Proper Care for Your Teeth After Your Smile Makeover

The first time you see your new smile makeover can be life-changing. While it may seem like appearance is meaningless, the reality is that bad teeth can keep people from smiling. They can impact self-esteem and how comfortable you feel with people.

Getting a great smile is great, but you need to take a few steps to protect that smile. Following these steps can help you make your smile makeover last a lifetime.

Brush, Brush, Brush

Oral hygiene is the key to a great smile. This is true for your smile makeover, too. You want to be sure you are brushing at least two times a day. You want to brush in the morning and again at night. You may even want to add an additional brushing mid-day. Many people brush after lunch.

Speaking of brushing, it is not enough to brush your teeth, you have to brush them properly. You should be brushing for two minutes at a time. Get the front and back of your teeth and brush from all angles. Make sure and brush your tongue, as well.

Floss

We have seen some people say that flossing is not necessary. That is just not true. You should be flossing at least once a day. Flossing helps get food that could be trapped between your teeth. It can not only help protect your smile, but also keep your breath smelling better.

There is a technique to proper flossing. You want to floss between each of your teeth. You do not want to cut your gum, but you do want to gently curve the floss around your gum. That can help you get any residue by your gums.

Avoid Foods that Stain

If whitening was part of your smile makeover, you want to keep that look. Some foods are known to stain your teeth. Tea, coffee, red wines, sodas, curry, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, fruit juices, and more can stain your teeth. Ask your dentist for a list of foods you should avoid. If you do eat foods that can stain your teeth, use tooth-whitening toothpaste to counteract those effects. Avoid smoking! Not only is it terrible for your health, but it also yellows your teeth.

Visit Your Dentist

Finally, you should be seeing a dentist at least twice a year. One visit should be a cleaning and exam. The other should be an exam, cleaning, and x-rays. If you have any dental issues, your vet may recommend more regular visits. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for follow-up care.

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.