Having confidence in your smile is an important part of your self-esteem. Research shows that people who are self-conscious about their teeth will take extreme measures to avoid smiling, and this can have a devastating impact on socializing, work, and day-to-day living. Luckily, there are top tips you can take and add to your daily routine to keep your teeth looking fresh, white and perfect! Put the shine back into your smile, and get back to enjoying life.
Perfect technique
We all know how important regular brushing is to maintain a perfect smile, but are you doing it properly? Dentists recommend 2-3 minutes of brushing a day, but the average person only achieves 45-70 seconds; a big shortfall. Technique is also important for achieving a perfect clean. The brush should be angled at 45 degrees, near the gum line, and this and the teeth should be in contact with the bristles. Gently brush the outer surface of the teeth in an up-down, side-to-side motion, before repeating on the inside of the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue and the roof of your mouth to keep breath fresh.
Smart choices
Coffee, red wine, and flavored soda. These are all top choices in our diet and often considered an indulgent treat. Unfortunately, these can also be the top culprits to stain and damage our teeth. The best way to prevent staining is to avoid these foods or follow up enjoying them by thoroughly brushing your teeth. This is not always practical of course, so using a straw and rinsing with water after eating or drinking are all ways to help reduce the damage. Chewing gum can also help to prevent the particles from sticking and staining teeth. Be sensible with your choices to keep your teeth looking their best.
Focus on the details
It is all very well brushing your teeth correctly and avoiding certain food and drink, but to fully protect your teeth you need to focus on the smaller details such as your gums. Gum disease is an unpleasant condition that could lead to pain, inflammation, bleeding gums and, in the worst case, tooth loss. Small steps such as regular flossing and the use of interdental brushing can help to reduce this risk. Skipping flossing means you are missing out on cleaning 40% of your teeth, so taking the time to complete this extra step is well worth the hassle.
Make friends with your dentist
As with any condition, prevention is better than cure, and so regular trips to the dentist are essential for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist will be able to spit any signs of damage or decay early and prevent them from spreading or intensifying. Most dentists will also be able to complete a thorough deep clean, to leave your teeth in tip-top condition and maintain long term health.
Achieving a Hollywood smile is simpler than you think with these easy to follow top tips. By taking care of your teeth every day with every brush, you can keep them shiny, healthy and fresh for years to come.