How Do I Keep A Healthy Smile?

Table of contents

1. Floss Daily
2. Brush Teeth Twice a Day
3. Cut Down on Bad Habits
4. Limit Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine Intake
5. Improve Your Overall Health
6. Invest in a Decent Toothbrush
7. Stay Hydrated
8. Arrange Routine Cleanings
9. Don’t Wait for Dental Treatment and Care
10. Clear Aligners

Everybody wants to achieve the classic Hollywood smile that lights up the room, and as it's one of the first things that people will see when you greet them, it's essential to do everything you can to maintain a healthy smile. As you'd expect, a healthy smile comes from excellent oral health practices. However, even if you think you take excellent care of your teeth, there is always more you can do to maintain a healthy smile.

Floss Daily

Every dentist will tell you that flossing is the key to a healthy smile, but there are so many people who don't do it. Daily flossing removes plaque and bits of food between your teeth, which can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. If you've tried flossing but can't get on board, an oral irrigator can provide similar benefits by spraying mouthwash around your teeth and gums to dislodge plaque and food.

Brush Teeth Twice a Day

You shouldn't need anyone to remind you that brushing twice a day is one of the most important steps towards a healthy smile. However, many people still neglect the benefits. This can be because they are too exhausted after getting into bed or forgetting about it altogether. Still, brushing twice a day will prevent plaque and tartar from hardening overnight, which can make it more difficult to remove when you brush the next day.

Cut Down on Bad Habits

It's safe to say that everybody has one or two bad habits; you are only human, after all. When it comes to oral health, bad habits such as smoking or snacking on too many sugary foods can cause your teeth to yellow and also increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease. It can be tough to reverse the effects of gum disease due to smoking, so while it can be challenging to kick these bad habits, it is always in your best interests.

Limit Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine Intake

Coffee, tea, and red wine are other substances that can impact your healthy smile. Like smoking, they will stain your teeth. Luckily, these are not as addictive as smoking or sugar (for the most part), so you shouldn't find it challenging to cut down. Most of the time, the stain is superficial, too, which means it can be washed away. However, this is not always possible. If you regularly drink these beverages both in the morning and at night, you can use a straw to help it bypass your teeth while rinsing your mouth out regularly will prevent the liquid from sitting on your teeth, minimizing the chance of staining.

Improve Your Overall Health

As with many things in life, your oral health is connected to your overall health. If you want to develop and maintain a healthy smile, you should try to focus on all aspects of your lifestyle. Issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as teeth grinding (bruxism), can all impact the shape and condition of your teeth. If you want to avoid this, eat healthy foods, exercise, and reduce your stress levels.

Invest in a Decent Toothbrush

This might sound like a classic dentist's sales pitch, but there is a ring of truth to it. Investing in a decent toothbrush is a simple but effective way of improving your style. There is some debate about the differences between an electric toothbrush and a regular toothbrush. Still, a high-quality electric model can remove plaque with greater efficiency and also benefit your gums. The alternative is a soft-bristles manual toothbrush, which doesn't scrape away at the enamel or force the gums to recede. It will also be more comfortable to brush your teeth. You should replace your toothbrush every four months at most to get the right benefits.

Stay Hydrated

By all accounts, water is the magical drink because it provides so many health benefits across the board. Water will flood you with energy; it can reduce sugar cravings and hunger, which means you won't fall into the trap of seeking out a quick sugar fix throughout the day to keep your energy levels high. Besides this, water can flush out stains and food stuck in your teeth, which will prevent the chances of tooth decay. Carrying a reusable water bottle with you at all times can ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day, and they are also better for the environment, so it's a win-win as far as we're concerned.

Arrange Routine Cleanings

Routine cleanings are essential for maintaining a healthy smile all year round. Your dental hygienist can give you tips on how to look after your teeth better, as well as identify anything that could become a problem if you don't change existing habits. You should aim to get your teeth cleaned by a professional every six months, as this will make it easier to remove plaque and tartar, even if you have taken good care of your teeth already. Your hygienist can also screen for other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, which can help them recommend the best approach to care for your teeth.

Don't Wait for Dental Treatment and Care

Visiting the dentist for dental care is not something anyone looks forward to. But, while many people will bite the bullet and see the dentist, others will put off the appointment for as long as possible. This can cause severe issues later in life, as any oral health problems can worsen, making it more difficult to treat. The longer you wait, the more complicated the treatment can be, and in some cases, it may even be impossible to write your smile.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a fantastic solution for keeping a healthy smile, and they can benefit everybody, not just kids or teenagers. If your teeth are not entirely straight, there is an increased risk of gum disease and infection. Invisible aligners can make your teeth more uniform in the long run, and this comes with a host of benefits that will minimize complications for your oral health.