Are you one of those people who hides when there’s a camera around? Has the rise of the selfie made you more self-conscious about the appearance of your smile? Or are you simply eager to keep your natural teeth looking great for as long as possible? If so, you’ve come to the right place. You can find a lot of articles online about dental health and good and bad habits, and often, conflicting information can make things confusing. The good news is that this guide is here to make dental health simple. Here are all the tips you’ll ever need to ensure your smile sparkles for years to come.
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Seeing your dentist
It is estimated that people who see their dentist on a regular basis can reduce their risk of developing decay and gum disease by up to 60 percent. Going for a dental examination gives your dentist the opportunity to look out for potential warning signs, which could develop into more complex problems further down the line. If your dentist spots issues at an early stage, they can be treated before they become more advanced and start causing you discomfort. When you go for a check-up, the appointment may only take a few minutes, but your dentist will be looking out for a whole host of symptoms and signs. It’s not just about preventing caries or keeping an eye on the gums. Your dentist can also help you with health problems such as diabetes, and they will also perform oral cancer checks.
It’s well-documented that many patients have a fear of going to the dentist. Whether you’re worried about pain, you have a phobia of needles, or the sound of the dreaded dental drill makes you feel anxious, there are ways of overcoming dental fear. Speak to your dentist, and if you don’t already have a dentist, look for a professional with expertise in treating nervous patients. Routine appointments are painless and quick, so try not to postpone or miss them. If you go for months or years without seeing a dentist, there’s a much higher risk developing dental disease. Today, dentists use state of the art technology to reduce anxiety and eliminate pain. You can have cavities filled without using a drill and painless injections, for example. In some cases, if a complex procedure is required, it’s possible to have treatment under sedation.
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Brushing and flossing
Your toothbrush is your best line of defense when it comes to preventing the formation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance, which clings to the tooth enamel and the gums. It is made from food debris, saliva, and bacteria. These bacteria release acids when they feed, and these acids wear away the enamel and irritate the gums resulting in caries and gum disease.
It’s essential to brush twice a day to keep dental problems at bay. Use a brush with a small head, and set a timer for 2 minutes. Angle the brush head to cover the gum line, and make sure you brush every individual tooth. Be gentle when you brush. If you use too much force, this can damage your enamel and make you susceptible to caries and sensitivity. Swap your brush or your brush head every 3-4 months and always wait at least 45 minutes after eating to clean your teeth. If you brush straight after, this can contribute to enamel erosion. This is because the enamel softens when you eat, and it takes time for it remineralize.
Once you’ve brushed, take a minute to floss. Pass sections of dental tape through the gaps between your teeth. Flossing helps to dislodge bits of food and bacteria that you can’t reach when you brush. Ideally, you should aim to floss daily.
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Keeping your teeth bright and white
Most of us wish we had a brighter, whiter smile. Staining can be caused by general wear and tear, but your diet and lifestyle habits also play a part. If you’re a smoker, for example, you may find that your teeth become discolored even if you’re very diligent when it comes to oral hygiene. Giving up smoking isn’t easy to do, but if you do want to give up, there is help out there. Everyone is different and not every method works for everyone. If you’re looking to cut down, it may be worth considering swapping cigarettes for e-cigarettes and looking for products like Aspire e-cigs online. You could also try group support sessions or nicotine replacement therapy. Speak to your dentist or doctor to find out more about the benefits of giving up smoking for dental health and treatment options. Smoking is not the only cause of tooth discoloration. If you’re partial to a coffee or a cup of tea every morning or you love a glass of wine, you may find that your smile suffers. Other foods and drinks to be wary of include soy sauce, dark berries, and cola. If you can’t survive without your daily caffeine fix, use a straw when you drink and have a glass of water afterwards.
Not everyone is lucky enough to be blessed with radiant pearly whites. If you would like a whiter smile, there are treatments available that can lighten the tooth enamel, giving you a brighter smile. Tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. You can choose from professional in-chair or at-home whitening systems. If you are considering whitening treatment, seek advice from your dentist. Whitening treatment should not be provided by anyone who doesn’t have the relevant dental training or qualifications.
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Spotting signs of trouble
Nobody wants to have to endure dental pain. Both decay and gum disease can be prevented, so it’s really important to look out for warning signs. If you have pain, your teeth are becoming more sensitive, or you have bleeding, sore or swollen gums, call your dental office and make an appointment.
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Most of us will go and see a doctor if we feel unwell or we notice unusual or unexpected symptoms, but when it comes to going to the dentist, we aren’t so diligent. Often, we put dental appointments off, and this increases the risk of problems like gum disease and decay. If you’re keen to improve your dental health and enjoy a sparkling smile, bear these simple tips in mind.
