Now that the new year is finally here it’s time to get started on those resolutions. As you make your way down that list make sure to meet each accomplishment with a beautiful, healthy smile. Here are 7 ways to keep that smile looking and feeling great amidst the busy bustle of your day to day:
1. Brush your teeth
It’s common sense, but it’s the little details that we overlook. Don’t brush so hard, this can irritate the gum lining and cause a receding gum line which exposes the bottom part of our teeth.
This can lead to unpleasant tooth sensitivity. We recommend brushing with a soft bristle brush, light pressure, and brush in a circular motion.
2. Floss
Did you know that by simply flossing you have eliminated one of the factors that lead to gum and heart disease? When we eat food tends to get stuck in between our teeth; a job that our toothbrush can’t always take care of.
That food build up develops into plaque and bacteria love plaque. Our gums respond to plaque by becoming red, swollen, and irritated which can lead to gum disease.
3. Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, prevent cavities, and reduce tooth decay. It also reduces the amount of acid that bacteria produce on your teeth. Make sure when you buy toothpaste and mouthwash they contain fluoride.
4. Coffee and Alcohol
Yes, we’re looking at you coffee and wine lovers. Coffee, wine, and tobacco not only stain teeth but when large amounts are consumed daily the acidity can weaken tooth enamel over time.
However, in moderation the most that will happen are stains on your teeth which can be fixed with teeth whitening treatments.
Tip: When drinking beverages that can stain your teeth we suggest using a straw so the liquids do not come in direct contact with your teeth.
5. Smoking/ Vaping
When you inhale cigarette smoke or chew tobacco the toxins stain your teeth and weaken your enamel. Smoking can also cause gum disease, oral, throat, and lung cancer. Vaping creates a warm environment in your mouth, a favorable milieu for harmful bacteria to grow and cause infection. Vaping can also lead to cavities, bone loss, and inflamed gum tissue.
Although there is no tar in e-cigarettes there is nicotine which is what causes tooth discoloration. People who vape in excess can notice a gray discoloration on their teeth.
Another ingredient called vegetable glycerin, a sticky liquid sweetener found in vaping liquids, helps bacteria such as Streptococcus to stick to the little grooves on the biting surface of your teeth.
6. Healthy Diet
Sugar is usually the culprit when it comes to tooth decay. We aren’t saying to totally throw out those sweet treats, but scaling back the amount of sugar consumed daily will be beneficial to your overall tooth health.
7. Routine Dental Check Ups
The rule of thumb is to visit your dentist twice a year, or once every six months. During that visit you should schedule yourself for a teeth cleaning. If you experience any of the follow please consult your dentist:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Sudden sensitivity
- Missing teeth
- Jaw pain and constant headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Snoring and gasping during sleep
Your dentists at Bright Smile Avenue pride themselves in their meticulous work to give you the healthy smile you deserve. Through careful consultation our dentists not only educate patients on how to take care of your oral health but they also offer solutions that would fit your needs and meet patient comfort. Thinking of going in for a check up? Book for your consultation today!
Phone: 0920-948-3561
Hours: Mon-Sat
9 am – 5 pm