The good news about having a great smile is that it requires surprisingly little effort on your part. It’s much easier than, say, having great hair—you won’t need any expensive mousses and sprays, fancy styling tools, or costly highlights. Dr. Todd Pizzi, a cosmetic dentist in Shrewsbury, MA, shares tips on getting (and keeping) attractive, healthy teeth.
Brush up on the Basics
Let’s start with your basic hygiene routine. The ADA states that you should brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily, spending a full two minutes each time. Rather than focusing your brushing efforts on only one section of your mouth, take care to spend an equal amount of time on all teeth. Floss once daily, or more often if needed. Finish with a fluoride rinse or antimicrobial mouthwash to strengthen your tooth enamel and ward off bad breath and plaque.
You’ll also benefit from visiting your Shrewsbury dentist a minimum of once every half-year. This includes professional teeth cleaning and a thorough dental checkup with screening for gum disease and oral cancer.
Healthy Behaviors and Nutrition
What you put in your mouth has considerable bearing on what your teeth look like and how healthy they are. For starters, steer clear of drinks and foods that are high in sugar. Millions of bacteria live in your mouth, and they love sugar. And when they get what they want, they produce acid that damages your tooth enamel and makes teeth more likely stain. You’re also at risk of developing cavities.
If you don’t already eat a healthy diet, consider adding a daily multivitamin to ensure that your teeth, gums, and jawbone get such essential nutrients as vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin D. A lack of vitamin C makes you more vulnerable to tooth loss; it could also increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, but remember that their acid can weaken tooth enamel. After eating or drinking citrus, rinse your mouth with water.
Calcium is a must-have for strong teeth and bones. Find it in milk, cheese, soy products, and yogurt. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, and getting your recommended daily amount of vitamin D is as easy as spending time in the sun!
Questions about smile makeovers in Shrewsbury, MA? To learn more about cosmetic dental treatment, or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact us at (508) 842-8838. We welcome patients living in Shrewsbury, North and South Grafton, Milford, Worcester, and the surrounding areas.
