4 Options For Improving Your Smile As An Adult

Have cameras become your worst enemies? Do you look for any excuse to keep your mouth closed? Does the word “cheese” so thoroughly terrify you that you steer clear of the dairy aisle at the grocery store and suffer nightmares about Wisconsin? It sounds like you're letting your imperfect smile get to you. There is no reason discolored molars or crooked incisors should have you living in fear. Your first goal should be to build self-confidence and overcome your excessively negative self-image. While you’re at it, you can also take some steps to help improve your smile. There is no magic wand for immediate dental beautification, but there are four steps you can take to make your smile look nicer than it ever has before.

Use A Whitening Product

One of the best ways to literally brighten your smile is by using one of many whitening products on the market. Whiter teeth look healthier and help beautify a smile. There’s a reason you don’t see many models with discolored teeth. For whatever reason, our human brains like teeth to be as close to perfectly white as possible. Whitening toothpastes can help with stains from coffee or tea. Whitening pens, meanwhile, are perfect for touching up a small, discolored area. For truly noticeable results, consider laser whitening.

What You Drink (And Smoke)

The best way to have white teeth is to keep them from being discolored in the first place. Lots of popular drinks have a tendency to darken your teeth. Tea, coffee, and red wine are the typical culprits, and by limiting consumption you can keep the staining to a minimum. And if you need another reason to quit smoking cigarettes, here it is: tobacco smoke seriously yellows teeth.

Take Care Of Your Gums

Swollen, irritated gums aren’t just uncomfortable; they’re also unsightly, especially when you smile. Traditional dental hygiene can help keep gums down at their proper size. Floss and brush every day, and make sure to schedule biannual cleanings.

Consider Braces

None of these surface-level fixes will change the most common problem that ruins a smile: crooked teeth. Luckily, orthodontic treatment can help. In just a year or two, braces can straighten out your teeth. And while braces were once considered a "teenage thing," that ugly stereotype is quickly disappearing.

A smile you can be proud of provides a remarkable boost to self esteem. Follow these steps until your days of camera-avoidance are ancient history.

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:

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Mass. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2

Reviewed By:

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.