San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
A smile makeover can transform your teeth and gums and boost your confidence. Whether you have chipped or gapped teeth, cosmetic dentistry provides a simple solution for rejuvenating your smile. Deciding which treatments are right for you is one of the first big decisions you’ll make for your smile makeover, but also how you care for your smile afterward. A smile makeover often combines treatments and addresses multiple teeth, which can add up to be a significant expense. With that said, it’s understandable that you’d want to protect your new investment in your smile. So today on the blog, our Marin cosmetic dentists at Glen Park Dental share five little tricks to prolong the results of your smile makeover so you can smile confidently for years to come.
Practice good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the pinnacle of a healthy, attractive smile. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup and reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease. Even if your teeth are covered with porcelain restorations like crowns or veneers, you still should practice good oral hygiene daily. Whether you have naturally perfect teeth or you recently got a smile makeover, commit to good oral hygiene habits daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy and attractive.
Use the right oral care products
Using the right oral care products is essential, especially after a smile makeover. While porcelain restorations are pretty durable, using abrasive products or products containing harsh ingredients could degrade the porcelain sheen over time. Therefore, our top-rated cosmetic dentists in the Bay Area recommend adding non-abrasive toothpaste that contains fluoride and alcohol-free mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine. As far as floss, our dentists recommend choosing one that you will use. Floss is available in several varieties, from waxed to non-waxed string floss, floss tape, threaders, floss picks, and more expensive water flossers. Traditional string floss quickly gets the job done, but users sometimes report that string floss doesn’t glide between their teeth as quickly as floss tape, like Oral B Glide. For interproximal areas that easily trap food, consider investing in an affordable water flosser to blast away particles lodged between your teeth. However, our advice is to choose floss that is easiest for you to use.
See your dentist twice a year
The American Dental Association recommends seeing the dentist twice a year or once every six months. The purpose of these visits is to remove buildup from your teeth and around your gums that could otherwise lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Dental cleanings also help remove stains on your teeth and your porcelain restorations. Additionally, these twice-yearly visits allow the dentist to monitor any changes in your oral health. That way, problems can be addressed immediately, instead of ending up with a dental emergency that results in costly repairs.
Eat the right foods, and avoid the wrong ones
Ideally, you should eat a healthy diet consisting of lean meats, vegetables, and dairy, while limiting processed foods and foods containing sugar. Watch what you’re drinking, too. Sweetened beverages like juice and soda, as well as sports drinks, aren’t great for your teeth. In most cases, water provides plenty of hydration without risking damage to your oral health.
Stop using tobacco
Tobacco doesn’t do your smile any favors. It causes bad breath. It can lead to gum and jawbone recession and totally destroy your teeth and gums. The best cosmetic dentists in Oakland recommend kicking the habit and steering clear of tobacco in any form, even vaping.
Smile Makeover in Marin, Oakland, and the Bay Area
A smile makeover is an investment that is well worth it! Follow our advice to prolong your results to maintain an attractive smile for decades. If you’re wondering about the types of cosmetic dentistry treatments available in Oakland or are ready to book a consultation with an Oakland dentist office that offers smile makeovers, call Glen Park Dental at (415) 585-1500 or contact us online today.
