Ten Ways to Have a Brighter Smile

When it comes to smiling, you want yours to be the best it can be so you can share it with confidence wherever you go. You’ll need to take action, however, and develop beneficial habits and routines to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy year after year. Here are ten ways, in particular, to help you have a brighter smile every day.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene Daily

Make it a habit to put in the effort to practice good oral hygiene daily. More specifically, brush once in the morning, at night before bed, and any other time you feel the need, such as after a particularly sticky meal.

This act alone will prevent the build-up of bacteria and plaque, which can have a negative effect on your smile. Always use a soft-bristle toothbrush or electric toothbrush for the best results.

Use your floss at least once a day, as this can decrease your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Flossing can help remove food debris and plaque that becomes stuck in between your teeth that brushing alone can’t dislodge.

2. Choose to Drink Water More Often

Increase how much water you drink because it helps to keep your mouth cleaner and, in turn, healthier. Water can wash away food residue, leftover beverages that stain teeth, and also help keep tooth decay and cavities at bay.

Try to choose water instead of reaching for that next tea, coffee, or sugary soda that can create acids that eat away your teeth’s enamel. Carry a refillable water bottle with you everywhere to help with this.

3. Limit or Quit Smoking

While it may be difficult, limiting or quitting smoking or other tobacco use will be highly beneficial to your oral health and your smile.

Smoking and tobacco usage can cause severe staining or tooth discoloration, which may not respond to polishing. These stains can seep deep into the tooth’s enamel, resulting in permanent staining. Such effects are noticeable when you smile and can make you appear older.

4. Consider Modifying Your Diet

While you already know that eating healthy benefits your physical health, it can also keep your smile brighter. Various fruits and vegetables contain beneficial vitamins and minerals that can protect you from diseases, limit inflammation, and also strengthen your teeth.

Consider snacking on more carrots, celery, apples, pineapples, cheese, and yogurt. Also, limit acidic foods, such as oranges and grapefruits. These can weaken tooth enamel.

5. Avoid Stain-Causing Food and Beverages

Certain food and beverages can have a discoloring effect on your teeth. To protect your smile, avoid as much as possible stain-causing beverages like coffee, teas, red wines, sports drinks, soft drinks, and dark juices. As for foods, limit the number of cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and other stain-causing items.

6. Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams

Boost your homecare practices with regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams at least every six months. An exam of your teeth and gums can ensure your mouth stays clean and healthy longer.

During dental exams, your dentist will look for signs of decay, gum disease, and any other issues that can cause problems now or later on down the road. A professional dental cleaning can also reach areas that your own brushing and flossing may not reach.

7. Be Proactive in Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease can affect your smile in a few different ways. As your gums pull away from teeth, your smile can appear gummier than you like. In the advanced stage, damage can occur to the bone structure that supports teeth and lead to loose teeth and even eventual tooth loss.

You’ll need to stay proactive in preventing gum disease from occurring in order to protect your smile and keep it bright. Some ways to do so include:

• Continue brushing and flossing daily
• Limit or eliminate the use of tobacco.
• Lower your stress levels,
• Moderate your weight
• Eat a healthier diet
• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth at night

8. Undergo Professional Whitening Treatments

Tooth discoloration and staining can wreck a bright smile. If you find this occurring, consider asking your dentist about a professional whitening treatment. Both in-office and take-home treatments are available.

The reason these treatments are so effective is because they use a higher concentration of the whitening agent. With this, the process is quicker, and you can see results in as little as a day.

Here at Linworth Family Dental, we offer our patients a choice between Opalescence, a customizable at-home treatment, and Zoom, an in-office professional whitening experience with instant brightening. Zoom can also take your teeth eight shades lighter in one quick visit if you like.

9. Consider Cosmetic Dentistry Options

To achieve that brighter smile, you may want to consider undergoing additional cosmetic dentistry options, such as veneers or dental bondings. You can also undergo a complete smile makeover designed specifically for you.

Cosmetic dentistry places a priority on the appearance of your smile while also restoring or strengthening your teeth at the same time.

10. Straighten Your Teeth

While you may not consider straightening your teeth as a way to brighten your smile, think about how crooked or overcrowded teeth can hinder your appearance.

Linworth Family Dental offers patients ClearCorrect clear aligners as a solution to straighten teeth and repair a misaligned bite. These aligners provide faster results than traditional braces, are custom-fitted, and are practically invisible,

Find Out How to Brighten Your Smile by Contacting Linworth Family Dental Today

When it comes to smiling, you want to be able to share yours with confidence. The team at Linworth Family Dental can help you achieve a brighter smile in a number of ways, including finding the right approach suited for your specific needs. Contact our office and schedule an exam, cleaning, or consultation today to get started.