As the most romantic commercial holiday of the year approaches, 55% of Americans plan to spend it wooing or otherwise celebrate it with loved ones or potential romantic connections. Over $18 billion is expected to be spent nationwide with 190 million greeting cards and countless kisses marking the day. Of course, if your smile isn’t up to par, or even worse your teeth are grungy, good luck getting struck by cupid’s arrow. Fortunately, your Johns Creek Dentist is on the case. But what are some simple but effective ways you can ensure your smile is ready for Valentine’s Day?
Improve Your Home Dental Habits
Proper dental care begins at home. Brushing twice a day is essential for cleaning your teeth and gums while minimizing plaque and decay-causing bacteria. But brushing alone is not enough. Flossing at least once a day is also important to remove food and bacteria between teeth. Using mouth rinse between meals and brushing can go a long way towards reducing your risks of cavities and gum disease while keeping your mouth kissable fresh.
Cut the Vices
Smoking rates have declined over the past decade while alcohol usage has soared for millennials. Nonetheless, together, smoking and alcohol hold first and second place, respectively, as the top causes of oral cancer. Even if you’re fortunate not to contract the disease, both vices can lead to a number of other health and dental concerns, including gum disease, decay, tooth loss, serious tooth staining, organ damage, and premature aging. If you really want an award-winning smile for your Valentine, quit the vices. But if you can’t quit cold-turkey, at least slow down drastically. Your date and future love life will thank you.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Water feeds every cell in the body and is essential for optimal health during each life stage. Water is also helpful for reducing dental issues and improving your smile. Sugary or acidic beverages such as concentrated juices, soft drinks, coffee, and alcohol can weaken enamel, encourage decay-causing bacteria, and actually dehydrate the body. That can lead to even more serious conditions such as gum recession and gum disease. Drink plenty of water to offset potential dehydration, improve your breath, and rinse away extra bacteria between brushings. And since water also helps hydrate and plump your lips, they’ll be kiss-worthy just in time for the special day.
Whiten and Brighten
Approximately 80% of American adults want whiter teeth and that’s reflected in the almost $1.5 billion in store-bought whitening kits purchased annually. A lifetime, or even months, of specific food choices, sugar addiction, or engaging in the wrong vices can lead to serious stains and dull enamel. The good news is that even stubborn dullness and stains can be bleached and brightened. However, while store kits do work to a point, they likely won’t deliver the results you expect in the time frame you want. But professional teeth whitening treatment can. Store kits average a bleaching concentration of 5-6% peroxide while professional options begin at twice that amount and can be quite higher depending on the patient’s needs and desires. That means a professional teeth whitening treatment can provide quicker and more effective results. In fact, you can see dramatic results in as little as one visit. Call your Johns Creek Dentist when you’re ready to get the smile you want and deserve for Valentine’s Day.