A bright, healthy smile is more than a sign of happiness–it reflects general wellness. So, this Valentine’s Day, take a moment to appreciate your one-of-a-kind smile.
Romance isn’t only about celebrating someone special in your life. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to focus on yourself, starting with your smile. The dentists at Asheville Dental share the love this season with their best tips for maintaining your pearly whites and long-term health.
Smiling releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin–those feel-good hormones that brighten your day and support your well-being.
Why Your Smile Is Your Superpower
Our smile is a big part of how we see ourselves. If you feel self-conscious about your teeth, you may hesitate to show it, which can impact your confidence and mood. The good news is that smiling can work wonders for your body and mind. Here’s how:
- Boost your confidence
- Enhance your mood
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower heart rate
Smiling releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin–those feel-good hormones that brighten your day and support your well-being. So, let your smile shine! It’s good for you in more ways than one.
Routine cleanings every six months are key to maintaining good oral health and a radiant smile.
5 Tips to Improve Your Smile
Achieving a healthy smile doesn’t happen overnight, but there are simple steps you can take to improve and maintain the appearance and health of your teeth. Here are five easy tips to get you started:
- Floss, floss, and floss! Flossing is essential for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. It removes plaque between your teeth and beneath the gumline–areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t skip this crucial step in your oral care routine!
- Schedule regular checkups. Routine cleanings every six months are key to maintaining good oral health and a radiant smile. Skipping appointments can increase your risk of periodontal disease. During these visits, your hygienist will remove stains and tartar and screen for conditions like high blood pressure and oral cancer.
- Put the nicotine down. This is a no-brainer. Smoking stains your teeth, damages your gums, and significantly increases your risk of oral cancer. Quitting will benefit your smile and overall health!
- Limit your coffee, tea, and red wine. These popular beverages are notorious for staining. To reduce staining, try drinking through a straw and rinsing your mouth with water afterward. This simple step can prevent dark liquids from lingering on your teeth between meals and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
- Buy a quality toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are clinically proven to remove more plaque and promote healthier gums compared to manual ones. They’re durable, with replaceable heads that keep your brushing routine effective for years!
It may take time before you notice changes in your smile from these small but powerful steps. However, they are worth the time and effort.
Form Good Habits for a Great Smile at Asheville Dental
The entire Asheville Dental team understands that a brilliant smile is the hallmark of a fabulous first impression.
If you have questions about keeping your smile healthy, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re accepting new patients and would love to help you improve your oral health!
