6 Ways to Improve Your Smile!
The 6 Ways to Improve Your Smile. In 2008, a study found that the whiteness of a person’s smile played an important role in how others perceived them. Specifically, the study found that people with white teeth were perceived to be more attractive and smarter than people with darker teeth.
The best ways to fight bad breath are to stay hydrated, floss daily, and brush your teeth twice a day. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too! If you wear dentures or other braces in your mouth, clean them daily. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash and artificial saliva or a dry mouth spray or gel.
News of the week:
Bad Breath: Bad breath is usually caused by:
- Bad oral hygiene habits
- tooth infection
- Gingivitis
- Canker sores
- Chronic infection or inflammation of the nose or throat
- smoker
- Dryness of the mouth, which can be a side effect of some medications
- Certain foods, such as garlic or onions
If your breath has an unpleasant or unusual odor, it could be a sign of a serious illness, such as diabetes or a bowel obstruction. If this occurs, you should seek medical attention immediately. Chronic dry mouth is related to medication use and should also be researched as it may indicate an autoimmune condition or other disorder.
Healthy Gums: Proper brushing and flossing will keep your gums healthy. Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. This type of infection is caused by a buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth.
This disease is often painless, but it causes the gums to become red and swollen, causing indentation and bleeding. The infection can evolve over time leading to more severe symptoms. In fact, periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
The good news is that periodontal disease is almost always preventable. Regular check-ups with your dentist combined with good oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing twice a day, can keep plaque at bay.
Teeth Whitening: Many toothpastes, mouthwashes and chewing gums claim to have a whitening effect. You can also speak to your dentist about prescribed whitening treatments or in-office treatments.
Dental Hygiene: The easiest thing to do at home is simply to follow proper dental hygiene. That means using fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Many people can also benefit from mouthwashes.
You can also try using whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can help remove stains. However, whitening toothpastes cannot change the color of your teeth because they only remove stains on the surface.
Bleaching Agents: Dentin, is the formation of bone tissue in most of the tooth under the enamel. The thickness of the enamel layer changes throughout our lives and gets thinner as we age. The thinner the enamel, the more yellow your teeth appear, as the dentin layer dominates the final color.
If your dentin has a yellowish tint, you will need to use a peroxide bleaching agent to lighten the stain. This, in turn, can help make your teeth whiter.
Whitening During Pregnancy: While home and prescription products may be considered safe, you should not have a whitening procedure during pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) recommends delaying all unnecessary dental work, including whitening procedures, until after birth to avoid exposing the fetus to potentially dangerous chemicals or medications.
Teeth Straightening: If you have bite problems or more complex orthodontic issues, you may need conventional braces. Brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic or polycarbonate are less noticeable than stainless steel brackets. Sometimes the brackets can be mounted on the back surface of the teeth.
Imperfections: A missing, chipped or stained tooth can be replaced with a crown or dental implant, which is an artificial tooth permanently anchored to the jaw bone. Porcelain veneers are expensive, but they can transform your smile after a few visits to your dentist. Consult a cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.
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Talk to your dentist: If you’re interested in improving your smile , talk to your dentist. They can recommend treatments you might want to try.