Smiles Leave a Lasting Impression

You only get one shot at making a first impression, and studies have shown that a person’s smile is one of the first traits to be noticed.  Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is the easiest and most effective way to get the best smile possible.  It seems a bit redundant to repeat the time-tested routine you’ve done since childhood (you know, brush your teeth twice a day, floss, visit your dentist regularly), but according to Carmen Schuller, D.D.S., from NYC, many people are going through the motions incorrectly.  The msnbc.com story, “Treat yourself to a total mouth makeover,” gives some great tips for effective dental care.

Andie Pearson, a dentist in Chicago, suggests flossing before you brush.  This way, you can dislodge food and plaque, and then brush it all away.  Speaking of brushing, some dentists recommend soft or even extra soft bristles to minimize harm to the gum tissue and protect enamel.  Also, while most believe an electric brush is the most effective, Dr. Pearson recommends a manual one, which offers more control.  Just be sure to replace it every three months.  Be selective about your toothpaste and use it sparingly, too.  You don’t need a ton, about a quarter of a teaspoon at most.  If you’re prone to cavities, pastes with added fluoride could help, and if you experience some sensitivity, you probably want to steer clear of whitening pastes.  When brushing, apply gentle pressure for three to five minutes, using a large circular motion.  Don’t forget to brush the back side of teeth as well, and rinse brushing by-products away with water, or a fluoride mouthwash for added protection.  Ideally, you’ll brush after every meal, although twice a day is acceptable.

One of the most important aspects of maintaining those pearly whites is visiting your dentist regularly.  Cleanings should be done about every six months, and even more if you’ve had regular bouts of gum inflammation.  If you’d like to boost the impact of your smiling even more, there are treatments available to really optimize this characteristic.  At Miami Dental Sedation Spa, a smile analysis takes into account the amount of teeth showing, their shape, shade, position, the smile arch, midline, and other determinants of beauty.  Together, this information is used to develop a treatment plan so that you can obtain the smile of your dreams.  A great smile has been known to increase self-image and esteem, allowing you to always put your best foot forward.