Tips for a Healthier Smile
Your smile says a lot about you. Having a healthier smile can improve your overall health and increase your confidence. Maintaining a healthy smile requires diligence. With regular visits to Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry and the right daily routine, you can keep your teeth & gums healthy and reduce your chances of developing problems down the line. Follow these 8 tips to achieve a healthy smile.
8 Tips for a healthier smile
- Visit your dentist regularly
Being proactive is the best way to ensure a healthy smile. Visiting the dentist can help you identify issues before they become bigger problems. The doctors at Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry are able to identify problem areas that may go unnoticed by the untrained eye.
It is generally recommended that you visit the dentist twice a year, but your dentist might recommend more frequent visits if you have potential risk factors. Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic dentistry can meet with you for a cleaning and give you more detailed information about the overall health of your smile.
- Brush twice a day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is vital to maintaining a healthy smile. Brushing removes bacteria and kills the germs that cause bad breath. To get the best results, you need to make sure you are brushing properly. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to reduce bad breath and extra bacteria. Always used a soft bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3-4 months or when the bristles become frayed. Choosing the right toothpaste is also important. A fluoride toothpaste can help protect and strengthen the enamel of your teeth.
- Floss daily
Flossing helps remove bacteria that brushing can miss. When done daily, your gums will become stronger and reduce your chances of getting gingivitis and gum disease. Poor gum and oral health can have a negative effect on your overall health. Studies have shown that people with gum disease are at greater risk for heart disease.
There are alternatives to floss that can help improve your gum health if you find flossing uncomfortable. Picks and interdental cleaners are safe to use everyday and can be as effective as floss.
- Use mouthwash
Antiseptic mouthwash is way to help remove the bacteria and germs that cause bad breath. It is also another way to achieve a healthier smile. Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry can recommended a type of antiseptic mouthwash that will work best for you.
- Eat healthy
Eating food that is low in sugar helps you maintain a healthy smile and improves your overall health. Sugary foods lead to an increase in plaque that can breakdown the enamel on your teeth. People with a high sugar diet are more likely to develop cavities.
- Avoid drinks that stain your teeth
Drinking coffee or tea is part of many peoples’ daily routine. While this may help you start your day, it also stains your teeth over time. Reducing or eliminating coffee and tea from your diet will help keep you teeth bright and healthy. Another common drink that can stain your teeth is red wine. If you do drink red wine, it is essential that you thoroughly brush your teeth before bed.
- Avoid tobacco use
Tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco, can all have a negative effect on your smile and oral health. They can all lead to a dryer mouth, a buildup of bacteria, and tooth discoloration.
Quitting tobacco can be difficult, but now there are products like gums and lozenges to help you quit. You can consult the experts at Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry for more information about how these products can affect your oral health.
- Consult your dentist before teeth whitening
Teeth whitening can be a great way to brighten your smile, but can cause damage to your teeth if not done correctly. Improperly or overusing teeth whitening products can cause damage to oral tissue and the enamel of your teeth.
Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry can help you whiten your teeth safely. We offer in-office and at-home teeth whitening options. In-office treatments are the quickest and safest way to a brighter smile. We may use UV light to enhance the whitening process, but ensure that only the teeth are exposed. We can also customize an at-home treatment plan for you. Unlike over-the-counter products, we will create a custom mouth guard that fits your teeth exactly.
Contact us today for more information
The experts at Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry are highly trained in the field of dentistry. If you would like to set up an appointment, we can answer any questions you have about your oral health and provide tips for a healthier smile.
