How to Improve Your Smile: 10 Ways to Improve Your Teeth
Did you know that more than half (57%) of Americans cover their mouths when they smile because they’re insecure about their teeth? If this sounds like you, take heart. Even if you’ve spent a lifetime lamenting how your grin looks, it’s never too late to enhance and improve it. When you know how to improve your smile from the inside out, you can start putting those steps into practice!
Today, we’re sharing 10 tips to help you proudly display your pearly whites, both off and on camera.
1. Start Flossing
If you want an attractive smile, flossing is one step you can’t afford to skip. Yet, a disheartening 32% of adults say they never do it!
Flossing not only removes plaque from between your teeth. It also keeps it from forming underneath your gumline. These are two places where your toothbrush can’t easily reach.
Plaque and tartar can build up over time and develop into periodontal disease. To floss correctly, wrap the piece snugly around your finger and gently glide it between and around each tooth two to three times.
2. Try Teeth Whitening
Are you concerned about stained teeth? There are many reasons your smile might not be as bright as you’d like. These can include dietary choices, lifestyle habits, and even general older age.
Thankfully, there are teeth whitening services that can help. This is a type of cosmetic dentistry that brightens your teeth back to their natural white appearance. The procedure is quick, painless, and delivers impressive results.
In our office, we offer traditional whitening services and an innovative procedure called KoR Whitening that enhances your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. This one procedure often lightens smiles up to 16 shades or more!
3. Don’t Skip Dental Appointments
There’s a reason why your dentist recommends coming in for a regular checkup at least twice a year. A routine cleaning every six months is essential to maintaining your oral health.
Without thorough cleaning, your teeth and gums can become irritated, swollen, and damaged. Your teeth can also become discolored. Not only are these conditions unsightly, but they can also lead to more serious health issues such as stroke, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
At each appointment, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They’ll also screen you for health concerns, such as oral cancer.
4. Ask About Veneers
Are you self-conscious about your smile because your teeth are cracked, damaged, or otherwise misshapen? If so, be sure to ask your dentist about veneers. These are a great way to conceal a variety of imperfections, including:
- Discolored teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Misshapen or uneven teeth
- Gaps in teeth
Veneers are thin pieces of different kinds of porcelain fitted over each tooth. They adhere tightly, so the final result looks and functions just like normal — but better.
5. Stop Smoking
There’s no way around it. If you want a vibrant smile, it’s time to kick your smoking habit to the curb.
In addition to all of the ways they can damage your overall health, cigarettes can also stain your teeth. This includes superficial, surface-level stains as well as deeper discoloration that seeps into your enamel. In addition, smoking can also damage your gums, causing them to recede and leaving large pockets around your teeth.
6. Look Into Implants
If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be tempted to hide your smile. Whether the loss was due to tooth decay, injury, gum disease, or any other ailment, the good news is that there are treatments that can help, such as dental implants.
These are synthetic structures placed in the area where your tooth once was, centered on the root. As they fuse with your jawbone, they create a foundation upon which your dentist will place a dental crown or permanent bridge. Dental implants can drastically improve your quality of life, making it easier to speak, chew, and live in confidence.
7. Upgrade Your Toothbrush
Are you still cleaning your teeth with the same toothbrush you had last year? If so, it’s time to toss it. When you do, go ahead and upgrade, too.
Electric toothbrushes can help you remove more plaque and keep your gums healthy. While they may cost more than their manual counterparts, they’re a worthy investment. While the bodies are designed to last for years, you can easily swap out the heads when it’s time for a refresh (after three months or so).
8. Drink Lots of Water
It might sound silly, but drinking a significant amount of water throughout the day is a great way to keep your smile looking fresh! Not only does it do wonders for your overall health, but it also helps gently wash away bacteria from your teeth so they can stay clean and look their best.
9. Fine-Tune Your Brushing Technique
You already know that you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. However, are you sure you’re brushing the right way? It’s easy to get off-track, especially if you’re in a hurry.
To achieve optimal results, tilt the bristles of your brush at a 45-degree angle. Then, brush with a gentle amount of pressure, pressing just enough to make your gum tissue slightly lighter. Instead of sweeping motions, make small strokes instead, focusing on just a few teeth at a time.
10. Follow Treatment Recommendations
We get it. No one loves coming in to get a cavity filled! Yet, it’s important to heed your dentist’s advice when it comes to these necessary dental treatments. A small amount of tooth decay can quickly transform from a small cavity into a large, painful abscess.
When that happens, you’ll need more than just a filling. Instead, you’ll likely require a root canal and crown. By taking a proactive approach and treating these issues early, you can keep your teeth structurally intact and lower the price of your treatments.
We Know How to Improve Your Smile
Everyone deserves to feel bold and beautiful when they smile. If you’re currently hiding yours, let us help! Our team at Justice Dental knows how to improve your smile, and we’d love to help you put these tips into practice.
At our two Lexington locations, we provide a variety of dental treatments and services, including general, cosmetic, and surgical procedures. To learn more and schedule a visit, contact us today!
