10 tips for great looking teeth
A happy, healthy smile can make a huge difference in boosting your confidence. But, with so much misinformation out there about correct oral hygiene, it can be difficult to know where to start.
As dental professionals, the team at The Practice is here to shed some light on this subject and share our top 10 tips for great looking teeth.
Tip #1 – Brush your teeth twice a day
This is probably the most well-known tip, but you’d be surprised how many people still don’t follow it! You should brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, removing plaque and food and preventing cavities and gum disease.
Tip #2 – Floss daily
Brushing alone doesn’t remove all the food particles, and leftovers between your teeth can cause tooth decay and cavities and of course contribute to gum disease. That’s where flossing (or interdental cleaning) comes in.
According to teeth.org.au, while 80% of adults report brushing their teeth two or more times a day, only 25% of adults report cleaning between their teeth.
To floss correctly you should slide the dental floss between your teeth with a gentle up and down motion, rubbing the floss along the side of each tooth. The floss can go a little under the gums to remove plaque too. Repeat this between all your teeth and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash when you are finished.
Tip #3 – Chew gum between brushing
It’s not always possible to brush after every meal, so we recommend chewing sugarfree gum after meals to help prevent tooth decay.
Tip #4 – Reduce your consumption of foods high in sugar and acid
Our dentists recommend limiting sugary and acidic foods. Sugar and acid causes tooth decay and affects the enamel on your teeth.
Tip #5 – Use mouthwash
Using mouthwash is a great way to kill bacteria inside your mouth that causes plaque and it will also keep your breath fresh between brushing.
Tip #6 – Visit your dentist regularly
How long since your last visit to the dentist? At The Practice we recommend our patients book in for a dental check-up at least every 6 months. This helps you keep on top of tooth decay and gum disease and catch problems before they develop into something more serious.
Tip #7 – Stay hydrated
Drinking water isn’t only good for keeping you hydrated. It’s also great for washing away food particles after you eat and neutralising acid inside your mouth after eating foods high in sugar or acid.
Tip #8 – Stop smoking
Smoking cigarettes has a seriously detrimental effect on the health of your teeth. It causes staining and can lead to gum disease.
Tip # 9- Professional teeth whitening for a brighter smile
Whitening your teeth is a great way to brighten your teeth and gain more confidence from your smile. Nowadays, teeth whitening is widely available outside the dental industry. Some products aren’t recommended by dentists and can cause serious damage to your teeth, so we always recommend seeking professional advice before undertaking this kind of dental treatment.
Tip #10 – Don’t be afraid of more complex dental treatment
More complex dental and orthodontic treatment can help improve the look of your teeth and gums. Dental technology has come a long way in the past decade, so treatment times are decreasing and treatments are often pain free.
Follow these 10 great tips to keep your teeth looking great. If you have concerns about your teeth, give the team at our West End dental practice a call on 07 3733 3223 or book an appointment online today!
