Happy New Year! Hopefully as you considered your goals and resolutions for 2022, keeping your smile healthy was near the top of your list.
As a trusted family dental practice in Pineville, we understand the importance of a radiant smile. Keeping your teeth and gums in top shape not only protects your oral health but also your overall health. Not to mention the fact that it gives a little boost to the ego knowing you have a great smile.
When it comes to your smile, we have you covered. Keep reading to learn what a radiant smile is and how you can get one this year.
What is a radiant smile?
A radiant smile is subjective and may have different meanings to each person. Perhaps you want a whiter, brighter smile; straighter teeth; or a complete smile without missing or broken teeth. Having a radiant smile refers not only to the aesthetic but also the function. Your smile should be beautiful but also healthy as the two go hand-in-hand.
Tips to keep your smile radiant this year
Whatever your smile goals are, we have you covered. Consider the following tips to improve the health and beauty of your smile.
1. Follow good oral habits
Brush, floss, rinse, repeat. A radiant smile starts at home with your oral hygiene. The basics of your oral care routine should include:
- Brushing twice daily, morning and night, for at least two minutes per session with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing daily to remove particles between the teeth.
- Rinsing once daily to remove what brushing and flossing missed.
- Visiting your dentist for routine appointments.
In addition, remember to replace your toothbrush or brush head every 3-6 months. Damaged toothbrush bristles do not effectively clean your teeth and remove plaque.
2. Minimize teeth-staining products
The foods and drinks we consume can wreak havoc on the color of our teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato products cause yellowish stains on the enamel. Consider the following tips to safely eat your favorite foods and drinks without causing excess stains.
- Minimize the use of the products.
- Rinse your mouth after consuming teeth-staining foods and drinks. Rinsing removes some of the residual food or drink particles and can help keep stains at bay.
- Drink dark liquids in one sitting rather than sipping throughout the day. This cuts down on the time that the liquids wash over your teeth.
- Use a straw to keep the liquids off of your teeth.
3. Avoid smoking
Tobacco products are a no-no for your oral and overall health. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and complications from the condition. It lessens your body’s ability to heal on its own. Periodontal disease may progress to the point of tooth loss.
From a cosmetic standpoint, cigarette smoking causes the teeth to turn yellow. This changes your appearance and can make you appear older. Plus, smoking creates fine lines around your mouth adding to an aged appearance.
4. Consider cosmetic or restorative dental treatments
After establishing a healthy at-home regimen and cutting out bad habits, consider treatments to enhance your smile. Look first at basic or minor restorative treatments to keep damage and decay from spreading. These may include any fillings or root canals needed to address decay and protect your oral health.
More extensive restorative procedures may include dental crowns and bridges, dental implants, or dentures. These may be needed to address broken, damaged, or missing teeth. Dental restorations not only restore functionality, such as chewing and speaking, but also your smile’s aesthetic appeal.
If you need extensive dental work to get the radiant smile you deserve, your dentist can create a custom plan. This may break treatments down into more manageable sections to suit your schedule and your budget. Don’t forget that you have a fresh set of dental insurance benefits to use in the new year. You can space treatments out accordingly to maximize your benefits throughout the year.
You may also consider cosmetic dental treatments to enhance your smile. Teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental bonding are popular treatments. Teeth whitening is an effective way to give a quick, dramatic pop to your smile. Bonding and veneers have a range of uses to disguise imperfections and give you a radiant smile.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
Part of keeping a radiant smile is staying on top of preventative dental care. Keep up with regularly scheduled cleanings and exams. Prevention is often the best part of a treatment plan and allows you to keep problems from developing or worsening.
Routine appointments focus on removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and assessing your oral structures. The teeth cleaning portion removes some surface stains and keeps bacteria from spreading into the gums and causing gum disease. Digital x-rays show if there are any unseen issues in your teeth, gums, or bone.
Appointments are scheduled every six months, unless otherwise recommended. This ensures that any problems that develop between appointments can easily be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Routine exams are often covered by dental insurance and should not be missed.
6. Make the most of our dental savings plan
Don’t let a lack of dental insurance keep you from getting a radiant smile.
A dental savings plan prioritizes your oral health without causing financial strain. For a low monthly fee, you get access to dental treatments. Many preventative services, including exams and x-rays, are covered. Discounts are available for more extensive treatments.
Let Radiant Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry give you a bright smile this year!
If you are ready to take your smile to the next level, contact the experts at Radiant Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We offer affordable dental services in Pineville, NC. Our savings plan ensures a radiant smile is always within reach.
