Your smile is usually one of the first things people notice about you. Because of this, it’s important that you have a smile you can be proud of. A healthy, beautiful smile isn’t normally attainable overnight, but there are a few habits you can start now to create and maintain a gorgeous grin down the road. Here are a few tips from your cosmetic dentist in Cumberland on how to improve your smile.
1. Visit the Dentist Twice a Year
When you don’t get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months, plaque builds up on your teeth. It can eventually harden into tartar, which manifests as ugly yellow deposits along your gumline. Additionally, plaque increases your risk for gum disease, which can make your teeth loosen and even fall out. Missing teeth certainly don’t contribute to a beautiful smile! Your dental hygienist can give your teeth a thorough cleaning to remove all traces of plaque and tartar.
2. Invest in a Cosmetic Procedure
If minor flaws in your teeth like chips, gaps, or stains have been bothering you, it might be time to consider cosmetic dentistry. There are several different procedures available to correct your imperfections, from professional teeth whitening to porcelain veneers to conceal all of your flaws and pretend they were never there. Ask your dentist in Cumberland which treatment would best benefit your smile.
3. Floss Every Day
Another way to prevent major plaque buildup is to clean between your teeth and along your gumline every day with dental floss. If for some reason you just can’t stand traditional flossing, try out another method. You could use a water pick, which sprays a steady stream of water between your teeth to flush out bacteria and food particles.
4. Quit Smoking
Besides increasing your risk for gum disease and oral cancer, smoking leaves behind some serious stains on your teeth. Sometimes these stains might be only on the surface, but they can also deeply penetrate the enamel and not respond to normal whitening treatments.
5. Cut Back on Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine
Beverages like these are notorious for discoloring your teeth. Consuming these drinks through a straw will minimize their contact with your teeth, but limiting them altogether is the best option for your smile.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is by far the healthiest drink for your smile as well as your body. It flushes leftover food particles and bacteria out of your mouth. Tap water is the best choice, as it’s often fortified with fluoride. A healthy dose of fluoride helps promote stronger teeth and decreases your risk of getting cavities.
After implementing these habits into your life, it can take some time for you to start noticing a difference in your smile. However, it’s more than worth the effort to keep your smile happy and healthy in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Saba Abernathy has achieved a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. She is one of 6% of general dentists in the entire United States to be awarded this description. Her practice, Diamond Hill Dental in Cumberland, RI, offers several different cosmetic procedures to benefit your smile, such as veneers, direct bonding, teeth whitening, and Invisalign. To learn which one of these is right for your smile, visit Dr. Abernathy’s website.