Did you know that a child smiles approximately 400 times a day? Unfortunately, as we age, we can become embarrassed to even smile at all. This is because our teeth tend to lose their whiteness as we get older. We may even lose teeth all together, which can be particularly embarrassing and affect our self esteem. At worst, it can affect our social lives and prevent us from being successful in our careers. Fortunately, thanks to modern dentistry, there are thing we can do to maintain our smile and even fix it.
First, in order to maintain our teeth, it is important to regularly brush and floss. Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day, usually in the morning and before bed. Brushing uses thousands of bristles to clear gunk from our teeth. This can stop plaque from forming and can prevent or reverse gum disease. Unfortunately, brushing does not get to every space in our mouth, so flossing also needs to be done. While, today, we think of brushing and flossing as a regular part of our daily routine, it was not until after World War II that most Americans actually began brushing and flossing daily.
If you want to make your teeth whiter, there are many tooth whitening options. Some can be done at home, while more sophisticated and advanced procedures have to be done at a dentist office. Veneers are another popular option for people who want to whiten their teeth. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain which are placed over a tooth. The porcelain coating, makes the tooth appear whiter, while, at the same time, protecting the tooth from damage.
If you do lose teeth and wish to replace them, dental implant surgery may be the solution. Dental implants work by inserting a metal screw into the socket of the missing tooth. Over the next several weeks, the jawbone heals around the implant, gradually anchoring it, until it is firmly secure in the mouth. Next, a dentist will attach a porcelain crown on to the screw, thus, giving the appearance of a normal tooth.
If you are interested in any of the procedures mentioned, then the first step is speaking with a local dentist. If you need help finding a local dentist, consider looking online or searching in the yellow pages. Find more.