Have you ever noticed how good it feels when you receive a warm, genuine smile from someone? It has been said that “a warm smile is the universal language of kindness”. Perhaps this is because it bypasses the mind and speaks straight from the heart to the heart of another. This article will explore four important ways in which you can keep that smile of yours glowing and in great condition.
Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing will remove leftover food from your teeth, along with plaque, which contains bacteria. This bacteria produces acids that can erode the enamel of your teeth and cause other problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Flossing is often forgotten, but it’s just as important, since it will remove any food debris that is stuck in between your teeth which your brush cannot reach. This will prevent plaque from building up, reducing the chance of bacteria, decay or infection occurring.
Make sure to brush in gentle, circular motions, along the gum line applying light pressure to each tooth.
Clean your Tongue
Tongue scraping is an easy way to improve your oral hygiene, and only takes a matter of seconds. You can use a tongue scraper, or purchase a toothbrush that has a scraper at the back of the head. Studies have shown that cleaning your tongue can reduce volatile sulfur compounds that contribute to bad breath, and can also remove bacteria from the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and giving your mouth an overall clean-feeling.
Hydrate
Water helps flush away food particles that can cause bacteria to grow in your mouth. Rinsing with water after eating helps to dilute harmful acids which are produced by this bacteria. Making sure you are hydrated is also important for the production of saliva, which helps to remineralize teeth and keep their enamel strong.
Regular Checkups
Regular checkups with the dentist are key to maintaining a healthy smile. During a routine visit your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay or infection that you might not be aware of. They also have specialized tools to scrape away any plaque which may have formed around your teeth, and can even give them a polish. Regular checkups are important to make sure everything is going smoothly, and your dentist will catch any problems early on, helping you to avoid expensive and painful dental procedures down the line.
Remember that by the time you start to feel any pain in a tooth, the chances are any decay or infection has advanced to a stage where treatment will be needed. This is why it is important to see your dentist as soon as you can once symptoms begin. Sometimes a dental problem such as a broken tooth can occur over a weekend. so it is also worth checking if there is an emergency dentist in the area rather than having to wait in pain until Monday morning.
With these key tips, you can feel more confident in welcoming those around you and emanating your warmth with the power of a simple smile.
