5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile

Do you really dislike the way your smile looks?  You're not alone!  Studies have shown that more than 30 percent of Americans are unhappy with their smiles.

One easy way to change this feeling is working towards developing a healthier smile. When you take good care of your teeth and gums, you'll transform the way you feel about your smile and learn to love it again. When you make a commitment to caring for your smile, you'll also improve your overall health.

Here are five valuable tips that will help you maintain a healthy smile over time:

1. Learn to Brush Your Teeth Properly

Do you know the right way to brush your teeth?

Most people would answer that question with a resounding "Yes!"  However, the truth is that people make all kinds of mistakes when brushing their teeth.

Some individuals brush their teeth entirely too hard. Other people rush through the process and don't provide their teeth with the recommended two quality minutes of brushing.  There are even some people who refuse to spend a few dollars for a new toothbrush and continue using an old brush that doesn't clean their teeth effectively.

If you're guilty of doing any of these things or if you feel like your mouth isn't as clean as it should be after you brush your teeth, learn how to brush your teeth properly.  As part of the correct brushing routine, you should:

• Position your toothbrush so that it sits at a 45-degree angle to your gums
• Gently (seriously, gently!) move your toothbrush from side to side using short strokes
• Make sure you hit both the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth in addition to the chewing surface

You should also make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once at night.  As long as you do this regularly, you should start to see a healthier smile appear in no time.

2. Make Sure You're Flossing, Too

Flossing your teeth is every bit as important as brushing them. Yet, you might be surprised by how many people blow off the advice that their dentist gives them and choose not to floss.

According to a study conducted back in 2016, about 70 percent of people either don't floss at all between dentist visits or only floss periodically.  As a result, many of these individuals allow plaque to build up between their teeth, on the surface of their teeth, and along their gum lines.

When you neglect flossing, you run the risk of developing gum disease. You'll also make your smile much less attractive over time and often lose your desire to smile in public settings. 

You can maintain a healthy smile by flossing at least once every day. It will take some commitment and discipline on your part at the beginning.  Once you make it part of your dental hygiene routine, you'll love the benefits that flossing can provide.

3. Avoid Eating and Drinking Things That Will Stain Your Teeth

No matter how diligent you are about brushing and flossing your teeth early and often, your teeth might still appear to be yellow and even stained if you eat or drink the wrong things.

There are a variety of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth if you eat or drink them regularly. Some of these foods and beverages include:

• Coffee
• Soda
• Pasta sauce
• Berries
• Balsamic vinegar

If you eat or drink any of these things on a routine basis, you're likely notice some staining on your teeth. Your dentist should be able to limit the staining in most cases.  However, you should stop eating and drinking substances that harm your teeth.  This will lead to a more healthy and beautiful smile. 

4. Schedule Regular Dental Visits

About one-third of people fail to see a dentist during a typical year.  Individuals don’t go to the dentist for a variety of reasons.

Here are some common reasons people avoid visits to the dentist:

• They're scared of the dentist
• They can't afford to see a dentist
• They think their teeth and gums are just fine
• They don't like the dentists they've seen in the past
• They simply never get around to making a dentist appointment

If any of these excuses or others prevent you from scheduling dental appointments, you should rethink your decision and make going to the dentist more of a priority. People should be seeing a dentist at least once every six months.

During a typical visit, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure they're healthy. They'll also provide you with a professional teeth cleaning to make your smile is as white and bright as possible. 

5. See a Dentist Immediately If You Experience Pain

Is one of your teeth really bothering you? Or are your experiencing discomfort with your gums?  Don't ignore these issues! You should schedule an emergency visit with your dentist immediately to address your pain.  If you ignore dealing with pain in your mouth, it could negatively affect your healthy smile.  It could also lead to more serious complications with your teeth and gums in the future.  By addressing dental issues right away, you'll keep your smile strong and healthy, allowing you to show it off to the world. 

Start Maintaining a Healthy Smile Today

If you're not happy with your smile, then do something to change that.  You can start by brushing your teeth more thoroughly and flossing on a daily basis.  It is crucial to make sure you are routinely scheduling dental checkups. 

​​By taking these steps, you'll have a healthy smile in a matter of just months. You'll also prevent conditions like gum disease and cavities. 

Contact our office today if you have any questions or are looking to improve your smile!