Unlike the early days of human civilisation when dental care was at its most rudimentary stages, today there are a variety of options for improving the appearance and health of your smile.
Whether you’re looking to brighten your grin, straighten it out, replace missing teeth or give your existing teeth a more uniform appearance, there are many ways you can improve your smile.
Brushing, flossing and mouthwash
This one’s a no-brainer, but many people don’t spend enough time really cleaning their teeth thoroughly.
Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, taking your time and making sure to reach every surface of your teeth and gums will help to stop dental decay and keep your teeth clean and bright.
Brushing is the foundation of a good oral health routine, but it’s important to go over with floss as well. This will pick out any of the food particles that may have been left behind and stop them from hardening or building up, which can potentially stain and damage your teeth.
A fluoride mouthwash is great not just for keeping your breath fresh, but for building on the effects of a good brushing and flossing routine as well. Need an instant smile refresher? Keep a mini-sized bottle of mouthwash with you and duck off to the bathroom for a rinse after food.
Diet and drinks
Being careful with what you eat can help whiten your smile, as some foods naturally stain the enamel of your teeth. Consuming lots of foods such as berries, some pigmented sauces and sweets can potentially affect the colour of your teeth.
Just as food can damage a bright smile, so too can drinks – so avoid too much coffee, tea and wine.
Dental procedures
Invisalign is a great treatment to straighten the alignment of your teeth subtly, while professional teeth whitening can brighten your teeth by up to 12 shades in a single visit to your dentist.
If you would like to change the physical appearance of your teeth, porcelain veneers are another option to consider for a natural makeover.
On the other hand, if you are missing a tooth a dental implant can help provide a long-lasting anchor for the replacement crown or bridge.
Cosmetics
Some cosmetic companies have created lipglosses and lipsticks that aim to make your smile look whiter, by adding subtle blue undertones to counteract any dullness. While this option may not be as effective as the others, it can be fun to try!
