When we are young, we often don’t think about the consequences of neglecting our oral hygiene, consuming too much sugar, maybe some cigarettes, not brushing correctly, etc. All of that takes a toll on the quality of our teeth and the youthful, white smile we all love to see on others.
Now, as adults, we do what we can to save that smile and dazzle our partners, colleagues, and other people around us. And not only that: bad health of the teeth and gums could influence health problems in the whole body: stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and so on.
As World Oral Health Day approaches, we should talk about taking better care and some of the ways we can preserve the look and health of our teeth.
1. Eat healthily and avoid teeth-staining foods and drinks
Yes, it’s difficult, but it would be best to avoid consuming unhealthy foods and drinks, which could lead to an ugly smile. A dull smile leads to looking older and less attractive.
Smoking and having a nice bottle of red wine may make you look cooler, but it will surely influence the color of your teeth. Also, having a refreshing glass of orange juice can temporarily soften the enamel of your teeth and if you brush after that, you could remove a fraction of the enamel, which will lead to faster decaying over time. This also goes for tomatoes, soda, and, of course, wine.
If you want your teeth to look brighter and be healthier, it is good to have more teeth-whitening foods. Consider milk, yogurt, cheese but also fibrous foods like apples, cucumbers, carrots, celery, and strawberries.
2. See your dentist regularly
It is necessary to visit your dentist at least once in six months, if you want your teeth to always be clean and fully preserved. Of course, if any problems occur in the meantime, go right away, no matter how many times a year.
Find a dentist that is fairly close to you, but also be sure that they are reputable and that they care about your teeth, not just a quick penny. Of course, investing more in your dental health is never a bad thing. For example, if you live in Australia, you should look for the best dental lab Australia has to offer, even if it is not exactly in your city. A good doctor is never too far and too expensive. They will try their best to give you a great smile and keep your oral health intact.
3. Cosmetic surgery as the last resort
If regular teeth cleaning doesn’t do the job, your dentist will probably suggest dental surgery. If your teeth were neglected and you have a serious problem, maybe ceramic crowns and teeth implants are the way to go.
Once you get them done, you will have clean, white teeth again, but don’t start relaxing just yet – you must continue taking care of the ceramic ones like you were born with them. Moreover, also take good care of your gums, which suffered a lot of stress from the surgery. Your dentist will prescribe gum gels to help relieve that stress.
4. A good brush and floss is very important
A firm-bristled toothbrush may leave you with an impression that your teeth are cleaner, but those kinds of brushes could be very abrasive and could be damaging in the long run. Therefore, it would be advisable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which will caress your teeth gently and get in all the gaps.
Besides a good brush, you should consider dental floss, which gets out any tiny food particles that may have been overlooked. In the end, a good mouthwash will clean the teeth and the whole inside of your mouth, giving it a refreshing smell along the way.
All of this advice will help you get a healthier and more youthful smile, if you follow them regularly and thoroughly. Remember that the health of your teeth is very important, and if that is done right, you will be able to have a wide, attractive smile every day for a long time.
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