People talk about improving their smile like there’s only one way to do it: with the big, dramatic fix that delivers an entirely new look thanks to hands-on cosmetic treatments. But honestly, for those who want to improve their oral health and get a superstar-winning smile, it’s more about the everyday habits you put in place alongside cosmetic work, if you need it, not just because you think you should.
If you want to move past the staining on the teeth you’ve had for a while, sort out that one tooth that doesn’t quite sit right, or correct an overbite or anything else. We have some easy tips you can get started on today.
Address Imperfections
In the first instance, you need to address anything that is impacting your health or confidence. Crooked teeth, for example, aren’t just a visual impairment; they can increase the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease as it makes it harder to clean your teeth. If your tooth alignment has changed as you’ve gotten older, this can also impact your oral health.
While it’s an entirely natural change that most people experience, you don’t need to live with crooked teeth or a crowded mouth. You can invest in teeth aligners to help you correct this.
If you’re missing any teeth or have cracked teeth again, talking to a cosmetic dentist can help you understand your options for correcting them, e.g., crowns, dental implants, or veneers.
Use Whitening Products
Something you can do at home yourself or via a professional is get your teeth whitened. Day-to-day staining can build up faster than you might realise. Coffee, tea, and soda all affect the colour of your teeth over time, even with regular, thorough brushing. Whitening toothpaste uses a mild peroxide or polishing agent to gently remove the staining on teeth and restore the enamel to its natural colour. It’s not dramatic, but it leaves a fresher, clever feeling in the mouth.
You can, of course, use whitening treatments if you feel you need more intervention, and your dentist can talk you through your options for teeth whitening procedures.
Improve Your Habits
What does your dental care routine look like? It should look like brushing twice a day, flossing, and using high-quality products that help protect your mouth.
Brushing twice per day for two minutes each time, ideally using an electric toothbrush, is optimal. One with a timer can help you to make sure you brush for long enough. And pressure sensors will limit the force you use to stop excessive damage from brushing.
Flossing with traditional floss or water flossers is a top priority, too. It brightens the spaces between your teeth in a way toothbrushes can’t quite reach. And then use a fluoride mouthwash in the evening to get rid of any buildup or to add a bit of extra protection to enamel.
Visit Your Dentist
Not just for your cosmetic treatments, but twice per year for regular check-ups. Preventive care is much easier and cheaper than emergency dental treatments, and if you make 6-monthly appointments, your dentist can give you tips and advice, and you can catch any problems earlier rather than when they’re causing you issues. Decay, tiny cracks, and increased sensitivity are all dental concerns you can catch early and address if you’re making a point to visit your dentist on a regular basis.
