Keeping clean is an important part of being healthy, but it also is how we try to improve our appearance.
If we are getting ready for a formal event or a small get together with our friends, we will clean up (take a shower) and put on clean clothes. Most of us will do a little grooming too, whether that’s shaving, putting on makeup, or fixing our hair.
Your smile may be a small part of who you are in terms of size, but it makes a big difference in your appearance. For that reason, you want your teeth to look as nice as they can look, too.
To accomplish this, you need to practice preventive care, and from time to time, some cosmetic improvements with teeth whitening can help, too.
If you live in or near Monroe, LA, Bayou Dental Group can help with both prevention and whitening.
Preventive Care
Our dentist and our staff know that preventive care is essential to keeping your mouth free from tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these problems start with bacteria that already live in your mouth.
Every day, these bacteria multiply. If they are allowed to grow, they will form plaque (which can turn into tartar), and the bacteria will eat into your teeth or cause your gums to become infected.
Tooth decay leads to cavities, which makes your teeth look worse. Gum disease can cause your gums to appear red and swollen and to bleed easily. This too is not a good look for your smile.
While we have the ability to treat both of those conditions, you and your mouth will be healthier if you can prevent them. That starts by removing as many bacteria as you can on a daily basis.
This is why the American Dental Association recommends three steps for basic preventive care.
- Brush your teeth twice every day
- Floss between your teeth every day
- Visit the dentist for routine cleanings and examinations.
When you brush, you should use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember to brush for two minutes each time, and scrub your teeth on all sides.
When you floss, it’s essential that you hug the floss around your teeth on both sides and that you clean below your gumline.
The recommendation for most people is to visit the dentist office at least twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations. However, if you have a chronic oral health issue, you may want to come more often.
These simple steps will help your teeth stay healthy and reduce your risk of cavities or periodontal problems.
Professional Whitening
Brushing and flossing are wonderful for the health of your teeth, but unfortunately, they can’t stop your teeth from becoming stained. Brushing and flossing can slow down the rate at which your teeth become yellower, but some change is inevitable.
Every coffee, soft drink, and tea that you drink leave behind small particles. The same is true for almost any food that you eat. Over time, these build up. Even if your teeth are perfectly healthy, they gradually will accumulate a yellow tint.
This is when teeth whitening can help, and professional teeth whitening is one of the many cosmetic services that we offer in our practice.
You’ve probably seen the myriad whitening products available in the toothpaste aisle of your favorite grocery and retail stores. Some of these products are certainly more effective than others, but none will provide you the same whitening benefits you will see with professional whitening products.
Professional products are only available at dentist’s offices, in part because they contain considerably higher concentrations of the whitening agent.
We use Zoom! Whitening at Bayou Dental Group because we have seen how effective it can be. In a single visit to our office, it could remove years of accumulated stains from your teeth.
Once you’ve had your teeth whitened, we can send you home with custom trays so you can maintain your whiter, brighter smile.
Be Healthy, Look Better
You smile is important to you. Helping you keep your smile is important to us.
This is why the staff at Bayou Dental Group strongly encourages you to practice preventive dental care. This includes your daily oral hygiene routine and regular visits to our dentist office in Monroe, LA, for cleanings and exams.
Once your teeth have been cleaned, we can take it one step further by removing stains with our professional teeth whitening.
When you make your next appointment, why not do both? You’ll feel better and your smile will look better, too. To plan your visit, call 318-323-9303 or fill out our online form.