One of the first things people notice about you is your smile, so if you’re unhappy with your appearance, your smile may be one of the first things you want to improve. You will not drastically change the look of your smile overnight, and it will take a variety of methods to help create and maintain perfectly bright teeth, but it can be done. Here are four easy steps you can do to help improve the appearance of your smile.
Floss
Flossing is one of the best oral hygiene practices to keep your smile in tip-top shape. Flossing removes plaque between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Plaque and tartar can build up under the surface of the gum line, causing periodontal disease. Bleeding gums, tooth loss, and bone destruction can all result from lack of flossing. Keep an extra container of floss at work to use after meals to make your dental hygienist especially proud of you.
Don’t Skip Your Cleanings
Going to the dentist probably doesn’t make your list of favorite things to do. However, routine cleanings every six months promote good oral health and a gorgeous smile. Regular cleanings help remove surface stains and tartar from your teeth that ordinary brushing and flossing miss.
Consider Cosmetic Options
Perhaps you were not blessed with the most appealing set of teeth. Genetics and poor oral hygiene may have your teeth and smile beyond repairable. Dental veneers, also referred to as porcelain veneers, are custom shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are bonded to the teeth changing their color, size, shape, or length. Veneers can correct a variety of dental problems, including discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. The process of getting veneers requires consultation and follow-up appointments to make and apply them. Veneers provide a natural tooth appearance and are stain-resistant. Veneers require the same care as regular teeth and generally last about 10 to 15 years.
Whitening
For a whiter and brighter smile, there are a variety of teeth-whitening products you can try. Simple at-home products like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can produce an excellent result without forking over tons of money. There are also other natural methods to whiten your smile like apple cider vinegar. Use discretion with the vinegar because the acetic acid can erode the enamel on your teeth. Always consult with your dentist before you start any treatment.
An improved smile will take some time before you start to notice any changes. Forming good habits is worth the time and effort for excellent oral and overall health.
Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list.
Written By:
Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colo. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
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Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.