Tess DiNapoli
Everybody knows the basics when it comes to having a good smile: brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist every six months. But is that all you need to maintain a healthy smile? A few small adjustments to your health and purchasing habits can powerfully transform your smile and keep those pearly whites sparkling.
When brushing and flossing still don’t seem to give you the desired results, something else may be causing problems with your oral health and it may have more to do with your medications. Conditions like dry mouth can arise at any time and to anyone. Having a chronic condition like dry mouth can prevent your mouth from self-cleansing and lead to gum disease or tooth decay.
Having the right products and tools can make the difference between an “okay” smile and a spectacular one. While a regular brush can do a good job, an electric one gets into all the nooks and crannies a regular one can’t. Consider adding xylitol-based chewing gum to reduce your chances of getting tooth decay. If you’re the kind of person who forgets to floss, it might be best to look for a flavored floss that encourages you to floss. Use a good-quality mouthwash with essential oils to prevent gingivitis.
While night-time aligners are a relatively new product, they work miracles for problems like misalignment and overcrowding. However, your teeth’s current condition can determine whether you qualify for night-time aligners — if your teeth are too misaligned already, you may be able to rely on these. You will need to get a dentist’s input before you go ahead with aligners.
Most people tend to have a sweet tooth, especially during the holiday season. But while these desserts may seem extremely tempting, they can wreak havoc on your teeth. Cavities are more harmful to your teeth than you realize, and you might have to get dental fillings to restore the lost integrity of your teeth. Tooth-colored composite fillings are the preferred option when it comes to filling out cavities and proper care is recommended.
Ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperthyroidism can lead to bad oral health too. Conditions like diabetes can put people at higher risk for oral health problems, and figuring out the right routine can be critical in prevention. Insufficient vitamins and minerals in your body can also cause lesions, teeth sensitivity, and mouth ulcers.
Several lifestyle habits can deter you from having a healthy smile. If you drink, smoke, or consume a diet high in sugar, always remember to do it in moderation. The last thing you would want is to suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, or decay as a direct result of your lifestyle.
Maintaining your healthy smile might seem like a lot of work at first, but consistency makes habits that can keep your smile intact long-term. Introduce these habits into your lifestyle to see a change that makes a difference.
Artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.
