Did you know that when you smile, your body releases endorphins? Those are the feel-good neurotransmitters that help make us feel happier and less stressed.
Of course, smiling offer social benefits as well. When we smile at someone, they feel better too!
If your teeth are dingy, discolored, or crooked, you might be inclined to hide your smile from the world.
There are ways to improve your smile, however. Read on to find out how!
1. Use That Toothbrush (and Floss)
Any cosmetic dentist would tell you that regular brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth healthy. Both methods help remove food particles and plaque that lead to tooth decay. Plaque also functions as a magnet for stains, so if your teeth are covered in the stuff, discoloration and yellowing are more likely to occur.
In addition, flossing helps prevent gingivitis, which is a common factor in tooth loss (and it certainly won’t improve your smile if you are missing teeth!).
Experts are divided on whether it’s better to brush first and floss afterward, or the other way around; what they do agree on is that doing both, at least three times a day, will help keep your smile healthy and attractive.
2. Get Your Eight a Day
Glasses of water, that is!
Water helps flush away the bacteria on your teeth that can cause tooth decay.
It’s also a necessary factor in your body’s production of saliva. Without enough saliva, your mouth is at risk for increased plaque, dry mouth, and bad breath.
3. To Improve Your Smile, Chew on This!
Chewing gum can also help stimulate the production of saliva, so keep some in your pocket, purse, briefcase or glove box so you can grab a piece after every meal. Popping a piece of minty chewing gum into your mouth will not only offset the bad breath from those raw onions from your lunchtime sandwich, but will help your saliva do its important tooth-cleaning work.
Just make sure the sticks you choose are sugar-free! Otherwise, you’re defeating the purpose and adding more sugar to your mouth. That’s no way to improve your smile.
4. You (and Your Teeth) Are What You Eat
You know that sugary drinks are bad for your teeth, but have you thought about the foods you consume and how they could improve your smile — or hurt it?
In addition to limiting sweet, sticky candies and other dessert treats, watch your intake of carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and crackers. These create the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria, leading to decay.
Healthy foods like fruits and vegetables are best for your body and your teeth. And crunchy foods, such as apples, raw celery, or carrot sticks can actually function like natural toothbrushes, helping to scrub away plaque.
5. Cosmetic Dentistry
For some folks, more sophisticated measures may be necessary to improve your smile. A cosmetic dentist can explain the options available to you, ranging from whitening procedures to veneers to braces.
These treatments are less costly and more effective than you might think — and after all, isn’t your smile worth it? When you improve your smile, you will reap the benefits of feeling happier and more confident, as well as having healthier teeth!
Have you ever considered cosmetic dentistry, or are these healthy habits enough to keep your smile sparkling? Let us know in the comments!
