Everyone wants the perfect smile like we see our favorite actors and pop stars have on TV and in the movies. Dazzling white teeth not only look attractive, but they are also signs of excellent mouth and dental hygiene. Good dental hygiene practices are very important as tooth decay, and other conditions can cause various issues like pain, chewing your food, and bad breath. They can even make surgery or dentures necessary. To keep your teeth and mouth healthy, you need to eat the right foods and use the right cleaning products and methods.
To help everyone gain a show-stopping smile, here is everything you need to know about how to protect and whiten your teeth.
1. Regular Brushing is the Most Important Thing
Despite all the fancy new procedures and products on the dental market, the single most important way to protect and white your teeth is by brushing them regularly. This does not mean just giving them a quick once over in the morning and before bed; it means taking your time and brushing each tooth using the correct technique. It is vital that you use a toothbrush that has been approved by a professional dental association and that the toothpaste you use has enough fluoride in it. You can use either an electric toothbrush or a regular one; take at least three minutes to thoroughly care for every tooth.
2. Visit Your Dentist at Least Twice a Year
As well as brushing regularly with the right products, everyone should be visiting their dentist on at least a bi-annual basis. In many countries like the UK and New Zealand, dental care is totally free for those under 18. The folks at a Christchurch dental clinic explained that you should always take advantage of this as great dental hygiene habits are formed when you are young. Your dentist will be able to notice spots that you may be accidentally neglecting when you brush. This will help you to take care of these areas before any problems like cavities arise. If there are issues with your teeth that need a procedure, your dentist will fix the problems before they get worse. Many people are afraid of the dentist, but the thought is always far worse than the reality, and by putting it off, you are only likely to need more work when you eventually go.
3. Flossing Every Day Will Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
As well as regular brushing, flossing every day will help you to get bits of food and plaque from those areas between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. These are often the spots where plaque really starts to flourish, and from there, it can spread, and tooth decay can set in. Regular flossing will keep both your teeth and your gums healthy and help to freshen your breath as there won’t be little specks of hidden gunk.
4. Gargling will Kill Bacteria and Freshen Your Breath
Gargling with mouthwash is also a great way to kill bacteria, remove plaque, and freshen your breath. It is crucial to note that not all mouthwashes are the same and that some actually contain sugar to make them taste better. Look for a mouthwash with a high alcohol and fluoride content as this will be the most effective in cleaning your mouth and killing bacteria. In recent years, a trend has emerged of people gargling with coconut oil. While the science is still out on its effectiveness, many proponents of coconut oil say that ten minutes of gargling when you wake up and before you go to bed has the same benefits as a mouthwash.
5. Diet is a Major Factor in Clean, Healthy Teeth
We all know that what we eat can seriously affect the condition of our teeth. Increasing how much calcium you consume is beneficial to teeth and bones because calcium is what enamel is made of. Drinking more milk and eating more dairy foods will strengthen and protect your teeth and improve your overall dental health. If you don’t like dairy food or you are lactose intolerant, you can take a calcium supplement for the same effects. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks is, of course, very important for keeping your teeth healthy as sugar is what becomes plaque and decays your teeth.
We all want to have a great smile, and that comes with ensuring that your teeth are clean and healthy. Brushing correctly, visiting your dentist regularly, and making sure you are eating the right things are key factors in dental health. Follow the advice in this guide, and you will have a beautiful, healthy smile in no time.
