Did you know you can convey good feelings with a smile and help others feel less stressed? A smile can facilitate a connection and create an environment of trust and acceptance. But if you’re self-conscious about your smile, you might not feel like doing much smiling at all.
Are you happy with your set of pearly whites? If not, there’s something you can do about it. From following simple oral hygiene regimens to exploring different procedures, you can get a picture-perfect smile that lights up a room. But what options are available?
Continue reading for three things to consider if you’re looking for a smile you’ll love.
1. Practice Proper Oral Care
One way to have a healthy set of teeth is to practice proper oral hygiene daily. Good oral hygiene is a must if you want a great smile. Get into the habit and stick with it.
Here are some tips to keep in mind for an effective oral hygiene routine:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. It’s best to do it after breakfast, lunch, and dinner using a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Floss one per day.
- Use mouthwash after you brush your teeth and floss.
While you’re doing the above, ensure you replace your toothbrush periodically. Getting a new one every three months is a good idea.
2. See Your Dentist Regularly
One rule of thumb calls for going in for dental checkups twice a year. But you and your dental care provider can discuss the appropriate frequency. If you want a great smile, you must prioritize dental checkups. People who only go to their dentists when they have problems tend to have worse overall dental health than people who visit their dentists on schedule. During a dental checkup, your dentist will do the following:
- Conduct an extensive examination of your teeth, mouth, and gums
- Ask questions about what you consume and drink
- Ask about your overall health and about any dental problems you may have experienced
- Recommend ways to improve your dental health
- Provide teeth cleaning or other treatments
3. Corrective Dental Care
Several common procedures can give you a smile you can be proud of. One option is teeth whitening. It can transform your stained, yellowish teeth into glistening-white teeth. You might have to undergo multiple treatments, but it’s a great way to revitalize your teeth. It’s also relatively inexpensive. In fact, you can get options that you can use at home.
Another option is dental bonding. It’s something to consider if your teeth have gaps, discoloration, or chips. If you choose this procedure, a special bonding material will be attached to your teeth. It will be shaped and polished to look like your own natural teeth. Dental bonding is also long-lasting since it can last a decade before it needs to be serviced.
Are you missing teeth? One option is dental implants. It’s a procedure that replaces the entire tooth. So, you can get a mouth full of teeth by going this route.
There are plenty of other dental procedures you can look into. But one specific procedure that should be considered if you have gingival recession is pinhole surgery. Gingival recession is a condition where the gums wear down or pull away from the tooth.
The condition can ultimately leave the tooth’s root exposed, leading to sensitivity and damaged gum tissue. Pinhole surgery is a permanent solution if you have receding gums, and the surgery takes around two hours with minimal recovery time.
If you want a smile you can be proud of, the recommendations above will give you some ideas. It’s also a good idea to see your dentist for suggestions. Your dental care provider will be able to recommend the best treatment options for your unique situation.
