5 Ways to Improve Your Smile Before Christmas
This time of year brings us closer together, and being closer together means that we want to look and feel our best. Having a picture-perfect smile is one way to look your best. But what if you’re worried that your smile won’t win you a kiss under the mistletoe? Don’t worry! Here are five small changes that can improve the appearance and wellness of your smile in time for the holidays.
1 . Invest in an electric toothbrush.
Clinical research suggests that electric toothbrushes are superior to manual toothbrushes in removing plaque. In addition, electric toothbrushes have features that protect against brushing too hard, which can cause gum recession. Although electric toothbrushes are an investment, they are intended to last for several years.
Choose a soft-bristled manual brush if an electric toothbrush is beyond your budget. Unfortunately, hard-bristled toothbrushes can be too hard on tooth enamel and the gums and lead to more damage.
2 . Make floss boss.
Just as important as brushing is flossing. If you are like the majority of Americans that do not floss regularly, it’s never too late to start. We recommend flossing at least once a day to keep bacteria, tartar, and tiny food particles from building up between the teeth and around the gumline.
Even though your gums may bleed or inflame when adjusting to this new habit, many people see improvements to their gingival tissue within a week or two. If spirals of string floss are not your preference, consider these alternatives:
- Water flossing
- Interdental brushes
- Dental picks
- Pre-threaded floss
3 . Book a professional cleaning.
Getting your teeth cleaned by a skilled dental hygienist is a great way to improve your smile in a short amount of time. A dental hygienist can use specialized tools and techniques to remove unsightly surface stains, plaque, and tartar from teeth.
Most oral health organizations and dental professionals recommend that most people professionally clean their teeth at least every six months. Regular cleanings and exams help prevent the development of dental decay, periodontal disease, and other health issues that stem from poor oral hygiene.
4 . Whiten and brighten teeth.
Over-the-counter teeth-whitening products can take a long time to deliver results and may cause tooth sensitivity. Chairside whitening can dramatically whiten smiles in a single session without causing excessive damage to your enamel (surface of the teeth).
5 . Deliberate dental bonding.
If you want to improve the look of your two front teeth (and other visible dental structures), consider dental bonding as a quick upgrade. Dentists apply dental bonding for minor cosmetic changes, including:
- Filling in gaps between teeth
- Repair chips and cracks
- Improve the appearance of deep staining
- Adding volume and length to smaller teeth
Two benefits of dental bonding are that this approach (1) requires little preparation, and (2) anesthesia is not usually necessary. For these reasons, this cosmetic dentistry technique can usually be completed in about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. As a bonus, dental bonding is typically less expensive than veneers and crowns.
Schedule an Appointment with a Salinas, CA Dentist
Dr. Russell Cureton is a caring, skilled dentist who provides preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. Get your smile ready for holiday pictures and kisses under the mistletoe by scheduling an appointment at our Salinas dental office. Call (831) 449-8363 or message us online to book your next treatment or procedure with our trusted team of oral health professionals.