Your smile is the first thing people see when they meet you and it can be a factor is every new acquaintance’s first impression of you. It is important to take care of your teeth to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. Keep reading to find helpful tips and advice for keeping your smile looking its best so you can make a great first impression.
If you have anxiety about going to the dentist you are not alone. Many people fear the trip to the dentist, but there really is no reason to be nervous. All of the staff is highly trained and usually do their best to make sure you are comfortable, whether you are in for a simple cleaning or a complicated oral surgery.
Check your toothbrush for how hard the bristles are. You want something that is soft or even medium grade. Hard bristles can actually wear down your enamel over time. You want something that can remove debris and clean the surfaces of your teeth, but not actually do damage to them.
Use a lot of floss. About two feet of dental floss is actually needed to give yourself a proper cleaning. It can be helpful if you wrap the piece of floss around your fingers for a better grip. You should leave about an inch of floss between your fingers for adequate cleaning.
Sugar is a major cause of most types of tooth decay. Eating sugar isn’t the only problem. Drinking sugar can be even more harmful. When you drink sugary drinks, the sugary residue just sits on your teeth. It coats your mouth. As long as the sugar is on your teeth, it is causing damage.
There are many whitening methods available. Peruse the aisle of your local drugstore to evaluate your options. Find a method that works for you and one you’ll keep using. Remember that directions for usage vary greatly from one brand to the next, so pay close attention to the fine print.
When putting your baby to bed, do not allow them to keep a bottle in their mouths that contain juice or milk. This will cause the sugars in the liquid to settle on the teeth, which can cause all of their teeth to rot. If you must give them a bottle, it should be filled with plain water.
If you are serious about dental hygiene, it is imperative that you stop smoking. Smoking is terrible for your teeth in many ways. It discolors them, and damages your gums too. When your gums don’t get adequate blood supply, you are susceptible to many different health problems such as gum disease.
Floss your teeth twice a day. Flossing is helpful in getting food and plaque out from between your teeth. When allowed to sit there, any foreign substance can cause decay in your teeth, and that is what causes cavities. Each morning and night after you brush, floss between every tooth.
Eating when you’re not hungry not only adds weight, but can also increase your risk of cavities. If you snack throughout the day, you expose your teeth to more cavity-causing bacteria, sugars and acid. Thus, you should eat only when you’re hungry in order to protect your dental health.
You should try to select healthy snacks whenever possible to cut down on the amount of damage to your teeth. When you do eat foods that are high in sugar, be sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible thereafter. By doing so, you are making yourself less susceptible to developing cavities.
When you don’t have time to brush, consider chewing a piece of sugar-free gum instead. Avoid aspartame as studies have shown it can have some frightening side effects health-wise. Instead, find gums, which include Xylitol such as Pur gum to have a healthy way to clean your teeth after meals.
Use sensitive toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth. Do your teeth hurt if you drink something hot or cold? If so, your teeth are probably sensitive. There are toothpastes on the market that can help your sensitive teeth. You use it just as you would any other toothpaste and can experience less or no tooth sensitivity.
If you find yourself slacking when it comes to spending quality time with your toothbrush, get an egg-timer. They are cheap and easy to use and will mark the time you devote to better dental care. Experts say you need to spend at least three minutes brushing, two times a day!
As you can see, there are many ways to ensure that your smile stays healthy and bright throughout your life. Use the tips you’ve learned here to ensure that you can smile with confidence at every new person you meet. You’ll be sure to leave them with a great first impression.
