5 ways to improve your smile

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Your smile is one of your best features as it expresses your happiness and is unique to you. Teeth are the main component of an attractive smile, so it is vital to keep them looking their best, not only for your smile, but for your overall health as well. No one wants to feel self-conscious about their smile, so here are five ways you can improve yours:

1. Watch what you eat and drink

There are many foods and drinks that are more obviously harmful to your teeth, such as sugary sweets and beverages. Unfortunately, many ‘healthy’ products can also be detrimental, such as fruit juice and dried fruit. Juice from citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit is very high in acid, and this can erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to decay. Dried fruit is sticky, and as such it clings to your teeth. Combined with a non-soluble cellulose fibre, dried fruit binds its high sugar content to your teeth, ultimately resulting in cavities.

Starchy foods are also ones often overlooked as bad for teeth, but everyday foods like white bread, pasta, chips and crisps are some of the worst culprits. These foods become lodged in crevices and between teeth, and whilst they are not sugary, the starch rapidly converts to sugar in your mouth, leaving your teeth at risk.

You don’t have to cut out all your favourite foods and drinks, but you can minimise damage by brushing your teeth after eating. With drinks, use a straw when possible and drink a glass of water afterwards to prevent sugars and acids sitting on your teeth.

2. Avoid things that stain your teeth

Staining can have a negative impact on your smile, and there are plenty of everyday things that can cause it. Drinks including tea, coffee, cola and dark-coloured fruit juices are the most common offenders, whilst red wine and tobacco are also high on the list. Drinks that stain teeth generally contain tannins, and these are yellow or brown organic substances found in plant tissues. Tannins contain derivatives of gallic acid, and these react with the proteins in your teeth, causing staining.

As with harmful foods, there’s no need to completely exclude drinks that stain your teeth, but by having a glass of water afterwards, you can help to wash away the tannins, minimising staining. Smokers should always use filtered products and should be aware that in addition to staining, it causes bad breath and is one of the main causes of oral cancer.

3. Brush your teeth twice daily

Poor oral health not only damages your smile, but it also has wider health implications, being linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity and sleep apnoea. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a regular brushing regime, making sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Choosing a good toothbrush will ensure that you are removing as much plaque and staining as possible.

Electric toothbrushes are a great option, as they have been clinically proven to remove more plaque and stains than manual brushes. The base is rechargeable, while the head must be replaced every three months. Manual toothbrushes are available with various bristle types, so try to select one with soft bristles, as vigorous brushing with hard bristles leads to receding gums. Manual toothbrushes should be replaced every three months.

4. Always floss

Food particles and plaque accumulate between your teeth, and toothbrushes don’t reach these areas. If left, they can cause decay and gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums that can progress into the more serious periodontitis. This ultimately results in tooth loss. To avoid these issues, it is essential to floss after brushing your teeth. There are various spool types available or single-use floss sticks that comprise a length of floss mounted on a forked handle for ease of use.

5. Visit the dentist regularly

By taking care of your diet and maintaining a good oral health regime, you will be doing everything you can to keep your smile looking great. But unfortunately, this is not enough and it is vital to have regular dental check-ups. You need to visit the dentist at least every six months so that your teeth and mouth can be monitored and deep-cleaned.

If you have concerns about old fillings, misaligned teeth or staining, you might benefit from a ‘smile makeover’. Here at Veritas Dental Care, our leading cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sam Sherif, can help you perfect your smile. Following a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth, Dr. Sherif will be able to discuss any concerns you may have and work with you to devise a personalised plan so you can achieve your goals. These can be a combination of oral health and cosmetic desires, and Dr. Sherif will be able to explain all the possible procedures so that your smile makeover plan can be tailored specifically to your requirements.

Situated on Harley Street, London, Dr. Sherif and his friendly team would love to help you improve your smile. Give us a call today on 020 7580 5954 to arrange your appointment.

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