Although we hope you know that you’re never judged during a visit to your Newport Beach dentist, many people worry about how their teeth affect others’ view of them. If you struggle with a lack of confidence related to your teeth, check out our tips for maintaining a smile that you can be proud of.
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See Your Dentist Regularly
The simplest way to get your best-looking smile? Get the professionals on your side! Scheduling and keeping regular appointments for cleanings and examinations can help your teeth stay white and healthy-looking, and dealing with cavities and bacterial overload in your mouth can not only significantly reduce any pain or disability you’ve been experiencing, it can also improve your breath.
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Practice Great Tooth Care At Home
Most people know that they should brush their teeth, but there’s actually an entire suite of actions you can take at home to make sure that your mouth is as healthy as it can be. Here’s a list of the ones we recommend:
- Avoid substances that can damage your teeth. This mostly means sugary or sticky foods and drinks, and acidic ones. For example, many people drink coffee, which is highly acid, and which often comes mixed with sugary flavorings. If you don’t want to give up your morning cup of joe, consider brushing your teeth as soon as you’ve finished it to remove the acidic environment that bad bacteria thrive in.
- Brush and floss daily. It’s best to brush every time you eat, but the minimum we recommend is twice daily–once when you wake up, and once before bed. Flossing is also important, since even the most advanced toothbrush can’t reach to the places between teeth and just under the gums where large colonies of bacteria can hide.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly. A toothbrush wears out in about three months and should be replaced–do it sooner if you notice bristles splitting, splaying or otherwise displaying signs of wear. Another reason to be religious about tossing your old brush? Bacteria can build up on your toothbrush over time and re-infect a clean mouth.
- Quit smoking. If the negative effects of smoking on the rest of your body aren’t enough to convince you, let the impact it has on your oral health do the job: smoking can cause yellowed teeth, foul breath, and receding gums, as well as oral infections and even oral cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
There’s no reason for you to feel embarrassed about your teeth. With modern dental care practices, your teeth can look good, feel good, and function the way they’re supposed to. Don’t put up with less!
Sources:
Oral Health: A Window To Overall Health – www.mayoclinic.org
The Impact Of Mental Health On Self Esteem – www.mental-health-matters.com