Everyone’s after lovely, pearly white teeth, but many people assume that the passage of time will carry that dream further and further away from them. It’s true that teeth are liable to wear, discolouration and movement, but there are actually numerous ways you can keep them in an excellent condition and stave off imperfections.
- Brush and Floss Properly and Regularly, and Use Mouthwash
Many people brush after breakfast, but tooth enamel is delicate immediately after eating. It’s best to brush your teeth first, to protect against decay. You need to spend two minutes on it, at least twice a day, and gently move from the front of the mouth to the back, focusing on four quadrants – top left, top right, bottom left and bottom right. Flossing helps to prevent the buildup of plaque in hard to reach areas and remove trapped food, preventing cavities, so this is a very important step and shouldn’t be missed. Mouthwash also helps with this, allowing you to reach right into the back of your mouth.
- Try to Avoid Too Many Sugary or Acidic Foods
Fruit and sweets contain high levels of sugar that can badly erode tooth enamel and cause gum disease. Also, after you eat, your mouth retains acid from the food, so regular snacking can exacerbate the length of time erosive fluids remain around your teeth.
- Visit the Dentist Regularly
Many people are slightly apprehensive about visiting the dentist for fear that they will need to have “work done”, but really, this approach may only be delaying the inevitable, and potentially exacerbating existing problems. A small filling now may prevent the need for an extraction later, and, with local anesthetic, a trip to the dentist really isn’t so bad after all!
- Consider Cosmetic Dentistry
There are many dental problems that home care alone can’t fix, but there are numerous specialist dentists who might just be able to help you. If you dislike that your teeth are uneven or crooked, braces or dental aligners can be applied to train them into the right positions once again. Not only will this give you more confidence, but may also help to improve the way you eat and speak. If your teeth are discoloured, you may be able to rectify the issue with a simple whitening procedure – though some staining is “intrinsic”, meaning it affects the whole structure of the tooth. This can be fixed by having porcelain veneers applied. Veneers are thin, durable shells that cover the outer surfaces of the teeth, and can be shaped to look perfectly natural. They can also be applied to hide gaps in teeth or create a more symmetrical smile. Even badly broken or missing teeth can be remedied using bridges or crowns – porcelain structures that “fill in” gaps or add to the tooth structure to ensure it looks its very best. Visit our cosmetic dentists in London to learn how you can achieve your perfect smile.
If you’re interested in finding your perfect smile, simply get in touch with Harley Street Smile Clinic today on 020 7971 1909, and ask for a free consultation!