'Smiling is an expression associated to happiness, wellbeing, beauty and attractiveness. Having a beautiful smile is one of the most powerful gifts someone can have and certainly having healthy white teeth plays an important part on that', says Smilepod Dentist Gino Castro. A recent survey revealed that a great smile was top of the list when it came to being attracted to someone, with 56% of respondents citing this as one of their top requirements in a new partner. The research for National Smile Month proved that a smile is the most important physical attribute when it comes to attraction, second only to personality. The findings are actually phenomenal when we consider that the nation seems fairly ambivalent to its oral health. Here are some tips that the dentists at Smilepod, give to their clients to keep their pearlies always shining white...
1 - Do brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. This one is pretty obvious, but there is nothing attractive about unhealthy teeth full of plaque and bad breath. For best results, gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes.
2- Using an electric toothbrush does help achieving that great sensation of squeaky white clean teeth, brush for at least two minutes. In depth tests have proven electric toothbrushes with small round oscillating rotating heads can be up to twice as effective at removing plaque than a manual brush. Many also have two minute timers to ensure you clean for the right period of time.
3- Don't forget to change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Old bristles will not remove stains so effectively. If the bristles are fraying they definitely need to be changed. If you have also been ill or the tooth burhs stored with other wones then they may need more frequent changing.
4- Avoid using mouthwashes chlorexidine based, unless advised by your dentist. They can actually cause a lot of stains on your teeth if used for prolonged periods of time. It is always best to check with your dentist which products and mothwashes you are using as some are not always too good for you!
5- Smoking is knowingly bad for your health and it is the same to the colour of your teeth. Ultimately, the effects of smoking on teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and creates more needed time visiting the dentist. Because tobacco causes tooth discoloration, the aesthetic results will look discoloured. In addition, gum recession can cause uneven margins on crowns and other restorations. That is an incentive in itself to stop this unhealthy habit.
6- The more tea and coffee and red you drink, the more teeth stains you are likely to have. Try to consume your coffee at specific break times, rather than sipping it constantly throughout the day. After finishing your coffee, you can then rinse your mouth out with water or brush your teeth to remove the potentially dark pigments from your teeth. Moderation is key to prevent it.
7 - Apart from causing teeth erosion due to their acidity, excessive amounts of wine and cola will also contribute to teeth staining. It is wise to be careful with them too. Try less acidic alternatives like herbal tea and fizzy water
8- Have your teeth professionally cleaned regularly. At Smilepod, a "High Gloss Dental Polish" is a great way to have those unsightly stains removed from your teeth. Our mouth takes quite a beating from the food we eat and the talking we do all day long. This unique environment requires special care, professional teeth cleaning removes the buildup of plaque and tartar. Most dental hygienists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned every six months. More frequent cleaning and examination may be necessary during treatment of dental and other oral disorders.
9- Consider having teeth whitening. Our teeth get yellower as we age and whitening procedures are non invasive and can safely bring back a whiter and youthful teeth shade. Whiter teeth can help knock years off you, as discoloured teeth are actually quite ageing.
10- To keep teeth white, it's not enough to whiten them and expect them to stay like that. Schedule follow up appointments for teeth health, especially if you consume fizzy drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee and smoking. These lifestyle factors, may require your teeth to have more frequent touch ups and perhaps something like at-home whitening.
