A lot of potential lies in a beautiful smile. Just think about it. How good do you feel when someone behind the desk at a hotel greets you with a pair of pearly whites? How about how positive you feel when your new co-worker first greets you with a grin? People put a lot of time and effort into making their smile as dazzling as can be and that’s because the social benefits are almost too many to count. But just like there are many ways to encourage a healthy smile, so too are there quite a few ways to dampen it.

Learn how to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible by brushing up on the facts below.

Tooth And Gum Health In America

How are Americans faring when it comes to taking care of their teeth and gums? According to recent studies and government sponsored statistics, it could be a little better. It’s estimated one out of every five Americans have untreated cavities as we speak, with these rates much higher for Americans below the poverty line. People often wait three years or more before applying for a dental appointment, which leaves extra time for small problems to worsen. These can lead to some having to apply for an alternative root canal or temporary crown.

Periodontal Disease And Gingivitis

Shiny white teeth aren’t immediately indicative of a healthy mouth. You also need to take good care of your gums. This means scrubbing your gums every time you brush your teeth to stimulate blood flow and remove any bacteria sitting on the surface. Periodontal disease becomes more common with age and it’s estimated as many as 70% of adults over the age of 65 have some form of the condition. If you notice irregular bleeding or sensitivity whenever you brush, it’s possible you’re overdue for a check-up at the dentist.

Plaque And Stains

Why do your teeth become yellow or brown over time? There are a few answers for this. Plaque is the natural build-up that comes with eating, that of which can be gradually removed through regular brushing and flossing. Yellow stains are common in people who have a diet heavy in caffeine and sugar, while brown spots are more frequent for those that smoke or chew tobacco. When even rigorous brushing can’t put a dent in those frustrating spots, a teeth cleaning procedure or teeth whitening session can restore your teeth to their former splendor.

Dentures And Crowns

It’s not the end of the world if you lose a few teeth. In fact, the dental industry has never been better than it is now. An alternative root canal can be done more easily than ever before, providing you instantaneous relief from this debilitating and painful condition. The difference between an alternative root canal and regular procedure is how the damaged nerve is handled, with capping an increasingly popular choice for many. Over 15% of the edentulous population will request dentures be made every year. An alternative root canal is often done when a cavity gets too serious, impacting the sensitive nerve and requiring surgical procedures to reverse.

How To Keep Yourself Healthy

Now that you’re caught up on the ins and outs of plaque, dentures and gingivitis, it’s time to recommend some good habits. Dentists recommend you brush and floss every day or after every meal. Flossing is particularly important, as even the best brush is unable to reach in-between the cracks to remove bacteria or stuck food. Replace your brush every five to six months to ensure you’re using stiff enough bristles to break up plaque and seek out mouthwash to supplement your daily regimen. Teeth whitening can be done to improve your image, as well, and noticeable change can be seen in just a single session.

What potential lies in your smile? You need only seek it out with the aid of family dentistry.