Everyone wants a bright smile. This includes having healthy, white teeth. The first step to having a whiter smile is to make sure you have a dental hygiene routine in place and follow it consistently. Another thing you can do is to make sure you are in good physical health. Some diseases and the medicine meant to treat them can cause damage to your teeth. Discuss any health issues with your family dentistry at Lovett Dental Beaumont and determine what can be done to help avoid tooth damage. Taking the following healthy smile tips into account and making them part of your routine are also great ways to achieve a healthy, whiter smile.
Brush Correctly
Brushing your teeth and using floss twice a day is the basis for a whiter smile. You need to do this at least twice a day, preferably with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Don’t rush with this. Brushing should last at least two minutes. You may want to have a timer handy for kids to help them get an idea of how long two minutes is. In time, you will be able to judge. Make sure to use proper flossing methods, or this important step could end up damaging teeth instead of helping.
Eat Well
One of our healthy smile tips that often surprises people is the need for a healthy diet. As mentioned above, when your body is healthy, your teeth are healthier. Try to avoid foods that are sticky and leave a residue behind. Acidic foods can eat away at tooth enamel, as can sugary foods. Snacking on raw vegetables can help keep your teeth cleaner. Finally, make sure you get the recommended amount of calcium for your age and gender to create stronger teeth.
Avoid Staining
Things like coffee, tobacco, and red wine can all leave behind stains on your teeth that ruin the whiter smile you are seeking. Eliminate smoking and using tobacco products whenever possible. Keep your consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine to a minimum. You can also make it a habit to drink a glass of water after having these to help wash your teeth before a stain sets in.
Softer is Better
Many people think that a harder bristle on their toothbrushes will eliminate stubborn plaque. While this may be true, the harder bristles can also wear away at delicate tooth enamel and cause it to weaken. Brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and applying gentle pressure will achieve much better results in the end. Consult your general dentistry with any questions.
Teeth Aren’t Tools
How often have you seen someone tear open a difficult package with their teeth or crack the shell of a nut by biting down on it? Chances are it has been way too often. Your teeth were made for chewing food, not to be used in place of tools such as bottle openers, scissors, or a nutcracker. Avoid the temptation to use your teeth for anything other than eating. Using them as tools runs the risk of cracking the enamel, breaking a tooth, or weakening the protective enamel and causing cavities.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
The best of our healthy smile tips is to call Lovett Dental Beaumont and set up a teeth cleaning and exam twice a year. When you contact us at 409-924-8100, we can set up an exam and teeth cleaning and get an idea of where your teeth stand at the moment. Our dentist will discuss this with you and decide what measures can be put into place to ensure a whiter smile. Working toward helping you achieve a healthier smile is our greatest goal. Call us today.
