The secret to a healthy smile

You only have one set of teeth to last you a lifetime. With the correct care and attention, your teeth are strong enough to last you throughout the whole of your adult life.

We all want our smiles to be as healthy as possible, but just how do we do that? Here are some tips on how you can take extra measures to look after your smile.

Having regular dental check-ups

You should visit the dentist for a dental health check every six months. During a check-up, your teeth, gums and other soft tissues in the mouth will be examined. The dentist will be looking out for any signs of tooth decay, plaque and tartar build up, mouth cancer and much more. Early detection will lead to easier, quicker and often cheaper treatment.

If you are currently waiting until you have dental pain to make an appointment, you could be putting your smile at risk. Not all dental problems will be painful, and you may not notice it for several months when it has got worse. Having these regular appointments will also allow you to develop a good relationship with your dentist.

Following an excellent oral hygiene routine

Having an excellent oral hygiene routine is vital in keeping your smile as healthy as possible. You should be brushing, flossing and rinsing every day.

You must brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, for two minutes each time. Fluoride strengthens the enamel, which is what protects your teeth from decay. You can use either a manual or an electric toothbrush – they are both effective in cleaning your teeth.

Brushing alone only covers 60% of the teeth’s surfaces. It is vital that you clean in between the teeth using dental floss or interdental brushes at least once per day. You can do this either before or after brushing, or at a completely different time.

Rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash is also recommended. Mouthwash adds an extra layer of protection to your teeth from bacteria. It also keeps your breath fresher for longer. We suggest rinsing out with a mouthwash no less than  30 minutes after brushing.

Keeping a healthy lifestyle

An important part of keeping your smile healthy is to keep an eye on your lifestyle choices. This includes smoking, alcohol intake and diet.

Smoking isn’t just very bad for your overall health, but it will also have a negative effect on your oral health too. Smoking can cause significant yellowing and staining of the teeth, and gum disease, as well as increasing your chances of developing mouth cancer and other problems. Drinking a large amount of alcohol will also put you at risk of developing oral health problems.

Your diet plays a huge part in keeping your teeth strong and healthy. You should limit how often you consume high sugar foods and drinks. It is important to remember that it’s not the amount of sugar you have, but how often you have it. For example, it is better for your teeth to eat three sweets one after the other, than eat them throughout the day. This is because your teeth will be under an acid attack each time you eat sugar, and it can take up to an hour for your mouth to neutralise.

Choose professional treatments

Teeth whitening seems to be the latest trend, with many people opting to whiten their teeth illegally. When you choose an illegal treatment, you are putting your teeth and gums at huge risk of permanent damage.

Professional whitening is safe, carried out by a trained dental professional,  and will deliver long-lasting results. You will not be putting your smile in any danger throughout the treatment process. The chemicals that are used are tested and regulated.

Find out more about teeth whitening at Stella Maris Dental here.

By following these simple steps, you will be doing everything you can to keep your smile healthy. If you would like to find out more, or to book an appointment with one of our highly experienced dentists, please call us on 0121 588 4541.