A smile says a lot about a person. In fact, an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey has shown that 74% of adults think an unattractive smile can hurt them in the professional world. But a beautiful smile goes far beyond aesthetics. Taking your dental care seriously will help to ward off gingivitis and a list of other harmful diseases. So if you’re interested in feeling your best and also achieving a brighter smile, follow these easy steps:
Go in For Regular Cleanings
Regular brushing at home can only do so much. Seeing your dental hygienist twice a year for regular cleanings is strongly recommended if you want to keep your mouth happy and healthy. Try to space out your appointments every six months. After all, who doesn’t love that squeaky clean feeling after hopping out of the dentist chair? This also serves as a great time to bring up any issues like tooth sensitivity or pain.
Ask Your Dentist About In Office Whitening Treatments
If you feel your smile is looking rather dull, don’t be afraid to ask what kind of whitening services they offer while you’re at the dentist. You’ll see dramatic results right away. Professional whitening can brighten your smile up to 16 brilliant shades. However, the procedure can be costly, ranging from $300-$1000 dollars in price.
At Home Teeth Whitening
If you’re still adamant about brightening up your smile for a quick confidence boost, at home kits are still a viable option. Or if you want to go a more natural route, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are popular methods for at home whitening.
Brush Twice a Day
This one is easy and is something that you should implement in between professional cleanings. Hopefully, you’ve already committed to a solid morning and night routine. Brushing regularly guarantees that you’ll be leaving the house with fresh breath. Good brushing habits will also help you keep plaque buildup at bay.
Floss as Often as You’re Brushing
Flossing should be as routine as brushing. Flossing regularly removes food build up, helps to reduce bad breath, and cuts the risk of developing gum disease. It works in tandem with daily brushing to add radiance back to your smile.
Invest in Braces or Invisalign
If luminosity isn’t your biggest issue and you notice yourself pining for a straighter smile instead, it might be time to start thinking about braces. However, if traditional metal wire braces turn you off to the idea, there are undetectable alternatives. Clear braces, like Invisalign, work the same way as wire braces by aligning your teeth to fix any dental issues causing you to feel insecure about your smile. A system like Invisalign utilizes advanced technology like 3-D imaging and printing to get the most accurate fit for your teeth.
Replace Your Toothbrush Every Six Months
By the time your toothbrush has reached the ripe age of six months, it’s time to throw it out. Buying a new toothbrush will help keep your mouth feeling fresher. Set an alarm on your phone so you don’t forget.
Cut Down on Your Coffee Habit
If you want to get serious about improving your smile, you’re going to have to make a few sacrifices. That daily cup of coffee might help you feel energized in the morning, but it’s not doing your teeth any favors. Coffee and tea have been known to stain teeth so try to limit your intake if you can.