Many often associate a dull smile with age and poor dental hygiene. In contrast, a radiant smile signifies the exact opposite. In fact, not only will a radiant smile make you look younger and feel more full of life; it will also massively and positively contribute to the state of your oral health and overall well-being.
We’re told from a very young age that brushing and flossing are the keys to a strong, white and healthy looking smile. And while these two practices form the basis for an effective oral care regime, there are many other factors that need to be taken into consideration to achieve a smile that one can be proud of.
I’ve given this subject some thought and have compiled a list of 3 secrets to getting a healthier smile. Let’s start with not brushing after drinking a soda…
- Don’t Brush after Drinking a Soda
There are very few instances where dentists don’t recommend brushing and this is one of them. Brushing teeth after drinking a soda is not a good idea as the combination of acid in the drink and the abrasive action could erode the enamel of a tooth. Depending on the circumstances, if the enamel in teeth gets so damaged and reaches the stage of erosion, getting implants liverpool trust might be the only option of regaining a healthy smile again.
Tip: After drinking a soda and before brushing your teeth, you should sip some water or chew some gum, as both of these practices will activate acid-neutralizing saliva protecting your teeth from getting too damaged.
- Limit Carbs to Mealtimes
Did you know that a cracker or a whole-wheat roll can be just as damaging to your teeth and gums as a fudge brownie? It’s true – all carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, which are eventually transformed by bacteria in the mouth into plaque (a gluey deposit that’s the primary cause of gum disease and cavities). As carb-based foods tend to have a chewy and almost glue-like texture, it’s easy for them to get caught between teeth and collect harmful bacteria.
Tip: For the reasons that have been outlined above, it’s best to limit carbs to mealtimes and stop munching on carb-based foods as snacks. Your mouth will produce a larger amount of saliva during mealtimes, which will help to wash those sticky food particles away preventing them from attaching to your teeth.
- Make Apples a Staple in your Diet
An apple a day keeps the doctor at bay, but did you know that it could also keep the dentist away too? It’s true – crunchy foods such as celery, apples and carrots act like toothbrushes and can be effective in scrubbing stains away over time. This element, when coupled with the fact that apples have a mildly acidic nature and a fiber-rich flesh, make apples an ideal food for effectively cleansing and brightening teeth.
Tip: Start eating an apple a day and brush your teeth after eating when possible. If you’re out and brushing isn’t a viable option, do make sure to drink a glass of water after eating the apple, as this will rinse away the acid and any plaque that may have been removed during the chewing process.
And there you have it – eating an apple a day completes my top 3 secrets to achieving a healthier and brighter smile. Have you got any relevant secrets that you’d like to add to this list?
