When you meet new people, you always want to put your best foot forward. The best way to do that is to be cheerful and friendly, and of course, have a very nice smile—one that draws people in and makes them want to approach you and talk to you. Caring for your teeth (and your smile) doesn’t have to be challenging. It involves just the same amount of self-love and self-care as the rest of your body.
In case you’ve had some challenges with caring for your teeth, the good news is that there are dentists available to help you get your smile all nice and healthy again. Our goal, however, is to keep our teeth healthy and protect our smile through the years. Here are some practical, everyday tips to do that:
Brush at least twice a day
One of the most important steps to taking care of your teeth and, as a result, your smile, is by brushing your teeth. You’ve probably been told by the dentist when you were a child to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Without a doubt, that’s one great piece of advice you can follow for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, less than 32% of adults follow that advice and brush only once a day.
When you brush your teeth, make sure to brush every tooth surface above and below the gumline. Brush gently, as brushing too hard can wear down your tooth enamel. Use toothpaste with fluoride to prevent tooth decay and make sure to floss your teeth. It’s an extra step, but flossing removes what the toothbrush can’t. It’s always best to check with your dentist what are the most effective ways to brush your teeth. Dental services such as Best Dental specialize in cosmetic dentistry that helps repair your teeth if they are already too damaged.
Avoid sugary drinks
Sugar gives you that energy boost you sometimes need at the end of a long day (or even just when you’re about to start one). Unfortunately, sugar is hard on your teeth and can cause cavities. That’s because sugar contains acids that eventually wear and tear down on your tooth enamel, eventually leading to tooth decay. If you’re not careful, you might even have to have your tooth removed completely to prevent it from destroying your other teeth.
Instead of regularly consuming sugary drinks, try to go for water or plain milk. Not only do they keep your teeth intact, but they are also the healthier option and will improve your smile and overall health. Keep a lookout for sugar in other foods too, such as candy bars, granolas, and breakfast cereals, even low-fat yoghurts and canned fruit can carry a great amount of sugar! Eat in moderation and remember always to brush and floss your teeth.
Get your teeth cleaned regularly
Some dentists encourage their patients to visit them twice a year. This is so they can perform routine check-ups and even clean your teeth. When saliva, food, and fluids combine in your teeth, they form plaque which eventually hardens into tartar. If left alone, the tartar will lead to tooth decay. Tartar cannot be removed by simply brushing and flossing, but must be removed by a dentist’s tools, which is why regular check-ups are a must.
Have your dentist check-up your teeth regularly also let them examine the health of your gums. If you want to protect your teeth and smile, you want to be able to spot problems so you can treat them right away. Better to address the little problems than to have them build up. Scheduling regular cleanings will help you save a lot of time and money because your dentist will be able to address your concerns immediately.
Wear a mouthguard
If you play contact sports or are an active person, you’ll want to wear a mouthguard every time to avoid injuries like broken, cracked teeth, damage to the roots and crowns of your teeth, and cuts on lips and cheeks. Remember, it’s always better to be safe! Mouthguards are also helpful for other activities that have the potential for mouth injuries, such as gymnastics, skateboarding and snowboarding, and mountain biking, even if they aren’t contact sports.
Wear lip balm
Most of the time, when you think about protecting your smile, you only think about protecting your teeth and your gums. Don’t forget that your lips are also a part of your smile, and you need to protect them as well. Try wearing a lip balm, as they are just as important as applying sunscreen to protect your body. Lip balms keep your lips from drying or chapping and protect them from too much exposure to the sun.
What to look for in a lip balm
When you’re looking for lip balm, you’re looking for one that seals the moisture in the lips. This is to prevent it from chapping. Get something beeswax or shea butter or cocoa butter so that it seals in the moisture and provides excellent hydration. Almond or macadamia oil help to soften, soothe, and condition lips as well.
Lip balms with that have an SPF of 30 or greater have the same effect as sunscreen does to your body. Apply the lip balm at least once every two hours (and even more if you’re out swimming or on the beach). Doing so will rehydrate your lips and will keep them from chapping and peeling. If you want to wear lipstick or lip gloss, apply the lip balm first and then your other lip products after.
In conclusion
It’s all about little habits that you make part of your daily routine. If you want to have a great smile that will last through the ages, you have to care for it as you would care for the things you want to preserve. These steps may be small and simple, but without a doubt, they will make a huge difference and protect you and give you a smile that you’ll have for the rest of your life.
Leave a Reply