Achieving shiny white teeth is a walk in the park for some and a chore for others. Numerous dental products are available, and there is tons of misinformation online, making it difficult to determine the best way to get pearly-white teeth. Luckily, we are here to end the confusion.
Read on For 6 Tips for Healthier Teeth and a Brighter Smile
1. Stick to the Old Standards
There are now new products on the market claiming to enhance your smile and give your teeth the renewed health you have been striving to achieve. You can now find toothpaste free of fluoride in charcoal or baking soda forms, as well as hundreds of different toothbrushes to choose from. Our tip? Stick to the old standards. You need fluoride in your toothpaste to protect your tooth enamel and prevent the need for dental fillings.
A soft toothbrush with a tongue scraper is sufficient for brushing your teeth twice a day. Leave the expensive equipment, like the mandibular advancement device, to your dentist.
2. Floss Twice A Day
Flossing is not everyone’s favourite thing, but it is a necessary step in preventative dentistry and your oral hygiene routine. Flossing helps to eliminate bacteria and leftover food. Flossing twice daily will keep your mouth clean and your teeth happy; those are two reasons to smile brighter.
Pro tip: Use an electric flosser rather than standard dental floss to get into the nooks and crannies without as much effort and intensity.
It is normal for gums to bleed as you floss, but if this is happening regularly, consult your dentist and consider switching to a softer flossing approach, like disposable flossers.
3. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar eats away at enamel and robs the health of your gums. To protect your smile, limit the amount of sugary foods and beverages you consume. For the best results, always brush your teeth after having something sweet.
4. Don’t Disrupt Your Balance
It might seem like a good idea to purchase every dental hygiene product under the sun, but you could be doing more harm than good. When you use mouth rinses outside of your daily mouthwash, you can wash away good bacteria and disrupt the balance of bacteria in your mouth.
This can lead to a host of problems, including oral thrush, mouth sores, and irritated gums. It is important to maintain your oral hygiene, but you want to stay moderate and avoid causing issues to develop.
5. Chew Sugar-free Gum
In addition to limiting sugary food and drinks, make sure you only chew sugar-free gum. Otherwise, you will increase the amount of sugar left in your mouth, which can wreak havoc on your gums and teeth, especially if you regularly chew sugary gum. This same rule applies to candies and mints. Make sure you’re consuming sugar-free varieties to reduce the sugar load on your teeth and gums.
6. Get your Teeth Professionally Whitened
Today, many over-the-counter teeth whitening products are on the market. People do whatever it takes to get a bright white smile, from purple toothpaste to whitening strips.
It is easy to overuse these products and damage your gum lining. Instead, get your teeth professionally whitened for your annual visit. Some dentists even offer this service for free.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene and Enhance Your Smile
Follow the six tips above for a healthier, brighter smile. By following a standard oral hygiene routine and seeing your dentist yearly, you can enhance your smile and safeguard the health of your teeth and gums.
