COSMETIC DENTISTRY & YOU: WHY IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE

A new smile can change everything. Many people have no idea how much their lives can change with a visit to the dentist. Many of us are displeased with the state of our smiles, whether it’s because of cosmetic or health reasons. For example, even if someone has perfect teeth, he or she may be holding back because of mouth discomfort caused by health habits and issues such as poor hygiene, cavities, tooth decay or gum disease. Poor hygiene can lead to a lot of problems within your mouth, and then lead to a lack of confidence regarding your smile. If you have poor hygiene, it’s extremely important to understand why you need to change those habits for the better today. Take a look at a few examples of poor hygiene and the problems in which these habits can result:

NOT BRUSHING OR FLOSSING DAILY

There’s a reason your dentist has always nagged you about the importance of flossing and brushing – these habits can change the way your body feels and functions.When you do not brush at least twice a day and floss at least once, your mouth is being packed with sugar, bacteria and all kinds of impurities just from the food you eat and your daily habits. Many people touch their mouth absentmindedly throughout the day. Bacteria from your hands gets into your mouth and though most of the time this does not affect your health seriously, poor hygiene habits can let all of that inside your mouth start to cause decay or other diseases. You need to brush and floss to remove impurities from your mouth on a regular, consistent basis. Not brushing or flossing daily also leads to tooth decay, which can lead to a huge array of health and cosmetic issues. Studies have shown that tooth decay can lead to heart disease, an increased risk for dementia, an increased risk of diabetes and increased time to conceive for women.

SMOKING

This one should be obvious. Smoking is a habit that causes health issues within all parts of the body, but especially the mouth, given its proximity to cigarettes. Smoking places all types of impurities inside your mouth, within your teeth and on your tongue, including cancer-causing carcinogens, manmade toxins and an array of decay-causing properties. Smoking is a horrible habit that can cause mouth cancer, throat and lung cancer, among other issues.

DRINKING SUGARY DRINKS OR EATING SUGAR FOODS HABITUALLY

This one should also be obvious. Sugar is the one of the number one properties that leads to tooth decay – and it can lead to tooth decay quickly. Don’t think that it’s something that’s going to happen later in life and put off changing your habits now. Drinking sugary drinks or eating sugary foods habitually eats away at your teeth as soon as you start the habit. Think weight gain and compare it to tooth decay. Fattening, sugary foods cause people to gain weight quickly – and they cause teeth to begin to decay just as quickly. This always depends on how intense a person’s habit is, but it doesn’t take much for sugar to add up. A daily 32-oz soda is enough to begin the process.

THE BENEFITS OF GOOD HYGIENE HABITS

Good hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day, can help ward off all sorts of unhealthy properties. Good hygiene habits ward off tooth decay, mouth and oral infections and bleeding gums – or gum disease itself. Some people are more prone to tooth issues than others, but smart hygiene habits, especially when started early, can save you time, money and a life of discomfort regarding your smile. There is something psychological about having unhealthy teeth that affects many people to shy away from smiling. For this reason, it’s good to see a dentist today to take care of any teeth issues – health or cosmetic – that you may have. Cosmetic dentistry is something that can change everything. You don’t want to start off 2015 with a lack of confidence. Visit your dentist as soon as possible and learn how a good hygiene routine, coupled with regular dental visits, can change your life.