"I want some veneers" .. says everybody & their mama! However, I'd encourage you to take care of and enhance your God - given smile, FIRST! Your natural teeth are always the strongest and best option for your smile and oral health; not the veneers & crowns you see on celebrities. Because the truth lies under those restorations, when you see the small pegs that used to be their larger, natural crowns.
Now, I'm not suggesting that no one should ever get veneers; if you don't like the size of your teeth, want to close a small gap or fix some minor crowding - I 100% recommend. I just want patients to value the beauty in their natural smiles and take care of them for as long as possible! Here are a few habits you may have, that you can change NOW to enhance your smile.
Don't Brush Too Hard!
Lighten up on that grip sis! I know some people equate brushing harder to a deeper cleaning but the reality is it can actually hurt your smile and remove healthy enamel (The white, hard outer layer of you tooth). Brushing too hard can also cause your gums to recede and result in hypersensitivity; making you think you "have a cavity" when you really are experiencing self inflicted sensitivity. Check your smile and see if they look similar to the images below! If so .. let's chat later, friend!
2. Start FLOSSING - E V E R Y D A Y.
Now this honestly should've been #1! I know that most of you brush at least once a day ...(I hope!). Yet flossing is definitely hard for patients to incorporate into their daily routine. Flossing is so very important, and I always compare it to taking a shower without cleaning your armpits or private areas - you're really not clean! The food that sits in between your teeth interacts with the bacteria that is naturally in your mouth & they throw a party & create a CAVITY. We don't want that! So be sure to FLOSS at least once per day, preferably at night, so food doesn't sit in those spaces while you sleep.
My favorite floss is Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Floss Mint!
3. Add New Products To Your Daily Routine
There are tons of dental products on the market that can enhance and protect your smile. I'd like you to consider adding a mouth wash (like Listerine TOTAL Care), or a whitening toothpaste to your daily dental routine! I'd even encourage you to consider investing in an electric toothbrush! I currently use the Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush, I'll link it below! You can also consider buying a water flosser, like a WaterPik, which does wondersss for your gum health! ,
I'll just start with those simple tips for now, hopefully this helps and encourages you to invest in your natural smile NOW rather than later! Trust me, it will pay off in the long run. Always remember, your oral health is extremely important and connected to your overall health. Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any questions below!