Your smile is one of the most noticeable things about you. Like most things, maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile requires effort and attention. But, just like every other part of your body, your oral hygiene is essential.
Aside from reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, oral health ensures your pearly whites look good every day.
1. Floss Daily
As kids, we’re told the importance of brushing our teeth. However, flossing often goes under the radar. Floss reaches spaces your toothbrush can’t get to, removing plaque between teeth and under the gums. Poor gum health can have serious consequences, including tooth loss.
The proper flossing technique is to wrap the floss tightly around your finger and insert it between the teeth. Gently move it up and down under the gum lines a few times. If you see blood, it’s usually the result of gingivitis and will go away with regular flossing. Bleeding might also be a sign of gum disease.
2. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth may seem obvious. However, it’s surprising how many of us don’t religiously brush for two minutes twice a day. Your brushing technique is also essential. Angle your toothbrush at a right angle to the gum line and, with gentle strokes, focus on one tooth at a time.
Moreover, the quality of the toothbrush you buy is also worth thinking about. Electric toothbrushes are generally accepted as the best way to clean your teeth. However, if you don’t want an electric brush, opt for softer bristles that won’t damage your gum line or tooth enamel.
3. Give Up Smoking
Nicotine products badly stain teeth. Stains from smoke might be superficial and easy to remove. However, stains can also sink into the enamel, causing longer lasting discolouration. It doesn’t take long to lose your pearly whites to smoking. Many smokers say their teeth are entirely brown within a year of taking up smoking.
Smoking is also bad for your gums. It can cause them to recede, creating pockets around the teeth. Plus, as smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, it can be harder to heal diseased gums.
4. Limit Your Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine
Unfortunately, drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine are infamous for staining teeth. As with smoking, these drinks can build up a superficial stain. Yet, they can also cause internal staining. Rather than giving up your favourite beverages entirely, try drinking through a straw. This can reduce staining on your teeth and help prevent decay.
It’s also sensible to rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash after drinking coffee, tea, or red wine. Water stops the dark liquid from sitting on your teeth for an extended period.
Furthermore, eating an all-around, well-balanced diet will help improve your smile. General health is excellent for your immune system and helps maintain pristine-looking teeth—conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and bruxism all impact your smile. Eating right and getting plenty of exercise will go a long way to improving your health and smile.
Furthermore, stress has an impact on your gum health. Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress levels.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is one of the best ways to combat poor oral hygiene. It helps keep you hydrated, ensuring your immune system is optimised. Tap water is the preferred option as it contains fluoride, which promotes tooth health and fights decay. Bottled waters don’t always contain fluoride or might include the wrong amounts.
Try to drink water over acidic or sugary drinks. It’s well known that overly sugary drinks can promote tooth decay. Sports drinks are particular culprits of ruining teeth.
6. See Your Dentist Twice a Year
Routine checkups with your dentist are crucial. You might not notice problems with your oral hygiene until they start to hurt—and then it might be too late. However, your dentist will point out any issues and offer treatment options to ensure your smile remains perfect.
Moreover, if you have overcrowding in your mouth, your dentist might recommend cosmetic dentistry, such as braces, Invisalign, veneers, or crowns. Other restorative dental treatments will help anyone with cracked, decayed, chipped, coloured or missing teeth.
Bottom Line
Keeping a healthy, beautiful smile on your face requires dedicated care. Just as you would brush and wash your hair with the best products, you should treat your teeth with the same attention. Healthy teeth will save you oral problems down the line and inspire confidence with every smile.