Your smile says a lot about you. Unfortunately, bad dental hygiene can lead to various dental problems, which may force you to hide your smile.
If you are embarrassed to show your teeth, then it may be time to look at your current oral hygiene habits. Here are 5 simple steps that you can use to achieve a better smile.
#1 – Brush for the Full Two Minutes
You probably already know that you are supposed to brush your teeth at least twice per day. You should brush in the morning and in the evening and may even want to brush after lunch. Though, this regular brushing is meaningless if you do not brush for the full two minutes.
Most dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes. This allows the toothpaste to do its job.
As you brush, you should divide your mouth into four quadrants – upper left and right and lower left and right teeth. Every 30 seconds, you should switch to a different quadrant of your mouth.
If you have trouble timing your brushing, you should think about investing in an electric toothbrush. Many of the latest products have built-in timers. These timers help ensure that you are actually brushing your teeth for the recommended two-minute duration.
#2 – Floss Every Day
Along with brushing for a full two minutes, you should also floss every day. You do not need to floss every time that you brush your teeth. It is often recommended that you floss twice per day. But, if you do not have time to floss twice, then at least make sure that you floss before bedtime.
Flossing helps to remove plaque and debris that you cannot reach with your toothbrush. Removing this debris before bedtime will protect your teeth. You produce less saliva while you sleep, which can leave your teeth vulnerable to plaque and bacteria.
When flossing, use a strand of floss that is about 18 to 24-inches in length. Hold the floss with your thumbs and forefingers. Wrap the floss around your forefingers until you have about 3 to 4 inches of floss between your fingers.
Begin flossing your upper teeth. Use your thumbs to help you direct the floss while flossing your upper teeth. Then, use your forefingers to maneuver the floss along your bottom teeth.
#3 – Avoid Sugary Foods
You should also pay attention to what you eat. Avoid sugary foods and food that will stick to your teeth. Candy and other sweets can stick to your teeth. The bacteria then feeds off the sugar, which can lead to gum disease and cavities.
In addition to cutting certain foods from your diet, there are certain foods that can help improve your dental health. Make sure that your diet has plenty of dairy and foods that contain calcium. This includes kale and sardines. The calcium contained in these foods will help increase the strength of bones, including your teeth.
Vitamin C can also be beneficial to your health. It helps increase the health of your gums, which may prevent the occurrence of gum disease. So, another step that you can take to achieve a better smile is to eat more oranges and other citrus fruit.
#4 – Do Not Smoke Cigarettes
Another threat to the health of your teeth is the use of tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can lead to major dental issues. If you need help quitting, your doctor may be able to provide you with smoking cessation aids.
You increase your risk of developing gum disease by 400 percent if you are a regular smoker. Smokeless tobacco can increase your risk of various oral cancers, including cancer of the gums, cheeks, tongue, and lips. Other issues include bad breath and halitosis.
#5 – Visit Your Dentist
The final tip is to visit your dentist on a regular basis. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist at least twice per year. Make an appointment for a basic dental cleaning, which should be covered by your insurance.
During your visit, your dentist will also examine your mouth for any signs of neglect or bad health. This includes the presence of gum disease, cavities, and other problems. If you can detect these issues early, you can limit your chances of the problem spreading.
If you have noticed any dental pain or inconvenience, make sure that you mention this to your dentist. He or she can take a closer look and determine if you have any dental health issues that need to be addressed.
Along with these tips, if you want fast results to help whiten your teeth, then consider using a tooth whitener. Over-the-counter whitening products can help get rid of minor staining. For major stains, you should talk to your dentist about whitening options.
Yellow teeth, plaque, and other dental issues can prevent you from wanting to share your smile with the world. Use these tips to improve your smile and regain your confidence.
Author Bio – This article is written by Paul Brady on behalf of Thantakit, Thailand’s longest established dental center. If you’re on the lookout for a dentist in Thailand, don’t forget to check out thantakit.com today for more details.