Our teeth can tell people a lot about the effort we put in to look after ourselves. They can change the whole appearance of the face; they can make us look younger or older, depending on their colour and condition. Without proper care, teeth can decay and look worse over time. However, with the proper precautions, you can ensure your teeth stay in good condition forever.
Get Your Brushing Routine Spot On
Your brushing routine should be spot on if you want to keep your teeth looking pearly white. You should be brushing in the morning before you do anything, and at night when you’re done eating and drinking anything other than water. You should also floss and use mouthwash. Here are some tips you’ll find useful:
- Invest in a high quality electric toothbrush. The brush will do all of the work for you so you don’t need to press down too hard. All you need to do is focus on one tooth at a time for a few seconds.
- Use floss after brushing, and then use mouthwash. This will rid your mouth of a large percentage of debris that could cause teeth to decay.
- Change your brush heads when they get bent and old – you’ll only damage your teeth if you continue to use them.
Make Regular Dental Appointments
Don’t skip the dentist. They will be able to warn you of any issues that could be arising, and also stop things from progressing before they get any worse. If you leave it too long, you could end up with a big dental bill to sort out all of your problems by the time you decide to go. If you chip a tooth, knock one out, or have a similar emergency, make sure you visit an emergency dental clinic to sort it out before it gets worse.
Avoid Food and Drink That Can Stain
Avoid eating food and drink that can stain the teeth. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce and cherries. I understand this isn’t always possible, so use a straw when drinking things that can stain to reduce the chances. It might feel silly drinking coffee from a straw, but you’ll be glad you did in the long run! Keep eating tooth staining foods to a minimum.
Don’t Grind Your Teeth
Grinding the teeth is a common problem, which most people do when they get stressed, sad, or angry. Some people even do it in their sleep without realising. This can cause cracks, more decay, and chips. Try not to grind your teeth by practicing de-stressing techniques in the day. You can also invest in a mouth guard, and chewing gum if you can feel yourself wanting to grind in the day. It’s a bad habit, but it can be broken with consistency!
If you make your teeth a priority and don’t neglect the dentist, you can be proud of your smile. If you feel your teeth are discolouring over time, you can also try whitening strips to get your whiteness back. Good luck!
