Tips To Maintain A Beautiful Smile

Your smile is one of the first things a person notices about you. So, taking care of the smile is very important. Here are a few tips:

Maintain effective oral hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss your teeth at least once a day. You should also have a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. These visits allow your dentist to spot and treat problems before they become serious.

Practice good nutrition

Eating a balanced diet is important for your entire body, including your teeth. Aim for a variety of foods, but limit sugary foods and beverages. Sugary foods and drinks will feed harmful bacteria, which will contribute to tooth decay. Darkly colored foods and beverages may also stain your teeth. Drinking water is also essential to maintaining good oral health. It rinses your mouth of harmful bacteria and food particles.

Use cosmetic dental procedures

Staying on top of your oral hygiene routine at home is essential for maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile. However, there are other things you can do to help your smile stay healthy and beautiful, including getting cosmetic dental procedures. Cosmetic dentistry procedures are different from your standard cleanings and routine dental exams. These procedures focus on making your smile look its best rather than maintaining the health of your teeth. For example, teeth whitening is a simple procedure that removes stains and discoloration from your teeth. Teeth whitening is an affordable way to get whiter teeth fast. A porcelain veneer is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can transform the appearance of your smile by covering up imperfections. However, it isn’t meant to protect your teeth. If you need a cavity filled, that is a dental filling.

Avoid smoking and other tobacco products

Tobacco use is harmful to your overall health, and it can also have a negative impact on your smile. Tobacco use can lead to gum disease and oral cancer. People who smoke or chew tobacco also have an increased risk of developing tooth discoloration. In addition to your teeth and gums, tobacco affects your whole body. It increases your risk for serious health conditions, including heart disease and lung cancer. If you’re a smoker, quitting will significantly improve your overall health and the appearance of your smile.

Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings

Dental exams and professional cleanings are an important part of maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile. During these appointments, your dentist will inspect your teeth for decay, check for signs of gum disease or oral cancer, and offer tips and recommendations for keeping your teeth healthy.

Use mouthguards when playing sports

You want to protect your teeth from damage, especially if you are playing a sport that has a risk of damaging your teeth. With mouthguards, you can prevent injuries from affecting your smile.

Mouthguards fit over your teeth and provide a cushion on your gums. This layer of protection prevents impact from affecting your teeth. Mouthguards are also beneficial for preventing tooth grinding. If you grind your teeth at night, you can reduce this habit by using a mouthguard.

At Mountain Stream Dental, Dr. Gerald L. Torgeson and the team give the best quality dental care to all patients. Call us at (541) 345-5363 to schedule a consultation.