When you look in the mirror, one of the first things you notice is your smile. That friendly smile is a gateway to everything behind it. You want to take good care of your oral hygiene so that you are ready to greet the world with an open and hearty laugh whenever the mood strikes instead of wanting to hide it all behind pursed lips. Be proactive with your dental health by following these tips.
Manage Crooked Teeth
If you are bothered seeing crooked teeth every time you look in the mirror, it is time to do something about it. One solution is to take advantage of one of the current easy treatment options: metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners. Consult your orthodontist or dental health professional for more information.
The easiest option of the three available is probably clear aligners. With this selection, your orthodontist visits are eliminated, and the cost is significantly less than with the other two choices. You will experience less pain but achieve the same results.
Routinely Brush Your Teeth
Any discussion of oral health care should always include teeth brushing. It is recommended that you brush at least twice per day – generally when you wake up and before bed. Always opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle strokes on the tooth and gum line to not wear away your enamel. Doing so can cause damage to your tooth and increase sensitivity.
You can use a manual or electric toothbrush or bring both into your hygiene regimen. Many electric toothbrushes have long battery lives for ease of travel or come with small, portable chargers. Both manual and electric toothbrush heads should be replaced every three to four months or after an illness.
Floss Your Teeth Daily
Flossing your pearly whites is just as vital to oral health, just as brushing is. The ideal strategy is to floss before brushing to loosen and remove food particles. And, just as with toothbrushes, there are different choices within the floss category.
Traditional string floss comes in a variety of styles from waxed to unwaxed, varying diameter sizes, flat or round, and flavor options. Floss picks also come in the same options that vary from brand to brand. Select the style that works best for you.
Here is a video guiding you on the best practices for flossing your teeth.
Use Mouthwash After Brushing
The American Dental Association endorses using mouthwash twice daily – after the morning and evening brushings. As with the other categories of tooth care, there are options within the mouthwash group.
There are cosmetic mouthwashes that reduce or mask bad breath and come in an assortment of flavors. The other type of mouthwash is therapeutic. These are designed with specific ingredients to kill bacteria that cause bad breath and aid in the reduction of tooth decay, gingivitis, and plaque.
Be proactive and take care of your teeth, avoid specific foods that will stain them, and go ahead and straighten your teeth if you want to be happier with your smile. It is important that you are comfortable with yourself and who you are.