A bright smile can open doors. It may be the bridge that takes you from one point to another. Sparkling white and healthy-looking teeth build up your confidence and self-image, and can be a good aid in building lasting and happy relationships. But not everyone has the confidence to flash their teeth in a big bright welcoming smile. The power to do this begins with knowing that your teeth are healthy and in great shape. But good oral health goes beyond having a nice smile
or great looking dentition.
Besides depriving you of the joy and confidence of flashing a charming smile, unhealthy teeth can also lead to diseases. Notably, it can affect your ability to speak or eat well. So how can you prevent such awkward situations or unpleasant oral conditions? A starting point is to seek professional examination or consultation.
Here are tips that can help keep your teeth healthy and your smiles bright all day long;
Get a good toothbrush and brush regularly: A simple basic way to achieve this is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Always brush your teeth first thing in the morning and last thing before going to bed. Brushing the teeth before sleep at night prevents buildup of plaque, decay and diseases that can affect your gum. It is also good practice to brush after eating. However, if this is not possible, rinse your mouth well. This helps remove food particles that may be lodged in-between your teeth.
Brush the right way: Brushing the right way requires the use of a good toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride.  This also entails brushing both the outer and inner part of the tooth with a gentle back and forth stroke. It is also important to clean the tongue, the top and in-between the teeth. Always remember that the tongue is a key component to keeping your teeth and mouth looking and feeling healthy and fresh, so never forget to brush your tongue very well as brushing your teeth without brushing your tongue is as good as nothing. Brushing the tongue helps to fight bacteria in the mouth.
Change your toothbrush after 3 months: Toothbrushes don’t last forever. The American Dental Association recommends that you change your toothbrushes every two to three months to avoid germs spreading and bacteria festering on your brush. Once a toothbrush is worn, it
should be replaced immediately.
Pay close attention to your diet and dental health: To enjoy good dental health, it is important to avoid unhealthy habits. A big no-go area is tobacco, which can lead to oral cancer and many other health complications. In addition, beverages such as alcohol, soda or coffee can lead to dental health issues. They can cause tooth decay or gum diseases. Some beverages also contain additives and food colouring substances, which can leave your teeth discoloured. It is important to limit their intake if you cannot avoid consuming them.
Take calcium and other vitamins: Calcium aids in the development of the bones and is good for the teeth as well. By taking milk, orange juice and other dairy products, you increase your calcium intake. Vitamin D also helps in improving the health of the gums and teeth, while Vitamin B complex helps to prevent the gums and teeth from bleeding and cracking.
Visit your dentist: It is recommended that you visiting your dentist at least twice a year especially if you have dental health issues. During these visits, a detailed examination may be conducted and this can help detect any problem before it gets out of hand, and also take care of existing dental issues in the future. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is a big step towards that bright and friendly smile.
To improve your dental health, follow these tips and thank me later.
By Mercy Kukah
