As summer approaches, the warm weather, blue skies, and blooming gardens usher-in the start of wedding season. Whether you’re attending a friend or family member’s wedding, or tying the knot yourself, we know you want to look and feel your best for the big day.
Since photos are a huge part of wedding-day festivities, it’s wise to ensure your smile is looking bright and healthy. Need to refresh your smile before saying “I do”? Here are five dental health tips to help you prepare for this wedding season.
#1 Practice Effective At-Home Care
Hopefully, you’re already brushing and flossing daily, but just in case you’ve lapsed, here’s a reminder to practice a consistent at-home care routine.
A thorough care routine includes:
- Brushing twice-a-day using fluoride-based toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Flossing at least once a day.
- Using mouthwash with fluoride to help strengthen teeth.
- Using any recommended dental appliances like retainers or nightguards.
Preventative care rids teeth of superficial stains, removes harmful bacteria, and helps prevent cavities and dental erosion. Practicing thorough oral hygiene should be part of your routine not only during wedding season, but all year round.
#2 Avoid Stains
While brushing your teeth daily certainly helps remove most stains, it’s still important to be mindful about your dietary and lifestyle habits in the weeks leading up to a wedding.
Stay away from consuming dark and highly pigmented beverages like coffee, red wine, and black tea. If you do indulge in these beverages, remember to rinse your mouth, or gently brush your teeth afterwards.
We also recommend limiting you use of alcohol and tobacco products in general. Excessive use of these substances can stain teeth, cause gum disease, and lead to dental erosion and other complications.
#3 Visit Your Dentist for a Routine Cleaning
It’s always wise to pay a visit to the dentist and have your teeth professionally cleaned before an important event. Your hygienist will be able to remove stubborn surface stains as well as built-up plaque and tartar, so your smile feels fresh and healthy on your big day.
Plus, visiting the dentist before traveling is a smart idea just in case you have any hidden cavities or lingering issues. This way, you can address any concerns before the festivities begin so you won’t need to contend with a toothache while you’re on your honeymoon.
#4 Have Your Teeth Professionally Whitened
If you’re hoping to dazzle everyone with your brilliant smile during photo ops, consider having your teeth professionally whitened. The professional whitening solutions offered at most dentist offices are more effective and nuanced than over-the-counter options.
One of the methods used by our practice starts with custom-fitted mouth trays made by your dentist. These trays are specifically designed to fit your mouth so you can avoid problems such as irritation of your gums, leaking tooth whitening gel, as well as not whitening as efficiently. A gentle hydrogen-peroxide gel-activated solution used sparingly, is only applied to the teeth whitening tray that comes in contact with the front surface of your teeth.
#5 Repair Any Dental Damage
There are plenty of ways to get the perfect smile that you’re looking for. Invest in a cosmetic procedure to reinvigorate your smile such as:
- Repairing of minor chips and cracks with dental bonding.
- Covering tooth loss or tooth damage with a veneer.
- Fitting of a partial denture to replace missing teeth.
Ensure you schedule any cosmetic procedures well in advance, so you have enough time to receive new appliances and acclimate to repairs.
Let Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry Prepare You for Your Next Big Event
At Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer top-notch care in a comfortable and professional setting. Our team of highly skilled dentists and hygienists are dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile through the latest restorative and cosmetic techniques. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment of professionalism and trust, and our state-of-the art offices offer the latest technology for a high standard of care.
Head into this wedding season feeling confident and beautiful when you smile. For general cleanings, cosmetic treatments, and more, contact Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your first appointment.