Most of us notice another person’s smile before any other physical feature. If you have a bright, beaming smile, you’ll probably be more inclined to show it off when you meet new people or catch up with friends. If you lack confidence, you might hide your smile away when there’s a camera around or try to keep your mouth closed as much as possible when you introduce yourself. In this guide, we’ll provide some top tips to help you feel more confident when your smile is on show.
Oral hygiene and cleaning
Good oral hygiene is your best weapon against oral health issues, including bad breath, decay, gum disease and staining. A good daily regime should include twice-daily brushing and flossing. Take two minutes each morning and evening to clean your teeth, taking care to brush gently and to cover every surface of each individual tooth. Using an electric toothbrush can remove plaque more effectively than manual brushing. Flossing is important because it targets the areas you can’t clean thoroughly with a brush, for example, the cracks between the teeth. As well as sticking to a daily routine, you can also visit a hygienist once or twice a year to have your teeth professionally cleaned.
Tooth whitening
Bright white teeth have long been associated with beauty, good health and success. Sadly, not all of us have naturally radiant smiles. Aging, lifestyle habits and diet can all take their toll, causing the teeth to become discolored. If your teeth are yellow or brown, rather than white, you may feel self-conscious when your smile is in the spotlight. While cleaning treatments and thorough daily brushing can help to reduce the visibility of surface stains, tooth whitening will be required to make a dramatic difference. Whitening lightens the shade of the enamel, creating a beautiful, healthy-looking smile. You can choose from at-home or in-chair professional treatments.
Adult braces
Many people lack confidence when showing off their smile because they have crooked, misaligned or crowded teeth. In the past, orthodontic treatment was often associated with teenagers but today, braces for adults are much more common. There is a huge selection of braces on offer, including removable aligners, clear braces and even fixed braces that sit behind the teeth. If you have issues that affect the alignment or positioning of your teeth, don’t hesitate to seek advice from an orthodontist. Straightening the teeth can improve the look of the smile, as well as boosting oral health and improving self-esteem.
Dental check-ups
Regular dental check-ups play an integral role in preventing oral health diseases and keeping the smile in check. During a routine assessment, your dentist will examine the teeth, gums and soft tissue in the mouth to look for signs and symptoms and make sure that everything looks healthy. If you have signs of decay or gum disease, for example, visiting your dentist frequently will ensure that you get treatment at the earliest possible stage. Routine appointments also include visual oral cancer checks.
Do you feel confident when you smile or do you try to hide your teeth away as much as possible? If you lack confidence, there are ways to boost oral health and enhance the look of your smile.