How good teeth can build confidence

Feeling confident about your teeth — and subsequently your smile — is important for your overall level of confidence and shows the world that you are a genuine, warm and happy human being. Here are some tips for looking after your teeth and showing off that smile.

 

1. While good oral hygiene obviously begins at home, it’s important to go for a check-up at your local dentist to ensure that your teeth are in good structural order. Your dentist can administer fillings or crowns to make sure your teeth are in tip-top condition. Your dentist can also recommend a visit to the orthodontist if you need braces, or a hygienist for a good clean.

 

2. Invest in a good toothpaste and toothbrush. It’s important to take advice from your dentist on this. If your teeth are sensitive, for example, make sure you buy an appropriate toothpaste to treat this problem. It will make a genuine difference, as sensitive toothpaste is scientifically designed to fill the tiny holes in the teeth which lead to sensitivity. It might also be important not to use an abrasive toothpaste if your teeth are sensitive. Similarly, if you’re a fan of coffee or substances that stain the teeth, invest in a whitening toothpaste to help prevent buildup. While it won’t have the same powerful effect that a whitening treatment at the dentist might have, it will help to reduce the build-up of stains.

 

3. Maintain a good brushing routine. This means brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time — better still, keep brushing for a full three minutes. Don’t rub the brush too hard against the gums, though, as this can lead to gum erosion. One good brushing technique is to use a soft but firm circular motion, working your way around the entire mouth to ensure all the teeth have been cleaned. An electric toothbrush uses a circular motion and can help prevent you from brushing too hard. And remember, don’t forget to clean the inner surfaces of the teeth!

 

4. Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol actually cause dehydration in the mouth and can even lead to bad breath! Antiseptic and antiplaque mouthwashes kill the bacterial plaque that causes caries, gingivitis and bad breath. Anticavity mouthwashes use fluoride to protect against tooth decay.

 

5. Floss! Flossing at least three times a week is absolutely crucial to having healthy teeth. Plaque builds up in between the teeth in areas that are almost impossible to reach with a toothbrush alone. Leaving it there can lead to gum disease such as gingivitis, which at worst can lead to teeth being lost!

 

6. Chew sugar-free gum after eating (though preferably not one containing aspartame). Doing so stimulates the saliva ducts and helps to keep acidity levels low in the mouth, preventing the development of plaque, which could in turn lead to tooth decay.

 

7. Go for a whitening treatment. If you’re not feeling confident about your teeth because they’re not as brilliantly white as they once were, there are several whitening methods available. At-home kits enable you to lighten your teeth in stages, if you're nervous about going too bright too quickly! Alternatively, it’s possible to have a one-hour treatment at the dentist which combines whitening serum with the use of ultraviolet light to give you a perfect Hollywood smile.

 

8. Smile: You’ve looked after your teeth, so show them off!