6 Things to Avoid for a Brighter Smile

Everyone wants to look as good as they can. While you may not be able to change certain things about your appearance, there are things you can do to ensure that your smile is as bright as possible. To keep all your beautiful teeth looking great, there are a handful of things you’ll want to try to avoid whenever you can.

Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Tobacco is one of the major enemies of a bright smile according to this dentist in Henderson. While most people these days are aware of the health risks associated with tobacco products, not everyone knows how bad they can be for your teeth. For one, the nicotine in cigarettes and chewing tobacco can yellow your teeth. Additionally, the carcinogens in chewing tobacco can damage your gum tissue.

Skipping Dental Care

If you want to keep your smile looking good, you’ll definitely want to avoid skipping the dentist. Most importantly, you should see a reliable dentist, like Dr. David K Skeels, regularly for cleanings and checkups. If you experience tooth pain or any other dental issue that causes you concern, you should make sure to get it checked out as soon as possible. Waiting will only make the problem worse and can cause the treatment to take longer or be less effective. 

Drinking Soda

Drinking a bit of soda now and then is no big deal, but if you consume it too often it can be damaging to your lovely smile. Those carbonated drinks contain acid and lots of sugar, which can erode the enamel of your teeth and open the door to painful and damaging cavities. Even sugar-free or low-sugar soda options can cause tooth decay, it’s best to drink these and other sugary beverages in moderation. 

Consuming Alcohol

Drinking a lot of alcohol can be damaging to your teeth as well. For one thing, alcohol is very acidic which can be bad for your tooth enamel. Additionally, it dries out your mouth, reducing the production of saliva and making it easier for plaque and bacteria to flourish. Certain types of alcohol, such as red wine, are also known to dye the teeth and cause discoloration. 

Brushing Too Hard

Obviously, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, every day, is a great choice if you want to maintain your bright smile. However, it’s actually possible to damage your teeth and gums if you brush them too firmly. Brushing with unnecessary force can damage your enamel, irritate the gums, and even cause cavities. Be sure to be gentle and consider using an electric or soft-bristled toothbrush. 

Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth regularly can not only cause tooth damage, but doing so can also result in jaw pain, headaches, and other issues. If you grind your teeth during the day, consider chewing gum and finding other ways to relieve stress and anxiety. If you suspect that you do it in your sleep, you may want to invest in a night guard. This will help you from grinding your teeth while you’re not consciously aware of it happening.

If you put in a bit of effort, there’s no reason you can’t keep your smile looking bright and beautiful. Avoiding bad habits, visiting the dentist regularly, and consuming things like sugar and acidic foods less or in moderation can make a massive difference for your teeth. If you stay committed to these improvements, you’ll both feel better and look better in the long run. This will help ensure your tooth and gum health and keep your smile bright for years to come!