Our dental health plays a much bigger role in our everyday lives than you may think. Virtually everyone — 99.7% of Americans, in fact — believes a healthy, beautiful smile is one of the most important social assets one can have.
And if you think Americans spend a lot of money on hair and cosmetic products, it’s nothing compared to the $1.4 billion we spend on cosmetic dentistry procedures every year. There’s no denying that we value bright and attractive smiles more than ever.
Want your teeth to look and feel their best? Luckily, you can usually make your teeth appear whiter and brighter without paying thousands of dollars for cosmetic dental technologies. Here are three of the best tips you should keep in mind to help you maintain a set of teeth that is as bright and gleaming as a red-carpet smile:
White teeth aren’t always healthy teeth
The most important thing for you to remember is that whitening your teeth won’t necessarily make them healthier. In many cases, people with pearly-white teeth are actually covering up underlying dental health problems like tooth decay and periodontal disease. In addition to whitening your teeth, you should be maintaining good dental hygiene habits like brushing and flossing twice a day.
Brush smarter — not harder
Many people think that brushing their teeth vigorously will more effectively remove plaque and tartar — however, brushing too hard might be doing more harm than help, potentially scraping at your enamel and damaging your gums. A good solution to try is investing in an electric toothbrush that will do all the brushing for you at an effective speed and pressure.
Eat and drink wisely
It’s no secret that consuming coffee, cigarettes and red wine can cause stains and discoloration on your teeth. To make your teeth whiter and brighter, consider changing your dietary or lifestyle choices — and if you can’t quit your coffee habit, just be sure to enjoy it in moderation.
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