While most people understand the importance of daily brushing, there are other steps you can take to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and look their best. Due to a busy life, you may have difficulty keeping up with routine dental care. This guide will help you learn quick and simple ways to improve the function and look of your teeth.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist regularly is one of the most important steps to improve your teeth’s function and look. Regular check-ups will help detect any problems before they become serious and allow your dentist to advise you on maintaining optimal oral health. Additionally, a visit to the dentist is key if there are any aesthetic issues you’d like addressed, such as discoloration or chipped teeth. Schedule your visit every six months to keep your teeth in top shape.
Maintain an Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is essential for keeping your teeth looking and feeling healthy. Additionally, flossing once daily removes plaque that can lead to cavities and gum disease if left untreated. If you have trouble with a daily oral hygiene routine, try using an electric toothbrush. Many users find these easier to use than manual brushes, which often have timers built in so that you know when you’ve brushed for long enough. Aside from this, you can also use mouthwash to freshen your breath and kill any bacteria.
Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth as a tool, such as when opening a package or biting down on something, might be tempting. However, this can cause serious damage and should be avoided at all costs. Incorrectly using your teeth can chip or break them, leading to further oral health issues in the long term. Instead of using your teeth, use appropriate tools for the job, such as scissors or pliers.
Use Whitening Products
If you’re looking for ways to quickly whiten your teeth, consider using a whitening toothpaste. These are usually labeled as ‘whitening’ and have additional ingredients that help to safely remove surface stains. Whitening toothpaste is safe but should not be used too often as overuse can lead to sensitivity. You can also use whitening strips, gels, or trays. These contain a bleaching agent that helps to whiten the enamel and remove staining caused by food and drink. There is also the option of professional whitening, done in the dentist’s office, which can provide dramatic results for a longer period.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has been linked to several oral health problems, such as discolored teeth, gum disease, bad breath, and an increased risk for certain types of cancer. If you’re a smoker, you must quit as soon as possible. Additionally, avoiding the use of tobacco products will help ensure that your teeth stay healthy and white for a longer time. After deciding to quit, visit your dentist to help determine the best course of action for your oral health. You may need extensive treatments to restore the damage caused by smoking, such as veneers, crowns, and implants.
Deal with Tooth Loss Right Away
Losing a tooth can be devastating, but it’s important to deal with it as soon as possible. You may feel that you can live with a gap in your smile, which can seriously affect your dental health. You may not feel it now, but you may experience more severe problems due to your missing tooth. A missing tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of alignment and may increase the risk of gum disease in that area.
It’s best to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Same-day dental implants are available to replace your missing tooth in a single visit. This will help maintain your mouth’s shape and ensure that other teeth don’t move out of place. These implants come in various materials, from ceramic to gold, and are designed to look just like your natural teeth.
Eat More Teeth-Friendly Foods
Sugary drinks such as soda and energy drinks are known for staining teeth. Over time, sugar may also cause wear and tear on your enamel. Instead, grab a glass of water or crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots. Eating foods rich in calcium will also help keep your teeth strong, as well as foods that are high in vitamin D, which helps absorb the calcium into your bones. Finally, add some dairy to your diet, such as yogurt, cheese, and milk, to help keep your smile looking its best. These food are rich in calcium that helps strengthen bones—including the jaw—which is essential for proper dental health.
Improving your teeth’s function and look can be easy and quick. It can be quite simple! These are all key components in keeping your smiles looking great while protecting your overall dental health. You can achieve healthy-looking pearly whites in no time by following these steps!
