A smile is great, a healthy smile is even better

A smile signifies so much. It can be a welcoming greeting, an expression of happiness, a reassuring gesture… The list goes on. And having someone grin at you can make you do the same thing back. Furthermore, smiling can be enough to improve your mood. But, the reality is that not everyone has a healthy smile and that can be detrimental to your overall health in the long run.

Problems when you don’t have a healthy smile

Poor oral health can contribute to tooth decay, as most people know, but fewer folks understand that it also can lead to bad bacteria that opens you up to be at risk for a whole bunch of diseases. The Mayo Clinic explains many of these bodily issues that can stem from problems with the mouth, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Pneumonia
• Endocarditis

Another disadvantage of bad oral hygiene is that sometimes people are reluctant to share their smiles with the world. Problems with teeth and other maxillofacial issues (mouth, face, jaw, and neck) can sometimes make people feel less confident in their smile so they show it less.

The good news is this doesn’t need to be the case. There are lots of ways to take care of your mouth and get it looking at its best so that you have a smile that you can be proud of. Specifically, a healthy smile. Here are some of the ways you can keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright:

Get regular check-ups

Taking care of your oral health is so important, and just as crucial as looking after every other part of your body. But, for many people, a visit to the dentist’s office is something that fills them with fear.

Maybe you had a bad experience in the past. Or perhaps you dislike the idea of going to the dental pro. Whatever the reason for your avoidance of dentists, it is still vital to get your teeth checked regularly.

Regular dental check-ups mean that the professional can spot any potential problems early and treat them quickly before they become worse (and more expensive to solve the issue). If it’s a fear of dentists that are keeping you from booking an appointment, these steps can help you overcome it.

Looking for a dentist you can trust is also very appointment. The better your experience, the more confidence you will have about visiting a dentist in the future. Read reviews online, look for dental accreditations, such as those earned by the esteemed Dr. Rhonda Savage, and ask for recommendations from friends and family.

Don’t ignore dental problems

As with every other part of the body, issues inside your mouth are best treated quickly. If left to linger, more significant problems can happen and cause even more issues. Neglecting a problem with your teeth and gums could mean that you require further treatment that could have been avoidable if treatment came earlier.

If you do require surgery in your mouth for a problem, the surgeon may use a technique such as platelet rich plasma therapy. This could help the wound to heal up much more quickly.

Ditch the bad habits

Trying to keep your mouth healthy means minimizing unhealthy habits, such as:

• Smoking
• Eating lots of sugar
• Chewing tobacco

While everyone knows that these habits can cause issues for your health in general, they can create obvious problems where your mouth is concerned. For example, smoking doesn’t only cause problems with your teeth.

It can also make them look bad too. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes can cause teeth to stain over time. To begin with, the staining could be a yellowish color, but over time teeth can get brown.

Sugary foods and drinks can cause damage to teeth as they erode the enamel which coats the teeth, which can lead to the formation of cavities. Cavities are holes in teeth, created by acids that develop from the bacteria in your mouth, which is fed by the sugar you eat.

Take care of your teeth: A healthy smile is worth it

Following a robust dental health routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing are essential to keep your teeth in great shape and to protect your smile for many years to come. Regular check-ups with a dentist will help identify any potential problems. It is also essential to visit the dentist if you notice any issues yourself to get them checked over.