Most people want a beautiful smile, but many patients have oral health issues that are preventing them from having that smile. The American Dental Association recommends following the basics every day such as brushing the teeth at least twice a day. Are you doing all you can to keep a healthy and beautiful smile? Healthy teeth are an investment not only now, but also for your future. Those with straighter, more beautiful smiles have a greater chance at excelling at life and are perceived as more confident and successful by others. Let us help you know how to achieve a better smile today and what we can do to fix oral health issues that may be preventing you from achieving that goal!

Are You Doing Enough for Your Oral Health?

When it comes to taking care of your teeth, are you doing enough? The American Dental Association is a great resource for knowing how to properly care for your teeth and how often you need to brush and floss them. We stand by their recommendation to brush the teeth at least twice a day and to floss the teeth daily. Many patients can also benefit from using fluoride treatments for their teeth. Many water sources in the United States already contain fluoride, so drink plenty of water to get this mineral. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and protects against decay-causing plaque.

Plaque sticks to your teeth after you eat. It is a mixture of mouth bacteria and sugars from the foods you eat. It also is the substance that causes the teeth to decay and the gums to be irritated, leading to gum disease. Both diseases cause tooth loss. Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or cavities. It is the most prevalent chronic disease in children and adults according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Gum disease as well affects more than 64.7 million Americans. Severe cases lead to tooth loss or extreme tooth loss. You can avoid both cavities and gum disease in their entirety if you brush and floss your teeth enough and visit your dentist often!

Brushing Properly

The ADA recommends brushing the teeth with a soft-bristled brush. Some patients like harder bristles, but soft-bristle brushes are more gentle on your tooth enamel, especially if you have soft enamel. They also recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months or even sooner if the bristles become frayed and are no longer straight. If your toothbrush bristles start turning a dull brown or gray, you should also get a new brush. The size, shape, and design of your toothbrush is up to you. When brushing, the ADA recommends placing your brush at a 45 degree angle to your gums. Move the brush back and forth on top of each tooth throughout your entire mouth, making sure to get the very back parts of your molars as well. Clean the tongue-side parts of your teeth as well as the cheek-side parts. Repeat this process daily, especially after consuming sugar.

Flossing Your Teeth

Floss is also an important part of your oral hygiene routine, as food can just as easily stick to parts between the teeth as it can the front of your teeth. When flossing, it’s important to also floss food out of the gumline, not just between the teeth. Make sure to take floss down between each tooth until it stops comfortably between the gums and the teeth. Also make sure to gently scrape the teeth with your floss to remove excess plaque that can still be on the teeth after you’ve brushed. This will help decrease your risk for tooth decay and gum disease even more.

Beautiful Smiles Benefit Each Patient

Not only does a better smile look appealing, but it can boost your confidence tremendously. Studies show that even school-aged children and teenagers benefit from added confidence when they improve their smiles. Invisalign conducted a study about straight teeth, how they were perceived, and how patients felt after giving themselves a more beautiful smile. 29% of people notice a person’s smile first and 24% remember a person’s smile the most. A straighter, more beautiful smile makes others see you as 58% more likely to be successful and wealthy. 47% viewed people as healthier and 73% more trustworthy when their smile was healthy and straight. The study also found that a more beautiful smile made people more attractive.

Overall, a better smile made patients more confident themselves and led to greater success in life. A straighter, more beautiful smile is also one that has a lower risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Patients who want a beautiful smile will practice proper oral hygiene more often because they will want to show off their smile. A straighter smile also helps you to avoid problems with the teeth, as straighter teeth are easier to clean and take care of.

Have a Smile Worth Showing Off

Your mouth is the window to the rest of your body, and an indication of how well you take care of your health. A healthier mouth is a better mouth and contributes to a more beautiful smile. Follow proper oral hygiene practices and you will be amazed at how long your teeth will last you and how strong they can be. If you would like our help to achieve a more beautiful smile today, we have many services such as dental cleanings, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and more to help get you to the smile you want. Simply call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998 to schedule your consultation! A healthier and more beautiful smile can be yours today!