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Studies have shown that a whopping 48% of individuals say that a person’s smile is the facial feature they are most likely to remember after meeting them for the first time. This suggests that your smile is both the first thing your Valentine’s Day date will notice and the first thing they will remember afterward. Here’s how you can make sure that your teeth look great for when you meet that special someone for a night on the town.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
The best way to address a problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Luckily, grocery stores and pharmacies have everything you need to practice excellent oral hygiene at home. A solid dental hygiene regimen includes:
- Brushing: Using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, gently polish each tooth with short, circular strokes to eliminate plaque and food debris on their surface. Do this at least twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Flossing: Dental floss is a crucial part of a proper oral hygiene regimen because it can remove plaque and food debris from the gaps between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Do this at least once a day, but it’s also a great idea to floss between meals.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Keep the bacterial populations in your mouth in check with mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association. This stuff will kill more than 99.9% of harmful bacteria.
Consider Teeth Whitening
If you find that you have some stubborn dental stains or discoloration that aren’t coming out as you practice proper oral hygiene, you might want to talk to your dentist about teeth whitening. While you can find whitening products at the store, your dentist can provide you with safe and effective cosmetic dental treatments that deliver superior results. Teeth whitening treatments come in two varieties:
- In-office procedures: If you want dazzling results as soon as possible, your dentist can provide you with a teeth whitening treatment at their office. After placing barriers in your mouth to protect your soft tissues, they will apply a few coats of whitening agent to your teeth. This can bleach out unsightly stains and have you enjoying a beautiful new smile with a single one-hour appointment.
- Take-home kits: Professional take-home teeth whitening kits from your dentist are superior to any similar products you can find at a pharmacy. These kits include professional-grade whitening gel and dental trays customized to fit your teeth. Just apply the gel to the trays and wear them over your teeth for an hour daily for two weeks to achieve a stunningly white smile!
While professional teeth whitening can make your teeth up to ten shades whiter, they can make your teeth rather sensitive for a few days afterward. Consulting with your dentist can determine if teeth whitening treatments are right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez earned her dental degree at the Columbia School of Dental Medicine and completed state-of-the-art training in dental implant placement at the University of Florida. She is now a proud member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in New York City, NY offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening treatments. For more information on teeth whitening, contact her office online or dial (646) 669-7407.