The desire to have the perfect smile has led the world into a frenzy of trying new trends, filling our Instagram and Facebook feeds from oil pulling to charcoal whitening, right through to fruit peels – all in a bid to get a gleaming white smile.
Image via pinterest
Fortunately, you don’t need to resort to these trends as there are several things you can do to achieve a healthy, bright and white smile. Cosmetic Dentist, Dr Luke Cronin shares how important, yet simple steps to achieve a smile you can be truly proud of:
Regular Checkups and Cleans
It’s advisable to have your teeth examined and professionally cleaned every six months. Regular, professional cleans are the most effective way to remove the build-up of decay causing plaque and tartar deposits on the surface and in-between your teeth. A professional clean will also reduce staining and discolouration on the surface of your teeth.
Buy an Electric Toothbrush
Invest in an electric toothbrush as they remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush. Electric Toothbrushes are proven to deliver a consistently better clean and will help build your oral health as part of your twice-daily clean routine.
Improve Your Flossing Technique (and make it a regular thing!)
It’s more than likely you were taught how to floss when you were a lot younger. It is very common for patients to tell me they are flossing, but due to poor technique they are not getting the results they should. Flossing is the best way to remove food particles that get trapped in the spaces and crevices in-between your teeth. At your next check-up ask your dentist to demonstrate the correct technique to floss. Regular flossing will do wonders to improve the health of your gums and prevent redness and bleeding in the long term.
Review Your Diet
There are multiple scientific studies that tell us people who have diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates have higher incidences of dental decay, tooth erosion and gum disease. If left unchecked these oral health problems can cause serious health consequences, such as persistent pain, which affects appetite and diet, concentration at work, sleep and your general health.
A balanced diet is key to building and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Consuming foods and beverages that are low in acid, with a higher pH level is a good start, including whole grains, nuts, eggs, cheese, bananas, fresh vegetables, fish and lean meat – and of course water. These foods can also help protect the tooth’s enamel by neutralizing the natural acids in saliva and returning calcium and phosphorus needed to restore the minerals in the enamel.
Give up smoking
Give up smoking – even if you only consider yourself a social smoker the effects of nicotine on your teeth are noticeable and are ageing your smile. Nicotine stains the enamel, causing it to prematurely yellow in colour. The best way to counter the yellowing effects of smoking is to remove the cause, not only will the staining resolve, your general oral health and overall physical health will improve as well.
Invest in a reputable whitening treatment
I’d highly recommend investing in a professional whitening treatment as it really is a safe and highly effective way of whitening your teeth. In-chair teeth whitening treatments, such as Philips Zoom which I offer my patients, is a great option for a professional treatment as it only takes one hour and actually whitens your natural tooth colour up to eight shades lighter in just one treatment. Another plus of this treatment is that you’re supervised by a dental professional.
Rescu. Road Test:
Dr Cronin and the team at Quality Dental were incredibly efficient and professional. Their Zoom treatment is the Rolls Royce of beauty treatments complete with Netflix viewing options whilst you are having the treatment.
The remarkably painless and transformative treatment brightened my teeth up to 4 shades in one go. My gums and sensitive teeth were completely covered and protected, ensuring minimal discomfort and maximum chance to do multiple brightening cycles. As part of the treatment, I was given a dental check and felt completely at ease in the hands of top dental professionals.
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