Our smiles are the best accessory we can wear. It’s also one of the first things that people will notice when they meet us, so how we feel about it can greatly impact our self-confidence and relationships. In order to be able to smile bravely, making sure that you take good care of your oral health is paramount. A beautiful smile also means a healthy smile, so it’s not enough to just schedule whitening appointments. Adopting good habits is the key to keeping your pearly whites strong and sparkly for a long time. Here are the things you must do to achieve and keep the Hollywood smile of your dreams.
Brush and floss regularly
It’s not for nothing that we are taught from a young age that we have to brush our teeth regularly. Skipping this step in your bedtime routine will result in bacteria multiplying in your mouth and wreaking havoc on your teeth in the long term. Brushing gently removes food residue and plaque, in addition, it refreshes your breath, so you can smile confidently.
In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, don’t forget to include flossing in your daily routine. While your toothbrush may be able to clean most of the residue off the surface of your teeth, it may have difficulty reaching between your teeth. By flossing, you can remove food particles from these hard-to-reach places, too. Still, make sure you keep it gentle so that you don’t irritate your gums.
Prevent stains
Sometimes it’s our favorite foods and drinks that can wreak havoc on the look of our smile. If you drink a lot of coffee or love to indulge in a glass of wine frequently, you might want to take some measures so that these drinks don’t stain your pearly whites. You can either limit your consumption or you can use a straw so that the liquid does not come into contact with your teeth as much.
Another critical thing that causes staining is, of course, smoking. If you are a smoker, protecting your smile is one more good point on the list of reasons to quit this habit.
Switch your toothbrush
The next important practice that will help you maintain your oral hygiene has to do with your toothbrush. First of all, picking the right toothbrush is paramount. You might think that the harder the bristles are, the more effective the cleaning will be, but the fact of the matter is that hard-bristled toothbrushes may cause more harm than good. They can damage your tooth enamel, not to mention your gums won’t like it either. Go for a soft-bristled brush and stay gentle.
Another concern is the frequency at which you should switch your toothbrush for a new one. As you use your toothbrush, naturally, it will start wearing out. Not only will it be less effective in time, but it can also collect bacteria. So, pick up a new brush every 3-4 months for good measure.
Book a whitening session
Teeth naturally lose their whiteness as time goes by even if you don’t abuse caffeinated drinks. Luckily, nowadays, this is not a serious problem since teeth whitening is available in many forms. However, before you get over-the-counter strips or trays to freshen up the color of your pearly whites, make sure you consult your dentist. He may have better options for you than such DIY methods and they will also know better what fits your needs.
If you just simply want to maintain the whiteness of your teeth on a day-to-day basis, the best method is steering clear of the aforementioned staining foods and brushing your teeth with baking soda from time to time. Make sure you inform yourself about at-home whitening methods before trying them since some of them can actually be harmful.
Consider cosmetic treatments
Besides whitening, today, there is a multitude of cosmetic procedures available that can completely transform the look of your smile. Whether you have a crooked smile, a missing tooth, or anything of the sort, you can find a treatment that targets your particular issue. These treatments may be cosmetic, but the truth is that they can also improve the function of your teeth.
For instance, if you’re not particularly satisfied with the shape of your teeth, veneers can improve the appearance of your smile. If you have damaged teeth, a crown can help you out. Today’s implants, crowns, and veneers made at a reputable dental lab function just the same as your real teeth and can restore your confidence at once.
Take care of your lips too
While you’re busy taking care of your oral health, don’t forget about your lips either. After all, they also play an important role in the overall look of your smile. Make sure your lips are never dry. Buy a lip scrub and gently exfoliate your lips for a fresh and supple look. Drink plenty of water and use lip balm to keep your lips soft and hydrated.
If you want to add an extra boost to your smile, though, you should select your lip shade carefully. A bold color will draw attention to your smile, making it the focus of your entire look. The right red shade can make your teeth appear whiter, while warm, peachy tones may have the opposite effect. Experiment with cool shades to find the one that goes well with your skin tone and enhances your smile.
Keeping your teeth healthy is paramount, not only for the sake of your appearance but also for your overall health. If you are not satisfied with the current look of your smile, don’t be afraid to book an appointment and consult your dentist on what you could do to improve it.