Do you want to keep your teeth for a lifetime? Do you want to avoid the embarrassment of bad breath? Do you no longer want to be afraid of showing off your smile? If any of your answers were a loud and reassuring yes, you need to start practicing oral hygiene. It will boost your self-confidence. You’ll not shy away from flashing your smile at random people. And your social life will take a 180-degree turn. 

If you’re in Washington, the warm and friendly state where people hang out in parks and cafes like no other place on earth, sparkly teeth and a beautiful smile can really help you blend in.

But where do you start? We have some easy-to-follow tips for you.

Consider Invisalign

If you have minor to moderate orthodontic issues, Invisalign can be your savior. The clear aligners are almost invisible and work to straighten your teeth. They are removable, and you can comfortably wear them for up to 20 hours a day. There have been successful cases of people who’ve improved their smiles with Invisalign in as little as six months! So, it’s no wonder that over 40 million people use Invisalign to enhance their smiles.

However, you must make sure that you see a certified Invisalign orthodontist. Since you need custom-made, clear aligners according to your teeth structure, you can’t trust just anyone. Lake Stevens has a few trusted Invisalign-certified orthodontists; you should look them up.

You must also look up Invisalign cost in Lake Stevens, WA, to see if it fits your budget. For a head’s up, expect to pay between $5000 and $7000 for the entire treatment.

Trust Teeth Whitening Treatments

Stained teeth can make you conscious of your smile. Sadly, they are a lot more common than you think. Colas, wine, tobacco, and even starchy food items like potatoes and pasta can cause teeth staining. Now, you can’t give up on all those delicious items. But you can try teeth whitening.

Many people try DIY teeth whitening remedies like oil pulling, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. But these can do more harm than good to your teeth. Your best bet is to get a professional teeth whitening treatment at your local dentist’s office. The treatment will change your enamel’s intrinsic or extrinsic color without affecting it. It involves bleaching or laser whitening, which takes one to two hours per session.

Get a Nice Toothbrush

You might not pay attention to this, but the toothbrush you use can make a huge difference in your oral hygiene. It is essential that you find a brush with soft bristles. Stiff bristles will damage your gums and enamel. And they’re also more effective in removing plaque from your teeth.

If you can, buy an electric toothbrush. Although more expensive, they’ll do a better job of cleaning your teeth. Plus, you won’t have to brush as hard anymore because the electric toothbrush will take care of it.

You must also pay attention to the head size and the handle. Pick one that easily fits in your mouth and is easy to hold. Usually, people prefer a longer, angled handle and a smaller head. 

And, of course, look for the ADA seal of approval.

It is also important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn.

Use the Right Toothpaste

Like you pick the best nourishing conditioner for your hair, you’ll want to choose a good toothpaste for your teeth. But when it comes to selecting the right one, you can feel lost. Do you get the mint-flavored one or charcoal toothpaste? Is there a specific toothpaste that works better than the others? It all comes down to what your teeth need. If you have sensitive teeth, you’ll want toothpaste formulated specifically for sensitivity. If you don’t want to put a lot of chemicals in your mouth, herbal toothpaste with peppermint and spearmint oils should do.

A general rule of thumb here is to ensure your toothpaste has fluoride. Fluoride strengthens your enamel and protects you from tooth decay.

Drink Fluoridated Water

Fluoride helps you rebuild your weakened tooth enamel and can reverse early signs of tooth decay. If you’re losing too many minerals too fast from your enamel, fluoride can help you restore them. If you’re using fluoridated toothpaste, good start. But sometimes, your toothpaste can’t reach all the crevices of your teeth. This is where fluoridated water comes in. Fluoridated water has very low levels of fluoride, enough for it to bind with your enamel and make it strong. It’s like an elixir for your teeth.

Fluoride is found in many public water supplies nationwide, especially in Washington, D.C. In fact, 46% of the population receives fluoridated water. It’s safe to drink and good for your teeth. If you don’t have access to it, you can easily find fluoride supplements and mouthwash.

Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

Good oral hygiene is the foundation of healthy teeth and gums. It won’t matter how many toothpastes and oils you use if your oral hygiene is not up to the mark. Here’s what you should do:

• Brush your teeth twice a day, at least two minutes each time. Don’t rush it!
• Floss after brushing to remove the food particles between your teeth.
• Rinse with a mouthwash that’s specifically designed for oral health.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid sugary beverages and food. If you must have them, do it in moderation.
• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol if you can. These are two major enemies of healthy teeth and gums.

Final Thoughts

We all want to smile our brightest smiles and have healthy teeth and gums. Hopefully, these tips will help you do just that! As long as you maintain a regular oral hygiene routine and take care of your teeth and gums, you’ll be able to keep your smile for a long time. Don’t forget that regular visits to the dentist are also essential for a healthy mouth. If you have young children, you must help them establish good oral care habits early on so that they can reap the benefits for years to come.

If you need further advice on how you can take care of your teeth and gums, you should start looking for a cosmetic dentist in Tallahassee FL, or one near you so they can check your dental situation as soon as possible.

Happy brushing, folks! Now go get that beautiful smile! 🙂