8 Steps To a Beautiful Smile

Your teeth are one of the first things a person notices on your face. Everybody wants to have a beautiful smile but sometimes it's not that easy to achieve, especially if you don't know what you're doing wrong. If you want to get that selfie-worthy smile, follow these easy steps.

1. Appropriate brushing and flossing

You should brush your teeth every day, twice a day; ideally, when you get up and before you go to bed. Many people skip the evening brushing because they are usually too tired - big mistake. During the night, your body produces little to no saliva at all, making it perfect for bacteria in your mouth to cause troubles.

Also, make sure you thoroughly brush your tongue, too. It will reduce the risk of tooth decay and also fight bad breath. After you're done brushing, spend 2 minutes flossing to remove the tiny pieces stuck between your teeth.

Fluoride paste is the best tool for fighting tooth decay because it both fights the bacteria and adds a protective layer on your teeth.

2. Food and beverages for a white smile

It's important what type of foods and drinks you put in your mouth and body. Yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, vegetables and fruits are very healthy for your teeth. On the other hand, sodas and sugary drinks can lead to cavities, so it's best to switch them with water. 

Beverages like coffee, tea and red wine can stain your teeth. A superficial stain can be formed, which is easily polished off by a dentist. However, they can also cause internal staining of the tooth enamel, which can't be polished.

You could drink these beverages through a straw to reduce the stains, and rinsing your mouth with water afterwards will prevent these liquids to stay on your teeth for too long.

Also, when you are prevented from brushing your teeth, swishing them with water will help you rinse away food particles - that will do until you find time to use the toothbrush.

3. Have routine cleanings and checkups

It's very important to do regular visits to your dentist. There's a greater chance your dentist will notice any early changes in your teeth, preventing bigger damage.

Regular cleaning will make sure any stains are removed before they significantly change the colour of your teeth. It will also help prevent gum disease, which is not something to toy with.

Visiting your dentist only twice a year for a checkup will be enough to maintain your oral hygiene, providing that you brush and floss regularly.

4. Try out whitening products

It's possible to get some home whitening products that could help you make your teeth whiter. There are various products available, including whitening toothpaste, strips, gel pens, rinses and over-the-counter trays.

Each one of these products brings certain benefits, so you have to choose carefully. If you are an avid coffee and tea drinker, then whitening toothpaste would be your best option. If you are only experiencing a problem with one stained tooth, then a gel pen will suffice - it's great for small areas. Custom trays offer the biggest result if that's what you really need.

5. Think about crowns or veneers

Sometimes all the toothpaste and strips in the world can't help with certain teeth issues. Some teeth are beyond repair for numerous reasons, needing more professional aid in the form of crowns and veneers. Crowns are used by dentists to strengthen damaged teeth. As they cover the whole tooth, they have a double role - they improve its function and its appearance. Better kinds like ips e-max crowns last longer and give more satisfying results - consult your dentist about them.

On the other hand, veneers are thin porcelain shells that improve tooth colour or straighten misshapen teeth. They are bonded to your teeth, unlike crowns.

6. Get a quality toothbrush

It has been clinically proven that top-quality electric toothbrushes remove more plaque that regular, manual toothbrushes. They also lead to healthier gums. There are many modes that come with electrical brushes, such as modes for sensitive teeth and for whitening teeth. They can last for years, while the head can be changed (every two or three months), so it's possible for one toothbrush body to be used by all family members.

If you are not ready to spend a significant amount of money on an electric toothbrush, then it's best to buy a soft-bristled manual brush. Even though there are medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes on the market, too, dentists advocate against them. They are simply too aggressive for the gums and tooth enamel, causing gums to recede and wearing the enamel away.

7. Makeup tricks for whiter teeth

There are certain lipstick colours that make your teeth look whiter than they are, and the other way round. Choosing the right lipstick could make your teeth look one or two shades whiter. Next time you are in a search for a new lipstick, pay close attention to the base and the undertone of the lipstick. Opt for those which are blue-based, not orange-based. When you look at the colour wheel, you'll notice two colours are always on the opposite sides. Those are the colours that cancel each other. In other words, blue tones cancel yellow tones (those on your teeth), making them look whiter.

8. Use implants for missing teeth

If you had bad luck and lost a tooth, the missing tooth probably left a significant gap in your mouth. And that may force you to cover your smile with your hand. Not only does a gap look unattractive but it also makes it harder to chew. Dental implants are the best solution here - they look the same and function like your own teeth. And as a bonus - they don't need maintenance like the rest of them.

Final comment

The thing about oral hygiene is that it's mostly about being disciplined. Being consistent when it comes to brushing and flossing and doing regular checkups and consultations with your dentist will almost guarantee a healthy, beautiful smile.