Simple, purse-friendly ways to get a more attractive smile in 2019
As the dust settles on the festive period, many of us will be making resolutions for the year ahead. While most tend to try and up their intake of greens and hours in the gym, there’s a lot to be said for making an effort to keep your smile in check. As surveys reveal that the majority of us consider our smile out most important feature, here are some simple, affordable ways to achieve a more attractive smile in 2019.
The best way to brighten up your smile and keep dental disease at bay is to adopt and stick to a daily oral hygiene regime. This should feature two two-minute cleaning sessions and daily flossing. When brushing, take care to cover every individual tooth, and reach right into the corners of the mouth. Electric toothbrushes are proven to be more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes, and they are available from around £15. Flossing is often neglected, but it plays an important role in promoting good oral hygiene, as it targets areas that cannot be cleaned with a brush, including the gaps between the teeth.
Diet also plays a crucial part in oral health, and after the indulgence of the Christmas holiday, it’s good to get back into the swing of healthy eating and moderate your intake of sugary foods. Try and eat a varied diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and foods rich in fibre and nutrients, and ensure sweets, cakes, biscuits and chocolate bars are treats, rather than a staple part of your diet. It’s also wise to keep an eye on what you drink. Flavoured coffees, smoothies, juices and fizzy drinks often contain a vast amount of sugar.
Another brilliant resolution to make for the New Year is to see your dentist more frequently. If you tend to reach for the phone only when you have toothache or swollen gums, make it your mission to attend 6-12 monthly check-ups. Regular appointments reduce the risk of dental decay and gum disease, and they can also keep your smile looking great and minimise the risk of problems like symptoms of oral cancer being spotted at an advanced stage.
