How many of you are like me and think a smile can be the sexiest thing on a human being? A smile can bring light to your face in a way no piece of fashion can – and I’m not just talking about your shiny white teeth. It is the least expensive accessory one can wear that never goes out of style. I remember growing up the first time I saw Janet Jackson’s smile on the TV show Fame, I fell in love with her instantly. To this day I think she has one of the most beautiful smile on the planet. A smile can dazzle and take your breath away in ways that words can’t, and can be used to express multiple different emotions.
Teeth, of course, are a key component of a great smile and it amazes me how many of us don’t have a healthy relationship with our dentist. A few years ago I was guilty of skipping regular dental checkups because I took for granted the very important role oral health plays on overall physical health. Our smile is usually the first thing we use to greet people upon first meeting them so its paramount that we take care of it.
When was the last time you visited the dentist? If your memory is hazy, you are like 50 percent of adults out there, 30 percent of which being us men. So why is it so tough to get into the dentist’s chair? Some of us because of finances, some because of neglect and others just out of fear of that dreaded dental drill. Regardless of your reasons, it is extremely important to make those regular visits, including the prevention and treatment of: tooth decay, trauma, early stage cancer, gum disease and diabetes to name a few. Some of the most common activities can contribute to poor oral health, and they are all avoidable and preventable.
Smoking
Nicotine and tar in cigarettes not only gives that very unattractive shade of yellow to teeth, but also degrades the gum line by allowing plaque and bacteria to build up which causes tooth loss. Additionally tobacco chemicals have been proven to help cause oral cancer.
Sodas
The phosphoric and nitric acid in sodas eats away at your tooth enamel and makes it more vulnerable to cavities. Naturally flavoured water is a much better alternative.
Sugar
It fuels bacteria and acidity. Your morning donut, sugar in your coffee and that extra dessert at dinner make your mouth ripe for acid production which breaks down your enamel and gums. Everything in moderation.
Coffee
If you are like me you can’t live without the java, but coffee stains the teeth and contributes to unattractive discoloration. Brushing or rinsing with mouthwash right after your morning cup helps prevent that.
Stress
Yup. Stress causes an increase in cortisol levels which is terrible for gums. When stress levels are high, oral care diminishes as brushing and flossing isn’t prioritized.
So many of us spend so much of our time working out to look our physical best and then turn around and neglect an asset that’s noticed every time we speak. Whether it’s the discoloration, gunk, plaque build up or bad breath, no matter how well dressed or physically fit you are, poor oral hygiene will leave those you come in contact with a negative impression.
The age old thing we were told as kids should be practiced as adults, brush your teeth after every meal. Flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash must also be included for optimum results. Go see your dentist and if you don’t have one, find one. You should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year, three times if you really want to stay on top of things.