Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Perhaps nothing is more attractive about a person than his or her self-confidence. And much of that comes from feeling good about ourselves from the inside. Hardly anyone would argue that one of the most attractive parts of a person — the one we notice first — is a bright, white, healthy, happy smile.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t come naturally to most people. Whether we turn to orthodontics for teeth straightening or if we need occasional whitening treatments, maintaining a beautiful smile takes some effort.
Today our Okemos cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, is providing a list of to-dos that everyone can mark off their list to preserve their smile, most of them right from the comfort of home.
Maintain strong oral hygiene
Teeth are strong and lasting, but they’re susceptible to staining and, unfortunately, decay. The best way to prevent this is to maintain strong oral health habits. Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily can rid the mouth of harmful bacteria and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar that lead to tooth decay, or cavities.
Watch your diet
We hear this a lot from medical practitioners. But a healthy diet is as important for teeth as it is for the entire body. Limit your consumption of starchy, high-processed foods and those that are high in sugar. These are the favorite foods of harmful bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Instead, choose fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables; these help clean the mouth and rid it of food debris between the teeth. When it comes to beverages, high-sugar drinks like soda and energy drinks can not only lead to cavities but also to staining. Beverages like dark sodas, coffee and wine can cause discoloration of the teeth that will require professional whitening to remove. Dark berries, chocolate, soy sauce and tomato sauces can also stain teeth.
Drink water
Water can wash out and neutralize acids that harm the teeth, so it’s a good idea to swish with water and rinse after eating anything sugary or acidic.
Chew sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, and saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth. It’s best if the gum is sweetened with xylitol, a chemical compound that behaves like sugar and is ingested by bacteria, but the bacteria can’t metabolize it. That means xylitol doesn’t turn into acid; in fact, it can’t pass through the bacteria and remains within it, causing it to die.
Avoid tobacco
Smoking, chewing tobacco and vaping are harmful to overall health, teeth and gums. Nicotine and tar accumulate on the teeth, causing stains. Tobacco also dries out the mouth, which can lead to halitosis (bad breath). Dry mouth also increases your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Cosmetic Dentistry in East Lansing and Okemos
Maintaining a gorgeous smile only takes a little bit of work each day. If you’re unhappy with your smile for any reason, Dr. Tenaglia has solutions for you. Call our Okemos dentist’s office at Tenaglia Smiles — (517) 940-8684 — or reach us online to schedule a consultation today.