What does a beautiful smile look like to you? Does yours meet that standard? According to a study completed by OnePoll, seven out of ten people feel self-conscious about their teeth. Some of the most common insecurities include dental stains, misalignment, receding gums, gaps, and odd-shaped teeth.
Thankfully, our Austin cosmetic dentist and cosmetic dentists all over the country offer solutions to these dental problems so that patients can look and feel their best. But first, patients must understand that a smile cannot be beautiful if it isn’t healthy.
To achieve your most beautiful smile, here are five helpful tips:
1. Create an effective oral hygiene routine
A beautiful smile starts at home. Without proper oral hygiene, patients are more likely to have stained, yellow teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, missing teeth, as well as bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
An effective at-home oral hygiene routine consists of three parts: brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
When we brush our teeth, the tools we use are extremely important. We highly recommend an electric toothbrush, but manual toothbrushes are effective as well—just make sure it has soft bristles! The second tool to use for the most effective tooth-brushing experience is fluoride toothpaste—the most effective toothpaste for fighting against cavities.
As for flossing, the most important factor is that you do it every day. We recommend flossing after your last meal of the day and right before bed.
Alcohol-free mouthwash is best for maintaining a healthy oral microbiome while being one more wall of defense against disease-causing bacteria. Follow the instructions on the back of the bottle.
2. Avoid tobacco use
Chewing tobacco and cigarettes disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth and encourage the production of disease-causing organisms. It also cuts off oxygen to the bloodstream which inhibits the healing of the gums.
Additionally, smoking stains teeth yellow very quickly. Quit smoking and chewing tobacco and you’ll instantly have a healthier and more beautiful smile!
3. Use straws
Coffee, black tea, wine, and other dark-colored beverages are notorious for staining teeth. Though we would encourage you to drink more water (for more than one reason), drinking these beverages through a straw will reduce stains.
4. Wear a mouthguard
Do you play sports? Suffer from teeth grinding? A custom mouthguard protects the teeth against trauma caused by sports incidents and bruxism. Not only does this ensure your teeth stay in one piece, but it also reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease for people who grind their teeth at night.
5. Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist
For quick and dramatic results, visit your local cosmetic dentist. He or she should have years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, proper training, good patient reviews, and modern technology.
Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers all of this and more. She offers various cosmetic dental treatments to correct every aesthetic issue using the latest technology. But first, she ensures your smile is free of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Once these have been addressed, she will work alongside you to create a treatment plan that results in your ideal smile.
To start your journey towards optimal oral health and a dazzling smile, contact our friendly dental team today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule your initial consultation.
