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The Smile of Your Dreams Begins with Healthy Habits

Getting by with the bare minimum when it comes to oral health doesn’t guarantee your teeth will last a lifetime.
By D Partner Studio |
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There is a direct connection between the health of your gums and a beautiful smile. Just because you brush your teeth twice a day and floss whenever you remember doesn’t mean your teeth and gums are in great shape. Getting by with the bare minimum when it comes to oral health doesn’t guarantee your teeth will last a lifetime, either. “This is something most people think they have been doing correctly since they were kids, which is why they are surprised to learn they have gum disease or need bone grafts as adults,” says Dr. Mark Sowell. “Improper or infrequent brushing and flossing and overall poor oral health habits can contribute to the loss of your teeth’s enamel and bone and lead to gum disease. Good oral hygiene can also contribute to your overall health, as there is a proven link between your mouth’s health and chronic disease.”

The relationship between gum health and an attractive smile

According to Dr. Sowell, the lips are like the borders of a picture. The gum is the matting of that picture, and the teeth are the subject of the picture. The teeth should be centered in the space between the lips with the edges following the arches of the lower lip. If the gums show in the smile, they create the outline or framing of the teeth. If there are irregularities or asymmetry, they make the teeth look asymmetric (uneven/different sizes.)

There is a direct connection between the health of your gums and a beautiful smile.

Often, people will assume porcelain veneers can fix any asymmetry in their smile. It’s possible, but not guaranteed. “When gums are healthy, they shrink. When they are infected, they swell,” Dr. Sowell says. “Swollen, infected gums can indicate the bone is being destroyed by bacteria underneath the gum. And when gum disease is treated, the gum between the teeth and soft tissue can shrink, resulting in a black hole between the teeth, which is not aesthetically pleasing.” If the bone under the gum is destroyed in one area and not in another, the smile matting can make teeth look different sizes, and the teeth appear asymmetric. Porcelain veneers can be used to close these gaps or black holes. However, if the gums are unhealthy when the veneers are placed, they will continue to shrink and create more black holes between the teeth. “The moral of this story is the gum health must be present before you start with porcelain veneers.” Dr. Sowell says. “No matter how beautiful the shape or color of veneers or natural teeth, your smile will look disproportioned or uneven if the gums are not healthy and will compromise the natural beauty of your smile.”

In addition to regular dental check-ups, you can greatly contribute to the health of your teeth and gums at home. “Bacteria accumulates between the teeth and gum line, so when you clean your teeth, don’t neglect this area,” Dr. Sowell says. “We are trained to clean cheek-side, for the most part. Through the years, people have heard hundreds of variations on how to clean their teeth, but if you focus on the area between the teeth and gums, you have the best chance of ridding your mouth of dangerous bacteria. The connection between your oral health and your overall health is stronger than you may realize.”

If you are ready to achieve the head-turning smile of your dreams, consult with Mark Sowell, D.D.S., M.A.G.D., A.A.C.D. with Sensational Smiles in Plano. For nearly three decades, Dr. Sowell has been the name to know when it comes to comprehensive modern dental care. He is one of 50 dentists worldwide to have achieved mastership status from The Academy of General Dentistry and to earn accredited membership with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has been named among the Best Dentists in Dallas in D Magazine, a Super Dentist by Texas Monthly, and a Best Dentist in America by Woodward/White. He is a visiting faculty member of Spear Education and has achieved success through a lifetime of continuous learning and teaching.

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