It’s simple: When you’re happy, you smile more, putting your pearly whites (or not so pearly whites) on display. Studies have shown that how your teeth look can actually impact your self-esteem and mood. It’s actually been found that people who suffer from depression neglect their oral hygiene. Conversely, those who are happy with how their teeth look smile more and are perceived as happier and friendlier.
Oral hygiene as a self-care practice can have wide-reaching effects. However, when talking about taking care of your face, the importance of your teeth tends to get overlooked. Let’s stop that now. Good dental hygiene will not only keep you healthier in the long run but also happier (and can even keep you looking younger).
Anyone who has been to the dentist before knows what they should do to take care of their teeth. Whether they actually do it is a different story. Some studies show that only around 64 percent of American adults visit the dentist once a year and 23 percent have gone two or more days without brushing their teeth. Building a consistent oral hygiene practice is the first step to long-term health and creating a better-looking smile. This is how to do it.
The American Dental Association (ADA) says everyone should brush their teeth in the morning and before bed for 2 full minutes (the average person falls short in both frequency and time).
No matter what kind of toothpaste you use, make sure it contains fluoride, an ingredient shown to help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Even a natural toothpaste should contain fluoride for optimal dental health.
Flossing every time after you brush your teeth is known to reduce decay, prevent cavities, and help fight gum disease. Some surveys show that only 40 percent of adults floss their teeth every day. Don’t be part of the other 60 percent. If you have a hard time flossing or your gums are sensitive, consider using a water flosser.
Not all dentists endorse mouthwashes, but using one once a day can help kill bacteria that live in the mouth and help prevent bad breath. Look for formulas that don’t contain alcohol, which can be drying.
Ayurvedic medicine believes in the benefits of daily tongue scraping. It’s not as popular in Western cultures, but if you really want to level up your dental hygiene, consider adopting the habit.
Your oral hygiene is only as good as the tools you use; the right toothbrush is the most important in your kit. According to the ADA, both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective, provided you use them to brush for 2 minutes twice a day. However, many dentists know the likelihood of the average person doing that is pretty low. For that reason, they sometimes recommend electric toothbrushes to get rid of plaque and bacteria with minimal effort and user error.
The benefit of an electric toothbrush is that it takes out guesswork. Most have automatic timers that automatically shut off after 2 minutes. They are also able to break up plaque in hard-to-reach places, like between teeth, quicker than manual toothbrushes can. Some models even automatically remind you to switch the brush head when it’s time to change it (which, for the record, is every three to four months). The downside is that these toothbrushes can be expensive. If you can afford it, consider upgrading, but if you can’t, don’t sweat it. The best toothbrush for you is the one you’ll actually use.
Most people just want their smile to be whiter. White teeth are a sign of good health, look more youthful, and make a smile look wider and brighter. Taking care of your teeth on a daily basis can help teeth be whiter (by removing surface stains), but most people want a little extra. That’s why at-home whitening products are so popular. These are some of the most common ways to whiten your smile.
Whitening toothpaste contains tiny abrasive ingredients that physically scrape away stains as you brush. Dentists recommend against using whitening toothpaste every day, since those same abrasive ingredients can weaken enamel with overuse. As an alternative, consider whitening toothpastes that contain hydrogen peroxide or apple cider vinegar, which can help remove stains.
These strips are coated in a bleaching agent and then stick to your teeth for a set amount of time. Consistent use has shown they lighten the color of teeth effectively and safely. Dentists like these because they’re mild and aren’t as harsh on your teeth (with correct use).
LED light therapy has recently become popular for teeth whitening when used in combination with bleaching gels. The light helps the bleach work better and penetrate deeper. It also is thought to be better for sensitive teeth and gums.
These products are like spot treatments for your teeth. They’re like markers: The paintbrush-like tip is soaked in a bleaching agent, and you apply it directly to your teeth to address specific stains. They’re ideal for travel or if you want to address a specific tooth.