In high school, most of us had braces and that awkward closed-mouthed grin in school photos. Feeling uncomfortable about your teeth and smile can be a massive blow to your confidence. It can hold you back from enjoying so many social occasions. You don’t need to have perfect teeth to be confident (look at Johnny Depp!), but it sure can help! To keep you smiling brightly, here are six simple tips for beautiful teeth:
How to Have Perfect Teeth
Cosmetic Repairs
If you do have chipped, broken, or crooked teeth that are eating away at your confidence, consider talking to your dentist about composite veneers. Dentists use composite veneers to repair and restore your teeth if they are discolored, cracked, or misaligned. They are applied to your teeth in layers and can be removed and replaced if required. They are also significantly more affordable than porcelain veneers, and the dentist can attach them in a same-day procedure.
Floss Daily
We have all heard the advice to floss our teeth before, but it is still a step that many people skip from their daily routine. There is a misconception that flossing is mainly to remove pieces of food from between your teeth, therefore if you don’t end up with leftover dinner wedged between your pearly whites, you are in the clear. However, the main reason we floss is to remove any build-up of plaque from along the edge of the teeth and down to the gum line. It helps to prevent gum disease and decay and is essential for every single person.
Have Some Chocolate
No, that wasn’t a typo! We know that lots of sugary foods are bad for our teeth. But did you know that dark chocolate contains a compound called CBH, which helps harden your tooth enamel? So you can justify snacking on some 70% cacao chocolate as a way to help avoid tooth decay.
Check Your Calcium Intake
Adults should get a daily calcium intake of 1,000-2,000 mg, but many of us fall short. To boost your calcium, try adding some almonds, leafy green vegetables, canned fish, or tofu with added calcium into your diet along with dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt. If you are lactose intolerant, there are many non-dairy options to help you boost your intake.
Brush for Longer
Have you ever timed how long you brush your teeth? If you aren’t brushing for at least two minutes morning and night, chances are that you need to step up your regime. When you go to brush your teeth tonight, set a timer on your phone or put on your favorite song, and get scrubbing. Your teeth will thank you for it.
Embrace your Unique Look
If your teeth are healthy but aren’t lined up like little white soldiers in your mouth, it might be time to embrace them. Sometimes it is our quirks that make us stand out from the crowd. Follow the lead of celebrities like Vanessa Paradis and Madonna, who both have a significant gap between their front teeth, and embrace it.
Having healthy teeth and a great smile is not only a confidence booster, but comes with a myriad of health benefits, as well. Do your self-esteem and your body a favor and invest some time in keeping your teeth in perfect condition.