Things People With Great Teeth Always Do

[Dental]

Unless you’re one of the lucky few that were born with a perfect smile, you know that having great-looking teeth takes effort. Maybe you had to endure braces all throughout high school and were ecstatic when they were finally removed just in time for senior prom. Perhaps you’re even thinking about going for a second round because you forgot to wear your retainers for 15 years your teeth have started to shift a little ([Invisalign], anyone?). But at the end of the day, your daily oral care habits are what can make or break the perfect smile. 

Here are 5 things people with great teeth always do:

1. They brush twice a day with an electric toothbrush

You probably know this already, but it’s worth mentioning again: you have to brush your teeth at least twice a day, every day. And you need to do it properly, too. So what does proper tooth brushing look like? First of all, your teeth need to be brushed for a full two minutes. It sounds like a no-brainer, but many of us are actually falling short — most people spend only 45 seconds brushing on average, according to the American Dental Association. 

You also have to be gentle with your teeth and gums. You may think brushing harder would remove more plaque or speed up your cleaning session, but it doesn’t. Scrubbing too hard can damage both your chompers and your gums, and can actually lead to gum recession over time. Instead, use an electric toothbrush (we love the Sonicare ProtectiveClean) and apply light pressure, gently brushing each tooth, including its front, back, and chewing surfaces. 

When you’re done, don’t forget to clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.  

2. They’re picky about their toothpaste 

Toothpaste matters. But according to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 50% of people don’t know which dental products to buy. Perhaps you’ve been tempted to try the newest celebrity toothpaste that promises to redefine your oral care experience (whatever that means), or you’re completely loyal to the same brand your mom, your grandma, and your aunts have been using since toothpaste tubes were made out of metal. 

In any case, choosing a toothpaste that works for you is key to achieving a great smile. Say you drink lots of coffee and sip wine on the regular; then you should consider whitening toothpaste, preferably with micro-exfoliators, to help remove surface stains. You may want to consider desensitizing toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth. And if you’re looking for extra protection against cavities and decay, opt for enamel-building fluoride toothpaste. 

Whatever your specific need, we always recommend buying toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Any toothpaste awarded with this seal has been evaluated and passed strict standards to ensure that the product is safe and contains active ingredients that improve oral health.

3. They floss daily

It may seem like a tedious task, but ask anyone you know that has great teeth, and they’ll tell you that they floss every day. Why? Because flossing removes the debris and food particles stuck between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. 

When you don’t floss, these particles form a yellowish sticky film that clings to the surface of your teeth called plaque. With time, plaque hardens and turns into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist with special tools. 

Plaque and tartar stuck between your teeth and gums can make your teeth look yellow and unclean. Not to mention that they smell really bad. Neglecting to floss every day allows food particles to linger for days or even weeks, becoming stinkier and stinkier as time passes. In fact, not flossing correctly or regularly enough is a common cause for halitosis, aka bad breath. 

If you’re not flossing every day already, start now! Look for a gentle, tape-like floss that doesn’t shred when you try to get it in between your teeth. Or go for an oral irrigator, which shoots a powerful stream of water to clean your teeth and gums.

4. They see their dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning

Your dentist wants to see you at least twice a year or more, depending on the health of your teeth. During this visit, an oral hygienist will clean your teeth and remove plaque and tartar, and your dentist will perform a routine dental examination to look for signs of cavities, decay, and gum disease. 

People who have great teeth don’t skip their routine dental checkups because they know they’re the best way to catch potential issues early, before they become a problem. These visits are also an excellent opportunity to schedule your appointment to get your teeth professionally whitened and to get up-to-date oral care product recommendations from your dentist.

5. They get veneers

Okay, this one’s not really an oral care habit, but when all is said and done, veneers are today’s not-so-secret secret to a perfect smile. Veneers are super thin hand-crafted shells of porcelain that are applied to the front of your teeth to enhance your smile. They can be a real game changer. A good set of veneers can change the color of your teeth, disguise a chip or a gap, lengthen short teeth, and much, much more. 

You can expect veneers to last 10 to 15 years, and they don’t require lots of extra care beyond good oral hygiene habits. If you want to know more about veneers and learn how they can transform your smile from the Queen of Veneers herself. Contact Dr. Patty Miami Cosmetic Dentistry now. [schedule a consultation]. You’ll come for the veneers, but stay for the decadent VIP experience.