Recent surveys have shown that a bright and white smile can make someone appear younger and more attractive. With many people saying it is the first thing they notice when meeting a new person. Therefore, making sure your pearly whites are in tip top condition has never been so important.
Looking after your teeth and gums can not only improve other people’s perception of you but can also improve your confidence and your overall health and wellbeing.
1. Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and use interdental products such as floss, interdental brushes or floss picks to clean in between your teeth daily. Brushing alone will only clean around 60% of the tooth surfaces, interdental cleaning ensures that you remove any food particles which may become trapped between teeth. If left these can provide a food source for bacteria and in the long term can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Attend for regular dental appointments
Your dentist will advise you how often you need to be seen. When you attend for your dental examination your dentist will complete a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth and gums. This enables any problems to be identified and treated swiftly. The dentist may also refer you to the hygienist for regular scaling and polishing, this ensures that you do not get a build-up of plaque and calculus which is left provides a safe haven for bacteria to thrive increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
3. Eat a healthy diet
Include plenty of dairy and other calcium rich foods to help maintain strong teeth and bones. Vitamin C in citrus fruits also helps to improve gum health. Sugary and sticky foods that stick to the crevices of your teeth are particularly bad, as bacteria feed off the sugars and release acids that cause cavities. It is best where possible to restrict sugary foods to mealtimes, to prevent regular acid attacks on your teeth.
4. Teeth Whitening can help to brighten your smile
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten the natural colour of your teeth. Teeth whitening can help to improve staining caused by food, drink, smoking, medications and the general ageing process.
At home teeth whitening – This treatment is completed at home in your own time and can therefore fit around your schedule. You will be given a whitening gel to place into custom made trays and will wear this for anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours overnight.
5. Consider a smile makeover
For those people who would like to completely rejuvenate their smile, a smile makeover may be the treatment for you. The dentist will complete a detailed assessment of your mouth and will come up with a treatment plan. This may involve replacing old restorations with new crowns, dental implants, bridges, veneers and teeth whitening to help younger and brighter smile.
Here at Valley Dental Practice we are able to offer a wide range of treatment options to ensure that you get the smile you want today. Call to book a consultation appointment on 01255 220322.
