Ways to Keep Your Smile Bright and Healthy
When a person has a beautiful, healthy smile, it is assumed that they have an effective dental care routine and they do what they can to maintain their teeth and gums. People are often dedicated to preserving the aesthetic and function of their teeth. To help patients keep their smile at its finest, Dr. Aaron Cohenour has provided the following tips:
Start with At-Home Care
What you do at home to maintain your teeth and gums has the biggest impact on your oral health and appearance. You must have an effective dental care routine to protect your dental anatomy from developing complications and losing its luster. Brushing and flossing after waking up and before bed helps to remove plaque and debris, preventing complications such as gingivitis, discolorations, or tooth decay from arising. After brushing and flossing, rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash to eliminate bacteria and leftover food particles from those hard to reach areas.
Continue with What You Eat
A myth that you probably have heard of throughout your childhood is that consuming sugary foods and drinks causes cavities. Although false, sugar is one of the main ingredients that bacteria feed off of, providing them the environment they need to prosper if left on your teeth and gums. Bacteria that linger within your smile excrete an acid that eats away at your dental enamel, causing tooth decay. The spread of bacteria increases a person’s chance of developing an infection and other oral concerns which would require complex treatments performed by your dentist.
To preserve the luminosity of your smile, try avoiding particularly dark or acidic foods. This can cause discolorations on the surface of the enamel which may be difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing. Foods that are known to cause stains are coffee, red wine, beets, and grape juice.
Finish by Visiting the Dentist
Your dentist is the number one defense against the spread of bacteria and discoloring particles. With biannual dental examinations and cleanings to help keep your smile optimal, your dentist can offer you proper instructions on products or technique to add to your oral care routine. Preventive dentistry will help to ensure your teeth look and feel their best. For patients who have had or wish to have whitening treatment, ask your dentist about teeth whitening options.
Whether you have deep stains, cracked, chipped or missing teeth, your dentist will have solutions that best fit your needs. Talk to your dentist about your smile to learn more about cosmetic procedures that can help improve the beauty of your smile.
For more information on how to keep your smile at its best, contact SmileArts Dental Studio in Oklahoma City! Dr. Cohenour enjoys helping patients meeting their aesthetic and functional goals with the dental services he provides.