Different Ways to Improve Your Smile

Having a healthy smile is the gateway to better health overall; healthy teeth help heighten the body’s resistance to infection and diseases, help improve your sense of confidence and self-image, and greatly improve the way you interact with others. Smiling has a powerful effect, and maintaining a healthy smile can be the most assured way to keep yourself healthy and happy. If you find yourself lacking in the smile department, some common activities and tips can improve your smile. Here are some of those methods, recommended by dentists alike.

Flossing Daily

One of the most often forgotten aspects of cleaning teeth is flossing; despite the uncomfortable experience, flossing gets into the areas that people most often disregard when it comes to their teeth. Most often, the spaces between the teeth are jammed with food particles and bacteria, and because of the tightness of those spaces, flossing is the only way for particles to be reached. Flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis, removing the onset of plaque and tartar build-up, which, if not treated, can cause periodontal disease and tooth loss over time.

Visit Your Dentist

Visiting your dentist every six months can give you an overall description of your oral health and help you be proactive in caring for your teeth. Dentists and dental hygienists have the tools and expertise to clean teeth of unwanted plaque and tartar and remove infections from the mouth through various treatments. Depending on your dentist’s specialty, you can also receive restorative or cosmetic treatments, such as dentures, veneers, crowns, and implants, to improve the look and feel of your teeth.

Quit Smoking

With all of the advertisements and information on the harm of tobacco and nicotine products, choosing to quit smoking can prevent tooth staining, gum disease, and other potential infections to the mouth. Because of the effects of smoking and nicotine, the smoke damages the gums, causing them to recede and create large pockets filled with infection, making it difficult to clean. Quitting smoking can change the look of your teeth and help prevent other diseases in the future.

Limit Tea, Coffee, and Red Wine

If you find yourself drinking lots of tea or coffee, you can mindfully limit your intake to help remove any stains present in your teeth. Because of the tannins present in these drinks, the tannins are more susceptible to building along with the teeth’ enamel, causing external staining. If leftover long periods, these can also cause internal stains, which are harder to remove.

Drink Water

Among many of these tips, water is one of the healthiest drinks you can have; most people in their lives lack sufficient quantities of water, and while it has a huge effect on a person’s overall health, the lack of water can also present tooth problems. Water helps to flush out particles in the mouth, thus discouraging tooth decay. Water with minerals such as fluoride can also help rebuild tooth enamel, preventing staining and tooth decay even further.

If you want more dental tips on improving your smile, contact Dr. Deborah Tabb at Bethesda Family Dentistry in Bethesda, MD, to learn more. Dr. Tabb will help you and your family with any of your dental needs, and if you require an appointment, schedule one today to receive the best quality dental care from the most compassionate team of dentists.