One of my Instagram videos went viral, and because of that, I have had many comments and questions about my teeth. The funniest comments have been from people who are certain my teeth are veneers or they are convinced my teeth are dentures and look fake. The purpose of writing this blog is to publicly say, my teeth are 100% natural and my own.
And to those people who commented that they would like to know what I do to maintain such white teeth, please read on.
My dental routine has always been something I enjoyed spending the time doing because I love the feeling of clean teeth. I’ll share the steps I take to clean my teeth and what I do in between cleaning and how to keep them as white as possible. Take from this list what you like but remember consistency is key. Cleaning your teeth daily is a must!
First thing in the morning I scrap my tongue with this basic tongue scraper and then I brush to freshen up my mouth. After all meals I will floss, use a water pick then brush. I do this twice a day, at least.
Brushing your teeth regularly is a no-brainer, but we have to start with the basics. If you're not brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you're setting yourself up for some serious dental problems over time. My favorite toothpaste is by Hello and it is a charcoal toothpaste. It may take some time to get used to the charcoal color. It feels counterintuitive but it works to brighten and whiten teeth.
From time to time I will use Crest Whitening Strips. You have be sure to follow directions and not use them too long or too much as they can cause teeth and gum sensitivity. You might want to check with your dentist to make sure it is safe your your individual dental health. Using whitening strips is not a substitute for cleaning!
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. It's like a little massage for your gums. If you use a hard-bristled brush, you'll feel like you're scraping your teeth with a wire brush and could actually cut your gums. Ouch!
Consider using a soft toothbrush that is made out of recycled plastic which has less of an impact on the environment, reduces waste and is better for the environment. I like using bamboo toothbrushes. You could try toothbrushes with a replaceable head or ones made out of recycled plastic.
Next, floss daily. Yes, you might think it’s a pain, but it's worth it. Think of all the food particles and germs you're removing from between your teeth. Floss even the back molars. Every tooth counts! My go-to floss is Vegan Biodegradable Bamboo Charcoal Floss with a refillable stainless steel container.
The third step in my dental routine is using a water pick. It’s always amazing how much more food particles a water pick can remove, as well as plaque. This is a vital step not to be overlooked. Water picks are especially helpful to those who struggle using dental floss. Plus, water picks really help in reducing gum inflammation. There are cordless water picks which are great for traveling.
Use a mouthwash, too. It's like a minty fresh kiss for your mouth. Plus, it helps kill germs and freshens your breath. Just don't swallow it. Trust me.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks. This might be a tough one, but it's important for the health of your teeth. Sugar and acid can wreak havoc on your teeth, so try to limit your intake. The healthier your diet is, the stronger your teeth will be.
Talking about foods, did you know certain foods can stain your teeth over time? Coffee, black teas, red wine, foods with artificial coloring, even berries are some of the worst. If they will stain your clothes, they will stain your teeth. I like my coffee and tea and berries. Don’t get me wrong—I don’t NOT eat them because they might stain my teeth. What I do is rinse my mouth after I consume them. I rinse until the water I spit out is as clear as the water I put in my mouth. This might take a few rinses. Using a straw when drinking cold drinks like iced coffee or colas help to keep the teeth from getting stained, too.
Multiple times during the day I will rinse my mouth. Doing this throughout the day keeps my mouth feeling fresh. It’s not always possible to brush after every meal or after a snack, but rinsing with water throughout the day can help keep your mouth clean and fresh. I usually have my Yeti water bottle with me and some dental floss in my pocket. It feels so good to remove food stuck in between your teeth. You could even consider carrying a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash with you to make rinsing on-the-go easier.
Visiting the dentist regularly is important for maintaining good dental hygiene. The dentist can clean your teeth much better, check for cavities and gum disease, and offer advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. I aim to visit my dentist at least twice a year. No matter how well you think you clean your teeth, the dental hygienist can clean them better!
One frightening thought is the cost of having to replace damaged teeth, not to mention the physical pain it causes. Implants, dentures, filling cavities, bridges, veneers, etc., are very expensive, especially if you don’t have dental insurance. The complexity of the procedures, the materials used, and the location of the tooth add to the cost. This might be a motivator to keep your teeth clean!
In conclusion, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. By following these steps, you can establish a dental hygiene routine like I have, to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Remember to brush your teeth regularly, floss daily, use mouthwash, eat a healthy diet, and visit your dentist regularly. With these habits in place, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come!
Now hopefully, the misconception that I have veneers or dentures can be laid to rest. It's possible to have healthy white teeth for life with good healthy daily practices and hopefully what I've shared with you will help you, too, have healthy and sparkling white teeth.