What does your smile say about you? Your smile is one of the first things people notice about others, and for some people, having a less-than-perfect smile can damage their self-esteem and result in low confidence or anxiety. A survey by the American Association of Orthodontists found that one-third of Americans are unhappy with their smiles, and one in four avoid smiling due to how their teeth look.
No one should be worried about their smile, but if you are concerned, there are a few things you can do to improve the appearance of your mouth.
Visit your Dentist
If your smile is more of a frown, a visit to your dentist can be a game-changer. Regular checkups are crucial even when you don’t have immediate dental concerns. Discussing options like teeth whitening, straightening, or replacing missing teeth can be a step towards a more confident smile, rectifying any dental imperfections. Remember, your dentist is there to help you maintain a healthy smile.
Brush and Floss
Everyone knows that brushing should occur twice daily, for at least two minutes. Brushing helps reduce plaque build-up, remove lingering odors in your mouth, and remove food and drink residue that can damage your teeth and contribute to bad breath.
In addition to this, flossing helps get rid of those little bits of food that get lodged between your teeth and removes any build-up that might be occurring or stopping it from occurring. You can use dental floss, interdental brushes, or even water flossers to help you floss each day. Flossing before bed is often recommended to remove anything left over from the day’s eating and drinking.
Eat Well
You are what you eat. It’s not just a saying-what you eat truly reflects in your oral health. A poor diet can show in the appearance of your mouth and teeth. But the good news is, you have the power to change this. A diet rich in calcium is beneficial for teeth; onions can kill harmful bacteria on your teeth, sugarless chewing gum produces saliva, which can help to neutralize harmful bacteria, and strawberries contain malic acid, which can help to whiten enamel. By making these choices, you’re taking control of your oral health and boosting your confidence.
Drunk More Water
Drinking more water is a simple yet effective way to improve your oral health. It’s as easy as remembering to drink water after eating or consuming sugary drinks. This simple habit helps rinse away any residue that might damage your teeth. While mouthwash can serve a similar purpose, water also nourishes your body and aids in saliva production, thereby improving your oral health and contributing to a better smile.
You don’t need to suffer if your smile is what you want it to be. There are things you can do to improve the appearance of your teeth, and speaking to a dentist can uncover your options for making changes to improve the appearance or position of your teeth so you can feel confident about it again.
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