Valentine’s day is almost here, which means that it’s time to start thinking about how you come across to romantic partners. According to one study conducted by the dental survey firm DentaVox, 68% of people have decided not to date someone because of an oral health problem.
If you don’t want your smile to keep you out of the dating game, here are some things you can do to ensure that your oral health is where it needs to be.
Dental Hygiene
First and foremost, a good smile starts with consistent dental hygiene. Without it, you put yourself at risk for gum disease, which can lead to inflamed gums and bad breath.
To prevent that, brushing twice a day and flossing daily to break up plaque deposits are important. You can also use whitening toothpaste when you brush to ensure that your teeth stay shining.
Finally, part of dental hygiene is seeing your dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings. Not only will this allow them to check you for any long-standing oral health problems, but it also gives them the ability to clean your teeth in places that you won’t ordinarily be able to reach.
Teeth Whitening
If you have a coffee habit or have had a few too many glasses of red wine, your teeth might be a little yellow. Teeth whitening can give you that before a big date—within a single appointment, your dentist can give you a smile up to eight shades whiter!
It’s worth noting, however, that most people experience a little bit of sensitivity in the days after their whitening procedure, so you might want to get it a week or so ahead of time if you want to enjoy a dinner date.
Direct Bonding
If your teeth have chips or cracks, your dentist can make use of a composite resin to fix those flaws in a process known as direct bonding. For some issues, your dentist could potentially even fix them within a single appointment.
With the help of your dentist, you can get a smile that you’ll be proud of, and that you’ll be happy to show off to a romantic partner.
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich is a dentist who loves nothing more than being able to work with her patients on building their perfect smiles. She makes use of her incredible knowledge of dentistry and a gentle touch to offer a level of care you won’t find anywhere else. Dr. Rich graduated from the University of Texas at Houston Dental School, and she accumulated plenty of experience in her field before opening her practice in 2007.
If you have any questions about how to get a smile worth showing off, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (281) 469-6281.