are the best option for drinks that discolor your teeth, are too sugary, or contain acids. Straws can be glass, plastic, or paper and still serve the same purpose: they reduce the amount of interaction these liquids have with your teeth. This helps keep your teeth stay white longer by preventing discoloration and decay on the enamel.
Replace Your Toothbrush Frequently
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or earlier if you see it starts fraying. The bristles on your toothbrush wear down over time, making it less efficient in removing plaque from your teeth. Frayed bristles can also harbor germs or fungi, rendering them unclean for people to keep on using. Having a new toothbrush regularly helps keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean.
While it’s essential to appreciate and enjoy your smile, it’s also crucial to ensure your mouth is in good health. Fortunately, many of the above tips for keeping your gums and teeth healthy also work to keep your teeth white. You can save a lot on whitening procedures and dental costs when you get your cavities filled. The preceding suggestions for a healthy and attractive smile will help you keep that smile with only a few minor adjustments to your everyday routine and diet, benefiting not only your oral health but also your body as a whole.