When was the last time you had your teeth whitened by a dentist? While many Americans choose to use over-the-counter whitening products, on which they spend $1.4 billion every year, others choose to have their teeth whitened by a dentist. A recent survey showed that 82.5% of the individuals that had their teeth professionally whitened noticed a significant difference.
Is your smile big and bright when you have your picture taken or do you feel a need to conceal your teeth?
A dental survey showed that 32% are “concerned by the look of their teeth,” and 18% conceal their teeth when having their photo taken.
If it’s been a while since you visited the dentist for teeth whitening, you may be past due for a regular check-up. On average, people wait 3 years between appointments, and this is more than enough time for a variety of dental issues to arise.
It’s been found, for example, that a minimum of 1 in 5 individuals has at least 1 untreated cavity. Furthermore, 74% of Americans have some level of periodontal disease. These and other issues can be identified and treated during regular dental check-ups.
There’s more to good oral hygiene than brushing after eating, snacking, and drinking beverages. It’s also important to replace your toothbrushes every few months or as directed by your dentist. A dental survey showed that 75% of the participants claimed they didn’t replace their toothbrushes as recommended.
Flossing is also an integral part of good oral hygiene. However, the dental survey found that just 22% of people are doing so daily.
A survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry discovered that 99.7% of the participants believed having a healthy smile was important socially. It was also found that 74% of the adult participants believed that a person’s career success could be impacted by an unattractive smile.
When you go in for your next teeth whitening appointment, your dentist will address any other issues that may have arisen since your last visit. If you’re practicing good oral hygiene, and there are no signs of cavities or periodontal disease, then that will give you a reason to smile big and bright.
