Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. To make sure their impression is positive and to take care of your health, learn the secrets of a healthier smile.
1. See Your Dentist
We may be biased about this, but dental care is an important part of a healthy smile! Most dental insurance plans cover two standard visits a year, where our dentist can clean your teeth, remove bacteria, and check on the health of your gums.
Preventative dental care is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy so that your smile looks natural for years to come. If you put off visits to the dentist because you’re afraid, then you are not seeing the right dentist. Dentists have access to medication that can alleviate pain associated with aspects of dental care, such as keeping your jaws open during a cleaning. Sedation dentistry techniques are available if you are anxious about receiving dental care.
2. Commit to a Daily Routine
One of the most important things your dentist will tell you is that you need to take care of your teeth every day. Brushing your teeth is a good start, but brushing only removes approximately 50 percent of bacteria. Flossing will get the rest. Old-fashioned string floss works the best and it’s cheap, but there are products available (such as water flossers) if you find floss unpleasant. If you need a refresher on proper oral hygiene, we would be happy to show you during a dental appointment.
3. Watch What You Eat
Diet plays a big role in the health of your smile. You may know that certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, soda, or wine, stain your teeth. While teeth whitening treatments can reverse yellowing associated with food, to maintain a healthy smile you’ll want to avoid certain foods and enjoy others.
Avoid sweet or sticky foods like dessert and candy, which can cause tooth decay. Incorporate foods with probiotics properties (such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut) and snack on crunchy foods like apples, which stimulate saliva production and remove oral bacteria.
4. Avoid Bad Habits
If you have one or more bad habits, such as chewing on ice or grinding your teeth, your smile will eventually show it. While cosmetic dentistry techniques can restore the appearance of a smile, it’s better to stop bad habits and prevent damage.
If you are prone to teeth grinding, we recommend a night guard to cover the teeth while you sleep. Behavioral modification can help with chewing ice or teeth grinding during the day.
We offer many cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as veneers, inlays, and crowns. If you’d like to restore the appearance of your smile, schedule a consult with our Tampa dentist.
Schedule an Appointment With our Dentist
At Weninger Dentistry, we’re here to help you enjoy a healthy smile with cosmetic dentistry services, teeth whitening, and teeth cleaning. To keep your smile healthy, make an appointment online.