Back in the day, taking a picture or video was a whole production. You had to load the film, check the camera’s batteries, and get the lighting just right. Then, you had mere minutes to snap the shot and be done. Now, you can take hundreds of photos and megabytes of video in the same period of time. So, it’s natural that your smile is on display more often than ever before. And, unfortunately, it’s something many people are self-conscious about.
If you feel like your smile could use improvement, it can be challenging to know what to do. Fear not, there are changes you can make today for a more confident grin tomorrow. Here are a few to incorporate if you want your pearly whites to stand out for the right reasons.
1. Look at Your Diet
Your bodily health isn’t the only thing impacted by what you eat and drink. Your teeth are especially vulnerable. So, it’s important to think about what you’re consuming if you’re hoping to achieve a better smile.
Arguably, the biggest culprit when it comes to tooth staining and decay are the beverages you know and love. Dark sodas, red wine, and caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea all have teeth-staining tendencies. And since they’re often consumed daily, the staining can become worse with each passing day. While that doesn’t mean you have to quit them altogether, it may be a good idea to cut back. At the very least, make sure you’re brushing your teeth after you finish drinking to prevent stains.
It’s not just beverages that can harm your smile, though. Acidic foods like citrus and juice shots can disrupt the pH in your mouth and cause damage to your enamel. You don’t have to skip out on your healthy choices, though. Squeezing a lemon into a glass of water to dilute it or consuming ACV gummies instead of apple cider juice shots can make a big difference. These modifications are healthier for your teeth’s sensitive enamel and give many of the same benefits.
Remember that it’s not an all-or-nothing situation either. Any swap or small change you implement can make a difference in your teeth’s health and appearance. That will leave you with a better-looking, better-feeling smile to show off.
2. Focus on Hygiene
How well you care for your teeth impacts several areas of life. From bad breath and dental issues to a less-than-perfect smile, your teeth can affect your life. So, it’s crucial that you care for them as best as possible. That means more than just quickly brushing your teeth a couple of times a day, though. The products you use and steps in your oral hygiene routine make a bigger difference than you may think.
It’s easy to think that all toothbrushes are made equally. And while they’ll all basically do the same thing, some are superior to others. You should be using a gentle or soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your teeth’s enamel. Think about how you brush, too. If you’re using a manual brush, work in circular motions and think about hitting every tooth. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, let it do the work and guide it around each tooth for the best cleaning.
Once you have a proper brush and a technique, it’s time to focus on how long you brush. It’s recommended to brush for at least two minutes twice a day. This helps remove plaque and bacteria buildup that can cause a slew of dental problems, namely gum disease and decay. Struggle with keeping track of time? Set a timer or invest in an electric toothbrush that does the timekeeping for you.
As much as you may dislike it, flossing is another important step you shouldn’t skip. Use new floss every day and make sure to get between all of your teeth. The goal is to remove plaque and food buildup that your toothbrush can’t reach. Overhauling your dental routine won’t guarantee that you love your smile. However, putting in the effort and caring for your teeth can only make your smile better.
3. Whiten Away
Whether your teeth are naturally white or stay more on the yellow side, there’s no harm in trying to make them whiter. After all, bright, white teeth can transform your smile. Luckily, there are a few whitening options to test out.
Whitening strips are well-known as an effective way to whiten your teeth. They’re typically worn for 30 or so minutes directly on the teeth to allow the whitening product to penetrate. After removal, you peel off the strips to reveal a nicer smile. However, whitening strips are big offenders when it comes to sensitivity and may not be the best option if you struggle with gum issues.
You could also go the whitening gel route. Like white strips, the gel is applied directly onto your teeth and left on for a set time. Some gels require the use of a mouthguard or other device that you wear, while others just require you to let the gel dry. From there, you can go about your day and see whiter teeth over time.
With any whitening product, sensitivity can be an issue. If you have any pain or discomfort, discontinue use immediately. Although whiter teeth are nice, healthy teeth will give you the best smile.
Show Off Your Pearly Whites
While changing your daily routines can be challenging, the results are worthwhile. Over time, you’ll notice you have a healthier, brighter smile because of the work you put in. Ultimately, being able to laugh, joke around, and talk to people without feeling insecure is worth the extra effort. Who knows, you may even love your smile so much that you insist on taking pictures and videos all the time.
