You may have experienced the feeling of wanting to smile but holding it back due to an insecurity about how your teeth look. Poor oral health can make it harder for people to fully express themselves since showing unhealthy teeth can feel embarrassing or shameful. Fortunately, there are many approaches you can take if you want to improve the health of your mouth and feel more confident about your smile. Here are a few examples for you to consider.
Rethink Your Diet
What you eat is closely related to the health of your teeth and gums. Your mouth is home to many different kinds of bacteria and some types of foods can cause these bacteria to multiply and start damaging your teeth. In particular, foods that are high in sugar and acid can wear down the protective enamel of your teeth, eventually leading to greater sensitivity, cavities, or abscesses. Reduce your intake of these harmful foods and you will decrease your risk of dental complications.
Visit Your Dentist
The professional opinion of your own dentist should be the first you seek out. Talk to them about your particular problems and listen to their suggestions. They may want to discuss treatment or cosmetic dentistry depending on your situation. Be honest about whether a tooth is causing you pain as being able to deal with it early could save you more discomfort in the long run.
Dental Implants
Some people prefer to completely forego the trouble of maintaining painful teeth and instead choose dental implants. These are artificial teeth that are professionally implanted so that they resemble real teeth and can be used in the same way. There are different kinds of implants, such as All-On-4 dental implants, so make sure to find out which kind is right for you. While dental implants do still require maintenance and care, they won’t cause discomfort or pain in the same way that real teeth can. If you choose this option, you will be instructed on how to keep your implants clean.
Orthodontics
Having uneven teeth can make it much more difficult to effectively clean them. Overlapping teeth are particularly difficult since they can easily trap food in places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush or floss. An orthodontist can help you discover the best ways to straighten your teeth, depending on your budget, age, and preference.
Choose Better Brushing Products
It is important to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for maximum cleanliness says this professional dentist in Henderson NV. Whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that wear down your tooth enamel to expose the whiteness underneath, which can eventually cause sensitivity. Harder bristles on your toothbrush can cause damage over time, so choose softer ones if possible.
It is perfectly normal to have something about your appearance that you aren’t fully confident about. However, if your teeth are in such a state of poor health that you feel unwilling to show them when you smile, this is a good sign that it’s time to do something about it.