Thursday, January 13, 2011

Model Tips for a Beautiful, Healthy Smile


Having a healthy, attractive smile is very important for models, as it is for everyone. Think of all the things it is necessary for: speaking, eating, laughing, smiling, and kissing, just to name a few. Teeth, gums, and the bones of the mouth and jaw provide attractive structure to the lower part of the face.  Healthy teeth and gums, and fresh breath, play into your social life, your health, and your confidence. A healthy mouth can both reflect and affect your overall health.
How do models keep their smiles looking so perfect?

Let’s review the basics of good oral hygiene:

Brush your teeth daily.
Ideally, you should brush your teeth after each meal; however, brushing twice per day is sufficient for good oral health. Just minutes after eating,
plaque begins to form on the teeth. And 24 to 36 hours after that, the plaque hardens to form tartar, which can only be removed with a professional cleaning. Brush for two to three minutes using a gentle, circular motion on every surface of your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. No matter how tired you are, always brush your teeth before you go to bed. Replace your toothbrush every three months.

Use an electric toothbrush.
Electric, rechargeable toothbrushes remove substantially more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. Yes, they can be expensive: expect to pay between $70 and $200 depending on the make and model. It is an investment that will pay for itself, though, by preventing tooth decay, keeping gums healthy, and keeping teeth white.
Oral B and Phillips both have good, dentist-recommended options. We like Oral B Sonic Complete.

Floss.
You should floss your teeth at least once per day. If you don’t floss, you miss out on cleaning one-third of each tooth! If you have braces or have trouble getting floss between teeth,
try a product like floss threaders. “Only floss the teeth you want to keep.”

Clean your tongue.
For fresh breath, and maximum bacteria removal, be sure to also clean your tongue. You can use a regular toothbrush, or a
tongue scraper, for this.

Use mouthwash.
After brushing, flossing, and cleaning your tongue, rinse your mouth with anti-microbial mouthwash. Using mouthwash helps to prevent gingivitis. And using a mouthwash with fluoride, in addition to brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, helps to prevent cavities more than just brushing alone. We like Fluoride Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash.


Visit the dentist regularly.
You need to visit the dentist on a regular basis for thorough cleanings and check-ups. A dentist can spot problems that you can’t and it is important to deal with tooth or gum problems early, before they develop into more painful, complicated dental problems. For most people visiting the dentist every six months is recommended — your dentist may advise you to visit more or less often depending on your individual dental needs.


Eat a healthy diet.
Having a healthy diet is crucial to having a healthy mouth. Be sure to get enough Calcium and Vitamin D in your diet, both of which help to build and maintain strong teeth and bones in the face. Vitamin C is important, too. Cut out or limit sugary foods or drinks such as soda/pop, fruit juices with added sugar, and candy, especially when you won’t be brushing your teeth immediately afterwards. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks contribute to cavity formation and tooth decay. Limit between-meal snacks and beverages.


Don’t smoke.
Stained teeth. Bad breath. Infected gums. Oral cancer. Sound like fun? We didn’t think so. Quit smoking. Now.


Consider whitening.If you keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy and clean but are unsatisfied with the colour of your teeth, you may want to consider tooth whitening. Models’ careers are often benefited by this quick dental investment and your smile’s appearance can benefit, too. Teeth can become stained by certain foods and beverages, or simply with age. We recommend speaking with your dentist about whether you are a good candidate for tooth whitening and which methods to consider. Keep in mind that bleaching can cause temporary tooth sensitivity and irritation of the gums. Long term effects of whitening teeth are unknown, so proceed with caution.

If you need braces, get them.
Most models have had braces. If they haven’t yet had them when they land an agency and need them, you can bet they will get them before their career is launched. Having straight, properly aligned teeth is important for having confidence in your smile and overall appearance in general. Ask your dentist if
orthodontics are right for you.

Cosmetic dentistry.If you follow all of the above advice, and are still unhappy with the appearance of your smile (and have the money to spare) speak to your dentist about what cosmetic dentistry procedures might be best suitable for you. Do your research and consider getting a second opinion before making any major decisions about permanent modifications to your teeth and gums.

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