Good dental care and hygiene are essential for a beautiful, healthy smile. Without good oral health, not only will your teeth’s appearance suffer, but you will also run the risk of dental problems like cavities and gum disease. It’s best to avoid these problems altogether by taking proper care of your teeth.
In addition to brushing and flossing, there are many steps you can take to improve your teeth and gum health. Here are five natural tips for a healthy, beautiful smile.
Mind Your Diet
What you eat and drink plays a major role in your oral health. If you want a beautiful smile, you need to have a healthy, balanced diet. This means cutting back on sugary snacks and drinks and consuming healthier foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables are particularly good for healthy teeth because of their ability to increase the saliva production in your mouth. It’s also good to avoid teeth-staining foods and drinks if you want to maintain a white smile. These include things like coffee, red wine, dark juices, berries, beets and curry.
Take Good Care of Your Toothbrush
For effective brushing, you need to make sure your toothbrush is in good condition. Always rinse it thoroughly after brushing and put it in an upright position where there is plenty of airflow. Microorganisms that grow on your brush thrive the most in moist environments, so it’s important that you keep your toothbrush in the open air to stay dry. You should throw out your toothbrush every 3-4 months and get a new one. Many people make the mistake of waiting too long to change their toothbrush. Frayed, worn bristles are no good for cleaning your teeth.
Use a Tongue Scraper
After you brush your teeth, you should always give your tongue a good clean. Cleaning your tongue helps to both remove plaque from your teeth and get rid of bad breath. A tongue scraper tends to be more effective in cleaning the tongue than a toothbrush. This tool is made of flexible, soft plastic that works to peel the mucus-based layer of debris from the tongue. After each swipe, make sure to rinse the scraper under warm water. Don’t be too aggressive with it – focus on the centre of your tongue and work slowly and gently.
Get Dental Cleanings Regularly
Taking regular visits to the dentist is one of the best ways to improve teeth appearance. A professional dental cleaning is the only way to remove tartar once formed. The dentist will remove any plaque you may have missed while flossing and brushing. Regular visits can ultimately help you avoid cavities and gingivitis.
Ideally, you should get a dental cleaning at least twice a year. However, if you are experiencing any tooth discomfort or symptoms of gum disease, do not wait for your usual checkup. These problems are best dealt with as soon as they arise.
Corson Dental is a high-tech practice based in Tauranga, NZ, offering general and cosmetic dental procedures and Smile Makeovers. Visit www.corsondental.co.nz for more information.