Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. White teeth that are evenly aligned without signs of decay or malformation can help you to look your best. While you may think that some people are just born with naturally beautiful teeth, that is true to an extent. However, there is much you can do to improve your smile and enhance your overall appearance. The great part is these efforts don’t cost much or require significant time. A few basic adjustments to your lifestyle can make a huge difference in your dental health.
Practice Daily Dental Care
Since brushing and flossing your teeth take so little time in general, it can be easy to overlook this important task or just skip it, believing it is unimportant. But brushing your teeth correctly after eating or at least twice a day – front, back, upper, lowers, and even your tongue – using a dentist-approved toothpaste can keep your teeth clean and help to prevent decay that leads to cavities. Flossing between your teeth once daily can help to remove food debris and reduce gum inflammation. Your mouth will look and feel fresher as a result. Finally, rinsing with the type of product your dentist feels is best for your teeth can kill leftover germs and protect your teeth and gums from bacteria. All of this can be done in a few minutes.
What to Eat and Not Eat
Dental experts recommend not eating too much sugar, as sweet beverages and foods promote dental decay. Natural fruits and limited sweets can limit tooth damage from consuming too much sugar. Avoid eating highly-crunchy foods that can sometimes break or chip a tooth. Occasional popcorn and nuts are fine, but eat them carefully and avoid biting down too hard. Soda is a definite no-no, as the combination of soda’s carbonated effects and sugary sweetness is similar to bathing your teeth in battery acid. Drink water and milk instead.
Get Bi-Annual Dental Exams
Schedule biannual dental checkups to ensure your mouth and teeth continue to be healthy. Your dentist may suggest dental x-rays to see what’s going on below the gum line or within the nerve centers of your teeth. Problems that may be hard to detect with a visual exam can often be identified on an x-ray. You won’t need x-rays at each checkup, but the dentist will explain the best time and type of x-rays to get a comprehensive view of your dental health. You may also have your teeth tapped for signs of hidden infection. The gum line length over each tooth could be measured, especially on older patients, to detect a recession that may require treatment.
Patients with problems like chipped, broken, tilted, or missing teeth can get information about the best treatment options. Referrals might be made to periodontal experts or orthodontists if those problems seem to be manifesting.
A professional cleaning will be given by a dental hygienist on average about once a year. This includes flossing, scraping, brushing, and polishing your teeth to make them look great. A professional cleaning may be suggested more frequently if you are wearing braces or having other dental work performed that might benefit from increased cleaning. Guidelines for home dental care along with a sample kit of recommended dental products are typically provided during a visit to the dentist’s office. You can also call if you have questions between visits or if you experience a dental emergency.
Don’t Wait to Get Dental Problems Addressed
If the dentist notes suspicious issues in your teeth or diagnoses a budding problem, it is best to have it addressed promptly. If you are referred to a specialist, make an appointment to explore the problem further. If treatment is recommended, and if your health and finances permit, it is a good idea to have the work done right away to keep your teeth in good condition and prevent complications. Waiting more than a few months could cause any existing problems to worsen and possibly require more extreme or costly procedures in the future.
Find a Reliable Dentist
John Paul Gallardo DDS has years of experience and sterling credentials in the dental field. He can provide a detailed exam of your teeth, evaluate your dental history and overall physical health, recommend treatments or procedures if needed, and provide referrals that may be helpful. In addition to a pleasant manner while working with dental patients, Dr. Gallardo can explain in clear terms what your options might be not only to correct dental issues but also to keep your teeth in top condition. As we get older, our teeth can sometimes begin to weaken and deteriorate. Dr. Gallardo can advise you on the best ways to protect your teeth to avoid discomfort, tooth loss, and more complex dental procedures. Contact our office for more information.