Smile like a Dentist

So here lets expose the secrets behind such a smile.

When your teeth are healthy you project a much more youthful appearance. It may surprise you to realise that most dentists do not use special treatments such as crowns and veneers to enhance their smiles, as this may cause inadvertent tooth damage. Instead, most concentrate on preventative measures.

The good news is that the essentials behind a beautiful simile are not expensive treatments. They come from simple items that are available from every supermarket.

So how can we achieve this healthy youthful smile?

Start with the basics of good oral hygiene. It comes down to brushing and flossing techniques. Brushing your teeth properly will result in great looking pink gums and clean white tooth surfaces. Good technique will prevent the need for fillings, so it is vital that we adhere to the following tips.

You should be brushing for at least 3-4 minutes twice a day. Often our brushing routine tends to be considerably less, but there are easy ways to hit this goal. Try using a timer. This can be by using a simple egg timer, or you can purchase a modern electric toothbrush with a built in timer. For brushing to be efficient, use gentle circular strokes without too much pressure. Pay specific attention to cleaning the gum margin and hard to reach areas. In addition, concentrate on the areas around fillings and crowns, as food may easily lodge there. The following easy steps will result in the effective removal of plaque, and it will also reduce wear to your teeth.

• Divide the mouth in to 4 quadrants, and begin brushing at the upper right side.
• Start by cleaning the outer surface.
• Continue by brushing the chewing surface.
• Finish with the inner surface.
• Repeat the above steps for the remaining quadrants.
• After completing these steps, brush your tongue. This will reduce bad breath

What type of toothbrush should I be using?

If you choose to use a manual toothbrush, choose a soft bristled brush. This allows for plaque to be removed without causing wear to the tooth's surface. Additionally, choose a brush with a small head so that it will reach the back teeth.

Electric toothbrushes tend to be more effective at removing food residues if used correctly. These toothbrushes may be battery powered or powered at the mains. The latter tend to be more economical in the long term and simple to maintain. A brush with a built in timer is also helpful.

Flossing

Why floss? Brushing will miss certain areas of the mouth, especially in the narrow spaces between the teeth. Flossing enables you to remove plaque and food between tooth contacts. Inevitably, flossing will prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It is recommended that flossing be done on a daily basis.

The following technique will give the maximum benefit from flossing:

• Hold the floss between thumb and index finger, allowing about 5cm of floss to span both hands.
• Place the floss between the contact surfaces of two teeth, and gently push down to the base of the teeth towards the gum line.
• Pull the floss, holding it against one surface, cleaning the tooth. Repeat the process for the opposing surface.
• Repeat with all the other contact points.

It is important to note that you should never use a sawing action when flossing. Doing so will cause the gum to bruise or even tear.

Strengthening your teeth

There are natural minerals that can be incorporated into the tooth surface, which can provide resistance to decay. Fluoride is one such mineral that can be applied topically or ingested. A great source of fluoride is natural water sources. Most everyday toothpastes are fortified with fluoride, however special extra fluorinated toothpastes are also available.

Healthy lifestyle

It is widely acknowledged that a balanced diet will prolong life and lead to a much happier sense of wellbeing. This may also be applied to our oral health. By reducing sugar and high fat foods, less bacteria stick to our teeth, and as a result there will be a reduction in tooth decay. In addition, poor diet is directly related to oral cancer.

Other examples of lifestyle choices, which we can avoid to improve our smile, are smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol. These habits can cause large amounts of damage to the tooth surface, such as tar staining or periodontal disease (which result in early loss of teeth). Giving up such items will lead to much healthier, stronger and whiter teeth.

Conclusion

The most important factor in achieving a great smile is your motivation. By incorporating a diligent brushing and flossing routine, combined with any necessary lifestyle changes, you will be on your way to a spectacular smile. Don't forget to make regular visits to your dentist for professional advice and guidance to help create the smile you desire.

So my top tips for a healthy smile are:

• You must keep your gums healthy by brushing.
• Prevent decay between teeth by flossing.
• For fresh breath clean your tongue.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen and prevent tooth decay.
• Eat healthy, and cease bad habits.
• Visit your dentist regularly for preventive checkups.