When you first meet someone, what’s the first thing you notice? For most people, it’s someone’s smile. Because of that, a nice smile can make a good first impression in both professional and social settings.
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, one-third of Americans are unhappy with their smiles. This can lead to people smiling with their mouths closed, or not smiling at all. So what can you do to change how you feel about your smile?
Keep reading for a guide on how to love your smile and make sure it looks as good as it can.
Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
Brushing your teeth is the key to improving the appearance of your smile. Most people brush their teeth, but most people don’t do so in the correct way.
Make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, when you wake up and before you go to bed. In the morning, do it before you eat breakfast, otherwise, you’ll be helping the bacteria in your mouth grow.
You also need to make sure that you brush your teeth for two minutes each time. Make a point to pay attention to the different quadrants in your mouth so as not to miss any areas.
Use the Right Toothbrush
If you do brush your teeth often but still have teeth that appear dull or discovered, the toothbrush that you’re using may be the problem.
If you’re using a manual toothbrush, ensure that the bristles are firm and that the brush isn’t too old. When the bristles start to fan out, it’s a sign that you need to get a new one.
Most dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush. This will provide your teeth with a dentist-level cleaning and ensure that all particles and bacteria are out of your mouth.
Remember to Floss
Flossing is something that most people know is important but don’t get around to doing. Yet finding time to do it once a day can help your teeth shine bright, as well as reduce the risk of you developing gum disease.
Most dentists recommend flossing at night, before you brush your teeth. This helps to loosen up any particles that you can then get out of your mouth with a toothbrush, letting you go to bed with squeaky clean teeth.
Flossing may seem tedious at first, but once you figure out how to do it efficiently, it’ll become much less of a chore to do. Then, make it a part of your nightly routine, and you’ll see results in no time.
Avoid Harmful Foods and Drinks
You can do everything right when it comes to taking care of your teeth in the morning and at night, but you can get rid of that progress during the day if you aren’t careful. The foods and drinks you consume play an enormous role in you the health and appearance of your teeth
It’s no secret that sweets such as cakes, candy, and chocolate can cause your teeth to decay. Try to avoid eating them as much as possible to keep everything looking its best.
Coffee may be delicious and give you your caffeine fix, but it also stains your teeth. The same goes for red wine. Quit them if possible, but if you can’t (we understand), try to limit your intake as much as possible.
Go to the Dentist
When’s the last time you’ve made a trip to see your dentist? If you can’t remember, it’s time to schedule an appointment as soon as you finish reading this article.
Most experts recommend going to see the dentist every six months. Dentists give your teeth a deep cleaning, and also check for signs of any issues in your mouth. Often, these can go unnoticed by you and can develop into lasting conditions.
It might seem like a hassle, but scheduling an appointment with a dentist will get your teeth back on the right track. You’ll leave the office feeling happier with a brighter smile.
Straighten Your Teeth With Braces
For some people, the problem isn’t the color of their teeth, it’s the shape of them. In that case, regardless of your age, consider visiting an orthodontist and getting braces.
Braces aren’t only something for kids and teenagers, either. If you’re concerned about braces impacting your professional life, consider getting Invisalign. Check out this guide to learn more about braces vs Invisalign.
Having braces seem like a hassle, but consider them to be an investment. A few months of discomfort are worth it for the shining smile that gives you confidence later on.
Consider Getting Veneers
Are your dental issues more complicated? Do you have a lot of worn down, chipped, or discolored teeth? If you do, you might want to consider getting veneers.
Made of porcelain, veneers are small caps that cover the front of your teeth. They’re custom-fit, and won’t become loose or move around. Think of them as a permanent new smile.
Many celebrities have veneers, and it’s the reason why they have such nice smiles. With veneers, you too can have a Hollywood-level smile that brings you confidence and joy.
Learn to Love Your Smile With These Tips
Whether you’re self-conscious about the color of your teeth or their shape, it can be hard to love your smile. However, by following these tips, you’ll be able to transform your smile and the way you feel about it. Remember that it’s only a part of you, and doesn’t define who you are.
Are you ready to start appreciating your beautiful smile? If you found this article to be helpful, remember to take a look at some of our other blog posts for more guides and
