Everybody knows that a smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Unfortunately, teeth are one of the hardest features to fake, so it’s important to make sure you’ve got your dental health under control before trying to put your best foot forward.
Here are our 12 tips for improving your smile and giving yourself a natural boost of confidence!
1. Eat Healthy Foods
You may have heard about seaweed strips that promise to whiten your teeth overnight — but unfortunately, they’re not very effective. The best way to maintain a brilliant smile is by eating foods high in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and phosphorous. Try swapping out snacks like potato chips for fresh fruit such as apples and oranges or keep carrots on hand for healthy snacking.
2. Avoid Staining Foods
Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries are all delicious treats that can leave your teeth looking yellow over time. If you’re eating or drinking something that could stain your pearly whites, it’s a good idea to follow up with an after-meal toothbrush to keep staining at bay. For bonus points, brush your teeth before tucking into your favorite meal, so you have less to worry about afterward!
3. Don’t Skimp on Fluoride
Fluoride is the natural mineral found in many water supplies around the world, which helps protect against cavities by strengthening enamel and preventing bacteria from attaching themselves deep within the tooth structure. The easiest way to get fluoride is to use a daily mouthwash, which you can pick up over the counter at any pharmacy.
4. Don’t Forget to Floss!
Most people know about brushing teeth twice a day, but 50% of Americans still fail to floss regularly! It may seem like an inconvenience, but flossing once a day can remove buildup in tough-to-reach places and keep your smile healthy overall.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
One of the best ways to improve your smile is by seeing your dentist for regular checkups every six months. If you’re having trouble with pain or bleeding during meals, then it’s time to book an appointment as soon as possible — your teeth aren’t doing their job properly if they’re causing you discomfort!
6. Invest in a Quality Toothbrush and Toothpaste
When it comes to your mouth, not all toothbrushes and toothpaste are created equal! Choose brands that use natural ingredients instead of synthetic additives and try swapping out your toothbrush every three months to reduce germs from growing on the bristles.
7. Get Your Teeth Whitened!
A bright smile can do a lot to improve your mood and make you feel more confident. Luckily, there are lots of safe teeth whitening options available at the dentist. Not only will it help your teeth become noticeably whiter, but it can also remove stains that are making your smile less radiant than it could be!
8. Make Sure You’re Using the Right Mouthwash
There are lots of mouthwashes on the market with different ingredients suited to individual needs. If you’re having trouble with dry mouth, then you might want to choose a different product that will moisturize your mouth and help prevent infections.
9. Don’t Ruin Your Smile with Tobacco Products
Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable health problems in developed countries, so if you’re having trouble quitting, it’s time to explore other options! Not only does smoking stains your teeth and make them look yellow, but it can also lead to gum disease and contribute to bad breath over time.
10. Moisturize Your Lips!
Your lips are more than just an important feature on your face — they’re also key to your smile! Without healthy, moisturized lips, you run the risk of making yourself look older and less attractive. Keep them hydrated by applying lip balm throughout the day, and always remember to exfoliate regularly.
11. Get Your Teeth in Shape
Crooked, broken, or overcrowded teeth aren’t just aesthetically unpleasant — they can also create gaps that let bacteria in, which causes bad breath and gum disease. If you’re unhappy with the shape of your smile, then speak to your dentist today about ways they might be able to improve it!
12. Stay Hydrated!
It’s easy to forget about drinking water during the day, but if you want a healthy smile, then it’s important to stay hydrated! Your mouth works as hard as any other part of your body and needs regular access to fluids to function properly. Make sure you drink enough every day and always keep a water bottle with you, so you don’t run out.
So now that you’ve learned how to improve your smile, what are you waiting for? Go out there and make it happen! Your first impression starts with your smile. Be confident in yourself and show the world who you really are!
