Eight tips for a healthy smile

A healthy smile can truly change how you feel about yourself and your overall confidence.  Having a beautiful smile is critical in your self-esteem, and maintaining that sense of assurance is important.  But what can you do to maintain that?  Here are eight practical ways to make sure that your teeth are in the best condition.

1.    Brush and floss regularly

Brushing twice and flossing once a day is the recommended practice for the best oral hygiene.  Doing this helps to keep the germs away and keep the plaque at bay, thus keeping your teeth less prone to cavities and gum diseases. 

2.      Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water

Include more calcium boosting foods like milk, milk products, fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, fish, etc in your diet to promote healthy teeth and gums.  Limit eating sugary treats, soda and high acidity fruits such as pineapples and oranges which can lead to cavities and tooth erosions. When you drink a sweet treat or eat high acidity fruits, brush immediately after to remove excess sugar from teeth.

3.      Use quality toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste

Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush that will not irritate teeth or damage gums.  Make sure to replace the toothbrush every 3 months or earlier if the bristles begin to look worn or frayed.  Also, use fluoridated toothpaste which can strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.  Fluoride can also help repair minor tooth decalcification.

4.      Give up smoking

Quitting smoking not only improves your oral health but also improves your overall health.  Smoking stains your teeth and can penetrate deep into the enamel of your teeth.  It also affects your gums, causing them to recede and develop large pockets around the teeth.

5.      Use mouthwash

Using mouthwash twice a day after brushing is a great way to wash away leftover food debris and bacteria, prevent bad odour and give your mouth that super clean feel.

6.      Limit stain-causing food and drinks

Extended and excessive consumption of certain food and beverages like tea, coffee, red wine, etc are known to stain teeth.  Also, foods like blueberries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce stain the teeth.  Brush or clean your mouth thoroughly with water after eating such foods.

  

7.      Routine massage of gums

Gums play a critical role along with teeth in maintaining a healthy smile. Make it a routine practice to massage your gums while brushing.  This would increase the relative blood flow to the region and keep your gums healthy.

8.      Visit a dentist regularly

It is recommended to visit your dentist twice in a year for a general dental check-up and cleaning.  This will ensure the removal of plaque and addressing any potential issues. Make benefit of dental specialty services in case of irregular, crooked or discolored teeth.

Getting habituated to these simple practices can help a person to keep their teeth and gums healthy.  It may also benefit their overall health.