Not so long ago when we used to see celebrities and influencers with those perfect pearly smiles, we immediately thought about the expensive Hollywood smile. However, these days the price of cosmetic dentistry, like tooth whitening and orthodontics, has become far more affordable and accessible.
The benefits of a beautiful smile go beyond just physical appearance. Teeth are a sign of health and genetic quality – the better the teeth are, the healthier a person looks and feels. These days everyone wants whiter teeth and straighter teeth. However, while cosmetic dentistry for whiter and straighter teeth may boost your confidence, it is also important to keep it side by side with the health of your teeth.
A survey conducted by the Oral Health Foundation with Philips Sonicare in Britain found that 1 in 5 adults have undergone cosmetic dentistry, while 1 in 10 adults have had it in the last year alone. This is strengthened by the fact that 19% of the population say they are considering cosmetic dental procedure soon.
The survey also found that of the cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening came on top. Nearly 1 in 3 respondents want whiter teeth while 66% of the surveyed have actively considered it. The main concern the survey found was that cosmetic procedure to get whiter teeth is more important than the health of the teeth.
A white smile can also be a healthy one
By the above survey, the importance of attaining white teeth is more important than the health of the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance teeth, but it does not necessarily make them healthy. White teeth because of whitening procedures are still susceptible to tooth decay, and the gums are still prone to disease.
While having a pearly white smile can improve self-esteem, not taking care of them which might lead to teeth loss can have a detrimental effect. It is a well-known fact that gum disease is linked to bigger conditions such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and dementia. The health of your mouth is not only important for the state of your smile, but it is also incredibly influential for your quality of life.
Hence, it is very vital to have a balance between teeth whitening and having healthy teeth. You can have your teeth whitened but caring for your teeth to keep them healthy is equally if not more important.
How to keep a healthy smile?
So how do you achieve a healthy smile? It is actually quite simple. Healthy teeth and gums can be achieved by a good oral health routine at home and regularly visiting your dentist.
A good oral health routine only involves a few easy steps:
- Brush your teeth twice a day. This is best in the morning and the last time at night before sleeping.
- Floss your teeth daily.
- Use a sugar-free mouthwash daily.
- Chew sugar-free gum in between meals.
- Cut down sugar, this includes carbonated drinks, coffee, and beverages. If not possible, limit sugar intake only during mealtimes.
- Visit your dentist as recommended.
By sticking to this basic routine, you can achieve that healthy mouth. The next time you show off your white teeth, be confident that your teeth and gums are in tip-top condition too.
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