Tips for keeping your smile looking its best
Your smile is often the first thing a person sees when they meet you. Make that impression a good one! Having a great smile can give you confidence and ensure you’re less self-conscious. These five tips will help to keep you grinning.
- Take care of your teeth – everyday!
We have all heard this tip: brushing your teeth at least twice a day will keep your smile sparkling. The simple and easy steps of daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a good antiseptic mouthwash is your first defense against decay and will also help keep you out of the dentist’s chair more than twice a year. Not to mention the great benefit it adds to your overall health.
- Have a healthy diet
Yes, it’s hard to stay away from sweets, but for the sake of your teeth and health, try not to overindulge. The same advice is true for soda, coffee, and wine which can stain your teeth. Brushing your teeth 30 minutes after you eat can help keep your pearly whites healthy and looking great. If you can’t brush after a meal, at least rinse your mouth with water, this will wash away the acid that can eat through the enamel of your teeth. It also removes food particles that can lead to plaque buildup.
- See your dentist regularly
Those semi-annual check-ups to your dentist are an important routine to keep you smiling bright. Schedule the next appointment while you are in the office during your current visit, this way you never have the sudden realization that you are overdue for your cleaning. With a regular routine, your dentist can spot problems before they become serious. You can also learn about additional treatments such as whitening your teeth or orthodontics.
- Use products with fluoride
The public drinking water in many regions of the country contain the proper amount of fluoride that you need; however, it’s always a good idea to use a fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride will help you maintain strong tooth enamel.
- Protect your teeth
Your teeth are not tools. Never use your teeth to crack nuts, open packages, break a thread, or open a bottle. You can chip or crack your teeth. If you play sports or engage in high-contact recreational pursuits, consider using a mouth guard to shield your teeth and oral tissues. When it comes to your smile, you’ll be thankful you’re protecting those pearly whites.