#howsyoursmile? Get the most out of your makeover with these healthy dental tips

This month, a nationwide campaign is raising awareness of good oral health; its message —‘Don’t let gum disease wipe the smile off your face’. A healthy mouth is key any successful smile makeover. Here, cosmetic dentist Rahul Doshi, of Perfect smile Studios, shares some insider knowledge…

Many people who lack confidence when they smile are often embarrassed about their teeth, especially as they are one of the first things others notice. In fact, did you know that a smile is the second most important attraction feature, after personality, and the most important body feature surveyed (including body shape, height, hair, face and eyes), according to the latest National Smile Month statistics1?

Interestingly, nearly half the population are unhappy with their teeth (48%) with discoloured teeth (64%) the main reason for being unhappy.

But, surely your smile is something you should be embarrassed about? In truth, it is often one of the quickest and easiest cosmetic procedures to have and if you feel confident about your smile, it makes for a much more confident you.

Every day, I see the amazing impact a beautiful smile has on a person’s life. My ultimate goal is to create natural-looking, healthy and long-lasting smiles for my patients that are based on a sound foundation.

This means that teeth should not only look good, feel comfortable and work to your satisfaction but they should also be healthy, as should the rest of your mouth.

Here, some guidance on how best to achieve a healthy smile…

The three most important things when preparing for a smile makeover

Any increase in frequency of sugar creates decay and there are hidden sugars in many foods — tomato soup, cereals and bread are real surprises and will have a poor impact on the health of your mouth. Sticking to good habits can be a challenge —especially with the busy lifestyles that many of us lead — but become an expert in reading food labels. Healthy eating — that includes leafy vegetables, whole grains and nuts — also wards off other diseases so it’s a win-win! Cut down on your alcohol intake and quit smoking, too!

What are the main risks to gum health that you encounter with patients?

• Inadequate or poor brushing
• Smoking
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes
• Certain medication

• Poor gum health
• Uncontrolled bite issues

Did you know?

• Gum disease (periodontitis) is a major public health problem affecting quality of life
• More than 45% of UK adults affected
• It has known links to other serious conditions
• Gum disease is preventable and treatable if caught early