Do you avoid smiling when getting your picture taken because you’re self-conscious of your teeth?
Yellow or poorly maintained teeth can affect your social interactions and lower your self esteem. A bright smile usually mainly depends on good oral health. Rediscover the pleasure of flashing a toothy smile with these five effective and honest solutions!

1. How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly

Having white teeth is not as difficult of a feat to achieve as you think it is! From an early age, we are told to brush our teeth daily, and rightly so: this simple habit eliminates the film of bacteria, in other words, the plaque that coats our teeth. When you don’t brush your teeth, plaque turns into tartar and consequently discolours your teeth and promotes cavities. This is why dentists recommend brushing your teeth and tongue two to three times a day for at least three minutes.

2. Flossing : A Must

Plaque build-up must be removed on a daily basis since it might be the source of your dental issues. To effectively fight the first sign of tartar and residue on teeth, brushing them is not enough, they must also be flossed regularly. It’s not only about choosing dental floss that you like, it’s about knowing how to use it correctly. For optimal cleaning, you should slide the floss between your teeth and floss in a semicircle motion under the gum. Remember to clean both sides of each tooth, even the molars. If you notice that your gums are bleeding, consult a dentist.

3. Use Fluorinated Dental Products

Fluoride is an ingredient found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. It has been used since the 1940s for oral health purposes and is very effective in fighting cavities. Fluoride attacks bacteria that accumulate on your teeth and protects them by making them more resistant. This is why fluorinated dental products are often used in dental clinics. Furthermore, fluoride also helps reduce the amount of acid in the mouth and thus prevent dental erosion.

4. A Well-Balanced Diet

Apart from applying these small changes to your dental habits, a healthy diet can only be conducive to a beautiful smile. The main ingredient to avoid is obviously sugar. Any dentist can confirm that sugar is extremely harmful to teeth. High sugar consumption, both in soft drinks and
candy, affects tooth enamel and promotes tooth decay. Instead, opt for more vegetables, fruit and nuts! Drastically cutting sugar out of your diet is a challenge. For those who cannot do without it, it is
recommended to eat your favourite sweets at the end of a meal. Your mouth produces saliva when you’re eating which helps keep your teeth clean and prevent cavities.

5. Consult an Experienced Dentist

Don’t wait for a dental emergency to make an appointment with a dentist at your dental clinic. Plan a visit at least once a year, ideally every six months for good oral health. Learn more about tooth whitening for a healthier and whiter smile!

At DentisteALaval.com, our dentists will take care of you and offer services that meet your needs. Our dental clinic in Laval offers various dental services to improve the look of your teeth and to enhance your smile.