Taking Care Of Your Smile In Maryland

Your smile is one of your greatest assets so it's important to maintain it in top form. A beautiful smile that's used often can make you seem more approachable and can bolster your self-confidence and self-esteem. However, lifestyle habits can take their toll on your smile, so if yours seems more lackluster than dazzling, then call our Maryland office for an appointment and we'll get to work on improving your smile so that it's the best it can be.

Improving Your Social Life  

When you smile often, you project the image that you're a happy person whose life is going well and that you enjoy your life. You'll seem more approachable to those around you, so your social life will improve and you'll probably increase the number of your friends. Smiling releases hormones called endorphins, which are often referred to as natural antidepressants. They reduce negative feelings and release positive feelings such as relaxation and happiness. You'll find you have a more positive outlook and even a bad day won't seem as bad.

Boosting Your Immune System

Research has proven that smiling promotes production of leukocytes, which are the white blood cells that comprise part of your immune system. Your immune system helps your body fight disease and infection, so when your immune system is healthier, your body will be healthier. You'll also have more energy.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy

Taking care of your smile is relatively simple and the routine probably includes things you already do. Others may require a slight modification of your lifestyle but the results will be worth any extra effort required. Great ways to take care of your smile include:

1. Brush at least twice each day. Once in the morning and once in the evening will remove bacteria and food particles that have accumulated during the day and make your mouth as clean as possible. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush each quadrant for at least 30 seconds. Your mouth has four quadrants – upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left – so your entire brushing routine should take at least two full minutes. Ideally, you should brush and floss after each meal and snack if at all possible.
2. Be sure you floss at least once daily. If you can both brush and floss after each meal or snack, it will keep your smile in the best shape. Whether you floss before or after brushing doesn't matter as long as you floss. If brushing and flossing after a meal or snack isn't possible, thoroughly rinse your mouth with plain water. To ensure that you've removed the maximum amount of food particles, floss just before bedtime, and don't eat anything afterward.
   
   Dental floss comes in many types and flavors. The type you use doesn't matter; it's a personal preference. Traditional dental floss, waxed, unwaxed, a floss pick, or a flosser are all equally effective as long as you use them.
3. Antibacterial mouthwash is a big boost to keeping your smile beautiful because it removes bacteria that brushing and flossing missed. It works best when you use it twice daily. Using it before bedtime can eliminate any residual bacteria that may lurk on your tongue after brushing and flossing. Using it in the morning can eliminate any morning-mouth residue and helps you to start your day with the cleanest mouth and the most beautiful smile possible. Traditional mouthwash, non-alcoholic, or fluoridated doesn't matter, just be sure to use it daily.
   
   Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on all your dental products, it's your assurance of quality. There are pros and cons to the use of fluoride, so ask your dentist and your doctor about using it, and do your own research. Ultimately, it's a personal choice.
4. Make sure your diet contains fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and stay hydrated. Rather than snacking on sweets and chips, consider snacking on nuts or raw vegetables.
5. Good hydration keeps your teeth healthy because it increases your saliva which helps reduce the bacteria in your mouth. Although sugary, acidic drinks such as soda and energy drinks are more appealing than plain water, they can erode your tooth enamel and promote decay, so consider plain or unflavored carbonated water.
6. If you use any type of tobacco products, stop. Using tobacco products in any form can cause bad breath, cancer, tooth discoloration, and gingivitis. Several types of cancer are asymptomatic and you won't know you have it until it has spread. Many programs and products are available to break the nicotine habit, so ask your doctor or dentist for help and suggestions.
7. Schedule a regular teeth cleaning and dental exam at least once each year. Twice yearly is preferable if possible. Even with the best oral hygiene regimen, things can happen and some cancers have no symptoms, and by the time you notice them, they'll have spread. However, your dentist can spot an anomaly you might have missed so a dental exam is vital to maintaining your healthy smile. Your dentist can also provide tips on preventative care and better oral hygiene so that you can have the best smile possible.

 If you need an exam and teeth cleaning, then call our Maryland office to schedule an appointment. If you have questions, we'll be happy to answer them.

Bolstering Your Self-Confidence  

Your smile will project self-confidence to the world and it will project to your brain that it should release endorphins, so smile often. It will make you feel better about yourself and others may feel better about themselves when they see you smiling.

Keeping A Beautiful Smile

Maintaining your healthy, beautiful smile and detecting any problems early is the best way to improve your smile and your outlook on life. If you're unhappy with any aspect of your smile, your Maryland dentist can offer suggestions for a smile makeover.

Call Us

If you want to take care of your smile or want suggestions for improvement, then call Dental One Associates of Maryland at , and we can help you. We're among the best in the Maryland area, so call us today.

We look forward to speaking with you.