Did you know that only 50% of Americans say that they floss on a daily basis? This is a problem because flossing is very important for good dental health. Not flossing can lead to a variety of problems, including gum disease and bad breath.

If you’ve been avoiding your dentist for a while, you might be surprised at just how many new procedures are available to you. Many of these procedures can make a real difference in how you feel about your teeth. You may have felt like the appearance of your mouth was a lost cause; in many cases, it just needs a bit of professional help!

So: what exactly can a Nashville dentist do for you? Here are a few examples.

Whiter Teeth
You may have tried a product like Crest White Strips, only to be dismayed by just how long it takes before you see results. The strips can also feel rather unpleasant in your mouth — unlike what the commercials suggest, you’re not going to forget they’re there. Luckily, many cosmetic dentists now offer teeth whitening procedures, and interest in these procedures has increased 300% in the U.S. over the past five years. In most cases, this is something dentists can take care of in a single appointment and it will only require a few minutes! They will apply a concentrated amount of hydrogen peroxide in order to get rid of your stains.

More Beautiful Teeth
Are your teeth all over the place in terms of their appearance? Maybe they’re a little uneven, a bit discolored, and some have unsightly gray spots. If this is the case, you may want to opt for porcelain veneers. These are thin shells bonded to the surface of your tooth. With proper care, they can last up to 10 years (or possibly longer). They can give you movie star worthy teeth — and who’s going to say no to that? Nashville dentists can advise you on whether this is a good option for your teeth problems.

Permanent Dentures or Implants
The older people get, the more likely they are to lose some of their remaining teeth. When you only have a couple teeth missing, dental implants are great — these are single false teeth that are literally screwed into your jawbone, replicating the look and feel of a real tooth. If you’ve experienced more profound tooth loss, however, dentures may be the way to go. Denture technology has improved over the past few years so that it’s no longer obvious or uncomfortable to wear dentures.

Will you be asking a Nashville dentist about any of these procedures? Let us know in the comments.