Taking Care Of Your Smile In Georgia

A smile is one of the easiest ways to put others at ease and let them know you appreciate their presence. Not only does a smile work wonders for those around you, but it also has positive health benefits for you as well. When you make smiling a habit, you'll notice many significant differences in your life. If you need to work on your smile because you have discolored, stained, crooked, or missing teeth, then call our Georgia office and we can help you.

Improving Your Social Life  

When you smile, your brain releases hormones called endorphins which are natural antidepressants. They reduce anxiety, can alleviate some of your stress, increase feelings of happiness, and help you relax. When you experience all these positive emotions, you'll have a more positive outlook and those around you will benefit also.

Boosting Your Immune System

Another benefit of smiling involves your immune system. Although we don't normally correlate smiling with warding off disease, it can do exactly that. Research has confirmed that smiling increases the production of leukocytes, which are white blood cells that your immune system makes to keep you healthy. When you have a healthy immune system, your overall body will be healthier and you'll reduce the likelihood of developing illness and disease.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy

When you maintain a healthy smile, you'll increase your self-confidence and your outlook on life. Many of the habits that encourage a healthy smile are probably already in your daily routine. However, the following list may help you add some.

1. Brush at least twice daily to eliminate bacteria and food particles in your mouth. Ideally, you should brush and floss after each meal and snack. If this isn't an option, then rinse your mouth well with plain water.
   
   After you eat and drink, bacteria and food particles remain in your mouth unless you remove them by brushing and flossing. Then, they start the process of gum disease and tooth decay. However, brushing and flossing will remove the culprits and minimize the likelihood of decay and gum disease. When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular strokes. Use good-quality toothpaste and brush each quadrant for at least 30 seconds.
   
   Your mouth is divided into four quadrants: The upper right outside and inside, the upper left outside and inside, the lower right inside and outside, and the lower left inside and outside. Your brushing routine should take at least two minutes each time you brush. One of your brushing routines should be just before bedtime and don't eat anything after you brush.
2. Be sure to floss at least once daily, ideally after each meal or snack. It doesn't matter whether you floss before or after brushing as long as you floss. If brushing and flossing after each meal or snack isn't possible, rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water. You should floss just before bedtime and don't eat anything afterward. Otherwise, bacteria and food particles will remain in your mouth overnight and begin to attack your tooth enamel. This starts the process of decay and gum disease.
   
   Many types of dental floss are available and the type you use doesn't matter; it's a personal preference. Traditional dental floss, waxed, unwaxed, a floss pick, or a flosser are all equally effective as long as you use them.
3. Many types of mouthwash are available and it works best when you use an antibacterial mouthwash at least daily. Using it before bedtime can eliminate any residual bacteria that may lurk on your tongue after brushing and flossing. Using it in the morning can eliminate any morning-mouth residue and helps you to start your day with the cleanest mouth and the most beautiful smile possible. Whether you prefer non-alcoholic, traditional mouthwash, or fluoridated doesn't matter, just be sure to use it at least once daily.
   
   All your dental products should carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, which ensures you're using a quality product. There are pros and cons to the use of fluoride, so ask your dentist and your doctor about using it, and do your own research. Ultimately, it's a personal choice.
4. Eat a healthy, low-sugar nutritional diet that contains fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Rather than snacking on sweets and chips, consider snacking on nuts or raw vegetables.
5. Sugary, acidic drinks such as soda and energy drinks can erode your tooth enamel and promote decay, so consider plain or unflavored carbonated water.
6. If you use tobacco products, stop. Using any form of tobacco products can cause cancer, tooth discoloration, gingivitis, and halitosis. Several types of cancer are asymptomatic, and you won't know you have it until it has spread. Many programs and products are available to break the nicotine habit, so ask your doctor or dentist for help and suggestions.
7. Schedule a regular dental exam and teeth cleaning at least once each year. Semi-annually are better if it's at all feasible. Your dentist can spot anomalies you might have missed even if you have an excellent oral hygiene regimen. Your dentist can also provide tips on preventative care and better oral hygiene so that you can have the best smile possible.

 If it's time for your regular exam and cleaning, call our Georgia office to schedule an appointment. If you have questions, we'll be happy to answer them.

Bolstering Your Self-Confidence  

Taking care of your teeth is one of the easiest ways to maintain your beautiful smile and boost your self-confidence.

Keeping A Beautiful Smile

If you want help maintaining your beautiful smile, call Dental One Associates of Georgia at , and let us help you. We'll answer all your questions and schedule an appointment.

Call Us

We're among the best in the area for good dental care, and we're sure you'll be happy with your experience.

Call us today. We look forward to working with you!