Dental health is a vital component of your overall health because teeth are crucial organs with multiple functions. Notably, they play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy digestive system by aiding in the breakdown of food; they also provide a facial structure. Above all, our teeth help us smile, which is a universal expression of human joy.

However, neglected oral health can result in many dental problems, such as gum disease, dental decay, and crooked teeth. These issues pave the way for an unappealing smile. In the United States, almost 90% of people aged 20 to 64 experience tooth decay. Despite this, there have been improvements in many states, such as Maryland. In 2011, within the city of Baltimore, more than 30% of children had dental caries, while more than 20% had dental sealants. However, by 2020, the state of Maryland had surpassed its dental sealant target by 12%.

A healthy smile not only leaves a positive impression on others but also fosters self-confidence. So, if you’re wondering how to achieve a healthy smile, this article is for you. Achieving and maintaining a healthy smile is a straightforward process that involves following a few simple guidelines and consistently prioritizing oral hygiene. 

1. Get Orthodontic treatment

Misaligned teeth result from poor dental care, genetics, or injuries. Orthodontic treatments like braces, Invisalign, and retainers can correct this. Braces are very common but expensive, notably in cities like Tampa, FL, or San Antonio, TX. However, treatments are relatively affordable in cities like Baltimore, starting from $3,000, which is $ 1,000 less than the starting prices in the aforementioned cities. For the best orthodontic treatment in Baltimore, it is important to do your research, read reviews, and book a consultation. Other methods of straightening crooked teeth include Invisalign, which boasts advanced technology and is becoming more popular since they are basically invisible or transparent braces that are easy to remove. This treatment consists of plastic aligners instead of metal braces and offers a swift treatment process, requiring fewer visits to the orthodontist. 

However, it’s essential to emphasize that braces may be more advantageous for individuals with severely misaligned teeth. The decision regarding the most suitable treatment should be made following a comprehensive assessment by an orthodontist. In the present day, many options are available for achieving a straighter smile.

2. Clean your teeth regularly

This is probably one of the simplest ways to have a better smile, but it plays a very significant role. Leftover food particles in our teeth form a sticky substance called plaque, which contains bacteria. If teeth are not adequately and regularly brushed, it can progress to tartar buildup and eventual tooth decay, ultimately affecting the quality of one’s smile.

Brushing your teeth twice daily helps in removing the food particles. Moreover, flossing ensures that no particles are left between the teeth. The amalgamation of these two methods serves as a foundation for the upkeep of healthy teeth and, ultimately, an appealing smile.       

3. Avoid Smoking and Caffeinated drinks

Smoking leads to many serious health issues, such as lung cancer, and is harmful for many other reasons. However, perhaps the first signs of damage are visible through our teeth. Smoking causes tooth discoloration. The nicotine present in tobacco smoke causes brown and yellow stains on your teeth, which become rigid over time. The enamel is also damaged as the acids in the smoke harm it. However, bacteria, again, are the main culprit. Bacteria present in Tobaccos increase the levels of tartar and plaque significantly, causing drastic effects such as tooth loss.

Furthermore, caffeinated drinks such as coffee, when consumed regularly, can cause stains. Both coffee and tea contain a substance called tannin, which causes this. The darker the tea or coffee, the darker the stains. Drinking plenty of water and adding milk to your caffeinated beverages, however, can reduce the intensity of these stains.

4. Use Different Whitening Products

When we often think of whitening products, the first thing that comes to our mind is usually a whitening toothpaste. However, there are diverse options available now, such as strips, gels, pens, and trays. Different products have specific functions, and it is important to assess what is adequate for you. Fluoride toothpaste, for instance, stands as a recommended choice due to its cavity prevention and enamel-strengthening properties. It’s worth noting that consulting your dentist regarding its usage is advisable for personalized guidance.

As far as whitening products are concerned, pens are very convenient to use and give you the liberty to paint your teeth efficiently. The trays are readily available with a whitening agent and can fit around your teeth. These trays can also be custom-made for specific preferences.

5. Toothbrushes are important

Changing your toothbrush after a while is very crucial for your oral health. As toothbrushes are used frequently, the bristles become worn out. Research has shown that new toothbrushes remove more plaque as compared to old toothbrushes. Not only this but properly cleaning your toothbrush is also an important practice that will ensure that bacteria don’t stick to the bristles.

In addition to this, you should try to opt for toothbrushes with soft bristles because harder bristles can damage the enamel. Moreover, electric toothbrushes, according to research, excel in plaque removal and overall teeth cleaning.

6. Visit your dentist for treatment

Like most health issues, if gum diseases, cavities, and tooth decay are not treated within a particular timeframe, they can persist and forever change the structure of your teeth. Untreated cavities can penetrate deep into the tooth, damaging the bone structure and resulting in tooth loss and misalignment. Therefore, you must visit your dentist regularly, especially when there is an apparent issue. Major issues such as jaw or teeth misalignment will require you to visit an expert orthodontist. 

When you’re ready to get that healthy and perfect smile, you can check out this dentist in Las Vegas NV now to get started.

Conclusion

Having a healthy and beautiful smile holds importance as it serves as a reflection of our health and is usually the first impression we have on someone. This can only be achieved by maintaining good oral hygiene and taking care of our teeth. Crooked and misaligned teeth are the foremost contributors to a bad smile, and this can be addressed by orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign. Moreover, cleaning your teeth helps in removing teeth stains; this can also be done by limiting caffeinated beverages and avoiding smoking. In addition to this, the usage of different whitening equipment and toothbrushes will allow you to identify individual problems and concerns. Follow all these tips for a smile that dazzles everyone!