A great-looking smile brightens your whole face and helps you be more confident. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are the best ways to improve your smile’s beauty or to keep your teeth white and healthy. The following tips will help you maintain your smile’s good looks:
Develop a Great Oral Hygiene Routine
A daily oral healthcare routine that includes brushing, flossing, and other measures is your first and best line of defense against problems that affect the health of your teeth and the appearance of your smile.
Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. For best results change your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if it starts to show signs of wear. Choose a toothbrush with a built-in cheek and tongue cleaner and use this feature regularly.
Floss once a day with the right kind of floss. If you have wide gaps between teeth, for instance, using a ribbon floss will give better results than using string floss. Although not required, it’s helpful to rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash once a day. Be sure to pick one that is alcohol-free.
Foods to Choose and Avoid
A healthy diet improves your both your body’s health and that of your smile.
To keep your teeth white and stain-free, try to limit your intake of beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine, which can cause discoloration. It’s also best to avoid sugary foods, a major contributor to tooth decay and cavities which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Avoid Bad Habits
Certain behaviors affect the appearance of your teeth even if you’re diligent about oral care and your diet. For instance, tobacco products are highly staining, affect your gum health, and contribute to the development of gum disease.
In addition, it’s important to avoid using your teeth as tools or chewing non-food items. For instance, don’t your teeth to open things or to chew ice. These can damage your teeth, causing micro-fractures that make them vulnerable to infection, chips, and cracks.
Regular Dental Visits
Another essential part of dental care are the services only your dentist can provide. Some essential services your dentist provides to support your oral health include:
- Professional cleanings that prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Dental exams to monitor your oral health, and as a preventative measure to prevent future oral health problems.
- Oral cancer screenings. These are particularly important, especially as you get older because oral cancer is very often asymptomatic in the early stages—and early detection saves lives.
Dental visits are a vital part of maintaining a great smile. Call Dr. Daniel DeLeon at DeLeon Family Dental in Glen Ellyn today to schedule your next checkup!