For Dr. Carol E. Follette DDS and her team, a big area of focus is helping patients get the smile of their dreams. As a leading cosmetic dentist serving Southern California, Dr. Follette’s expertise in this area is well-known. What might not be as widely known are the following five ways that you can personally contribute to a better smile.
Patience Pays Off
After a meal, or subsequent to drinking an acidic beverage like orange juice or coffee, many people brush their teeth in order to avoid staining. This is a smart move, but what most people don’t know is that waiting 30 – 60 minutes before brushing is better than picking up your toothbrush right away. It may sound strange, but the fact is that brushing immediately actually facilitates enamel erosion and can lead to dentin exposure, which make the teeth look more yellow.
Use a Straw
Straws are fun to drink with, especially if you’re a kid – and they’re also handy for keeping that scintillating smile of yours. When you drink through a straw and position it near the back of your mouth, you reduce the amount of time that the liquid is in contact with your teeth. The less time a beverage is in your mouth, the better your chances of avoiding stained teeth, cavities, and tooth decay. If you have environmental concerns, we recommend opting for a reusable straw rather than a plastic one.
Rinse With Water
Water offers our bodies countless benefits, and that includes our teeth. Water offers superb protection against enamel erosion and tooth decay, which is why it’s a great idea to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking – especially if the food/beverage is sugary or acidic. Moreover, rinsing/drinking water is a great way to keep your teeth from staining after you consume a colored beverage.
Brush The Right Way
Regular flossing and brushing is key for keeping teeth looking good – but if you’re not brushing the right way, a lot of your hard work will be undone. Proper brushing means keeping your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle when you’re brushing near your gum line. Maintaining this angle allows you to massage/clean your teeth and your gum line simultaneously. Also, don’t forget about the backside of your teeth. This is an area that’s oft overlooked but one that if ignored can see a buildup of plaque, tartar, and other decay-friendly substances. And of course, as weird as it may feel, be sure to brush your tongue. Doing so gets rid of the bacteria that causes bad breath and contributes to enamel erosion.
Choose “Teeth-Friendly” Foods
If you like to drink coffee and enjoy the occasional sugary treat, that’s ok – as long as you’re also getting a healthy dose of “teeth-friendly” foods. These include raw vegetables like celery and carrots, and fruits such as apples and pears. Not only are these foods healthy, they are also possess a firm, crisp texture that naturally cleans your teeth. Another food that falls into the category is popcorn, though it’s a good idea to rinse afterwards so that smaller particles don’t linger between your teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
Wherever you live in Southern California – Malibu, Marina Del Rey, or Pacific Palisades – trust Dr. Follette to take exceptional care of your mouth. A great smile depends on expert techniques, and our services include teeth whitening, laser periodontics, veneers, and more. Contact us today and make an appointment.