More than 50% of Americans feel self-conscious about their teeth, and this can be a difficult insecurity to overcome. If this is how you feel, then it can begin to impact your life in several ways. You might not smile as much as you once did, avoid speaking in public places or in close proximity to strangers, and struggle with your mental health.
If you do feel like this, or you want to ensure this does not happen to you, then taking care of your oral health is a must. This will keep your teeth healthy and your self-esteem high. However, you do not need to break the bank to achieve this. There are simple methods to follow if you want a healthier smile, and this article has explained three of them.
Brush Twice Daily
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the bare minimum. Individuals are encouraged to do this for two minutes, morning and night, with a fluoride toothpaste. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure your teeth will last you for years and years to come. It will assist in removing plaque, which is a film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth, eventually causing gum disease and tooth decay.
Although some people believe an electric toothbrush is best, and this might be due to the ease of using it, you can use a manual toothbrush, too. Both will work well in cleaning your teeth as long as you clean all surfaces. You should also aim to floss once a day and avoid rinsing your mouth with water straight after brushing, as this will wash away the remain fluoride from the toothpaste.
Another addition to your teeth-brushing routine is mouthwash. This should also contain fluoride to reduce the chances of tooth decay. However, try to use the mouthwash at a different time than after brushing your teeth, such as after eating lunch.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Some people might only attend a dentist appointment when they have an issue that needs to be checked, but this should not be the norm. Prevention is always better than the cure, so visiting your dentist regularly is encouraged. This allows the dentist to carry out a full check-up, usually every six months or annually, and spot early signs of dental decay, gum disease, and even mouth cancer.
The treatment you receive at the dentist and how often you should visit will likely depend on your oral health and possible future problems. A dental professional will clean your teeth thoroughly through a scale and polish if needed and advise on any actions that should be carried out in upcoming appointments, such as fillings and extractions.
Ensuring that you experience quality care from your dentist is a must, though, especially if you need a specialty treatment. This can be accomplished by asking friends, family, and so on for recommendations, reading online reviews, and visiting the dental practice in person. A high standard of care should be customized to the patient; an example of this is the services offered by Breckenridge Family Dental – Personalized, Comprehensive Dental Care. This dentist office performs everything from regular cleanings and exams to restorative treatments.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Teeth and gums require nutrients, just like the rest of your body. Therefore, it’s not too difficult to understand that the foods you eat will have a direct impact on your oral health. This means you should aim to consume a balance diet that is rich in dairy products, fruits, lean proteins, and vegetables. These foods provide you with calcium, phosphorus, and other essential vitamins that will strengthen your teeth’s enamel and improve your gum health.
Staying hydrated should also be considered a part of the balanced diet. Drinking water will help to wash away acids, bacteria, and food particles that will eventually cause gum disease and tooth decay. Adequate hydration will also encourage saliva production, and this can neutralize acids, too. This will ensure your teeth are healthy.
If you want to show off healthy, pearly whites, then these three methods are the easiest to carry out.