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• 13 Dec

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 74% of adults think that an unattractive smile can hurt them professionally. In fact, improving your smile has become especially important to Americans in recent years. So, what can you do to improve yours? Here are some tips.

Brush and Floss

You would think that most people know the importance of brushing and flossing regularly. However, poor dental hygiene is still a leading cause of gingivitis, tooth decay, and buildup. You should brush twice a day and floss at least once each day. Make sure to use a good toothbrush and replace it every three months. You should also use a good toothpaste and choose a whitening one if you think your teeth need it.

Visit the Dentist

One of the best ways to improve your smile and prevent future problems is by visiting the dentist regularly. You should go at least twice a year. You should have a checkup, cleaning, and annual x-rays when you’re there. A dentist can find and treat any problems before they get worse if you keep up with regular visits.

Be Careful with Food

Acidic food and drinks, such as juice, soda, citrus fruits, sparkling drinks, and sports drinks can damage your teeth over time, so drink them sparingly or avoid them altogether. Coffee, soda, tea, and wine can also stain your teeth, so if you would like your smile to be whiter, you should avoid them, as well. You can also brush your teeth after consuming these foods and drinks to reduce the effects. You can talk to your dentist about whitening if you already have stains.

Quit Smoking

Most people know the dangers of smoking and how it affects your health. It can also weaken your gums, stain your teeth, and put you at risk for mouth cancer (as well as other types of cancers). Quit smoking or be sure not to start to have a healthy mouth and smile.

Straighten Teeth

If you’re self-conscious about your smile because of crooked teeth, consider straightening them. Even if you’re an adult, you can straighten your teeth nowadays without the obvious metal braces. You can choose between clear braces or Invisalign, both of which are relatively inconspicuous.

Get Bridges or Implants

Perhaps nothing affects your smile more than missing teeth. Depending on your situation, fixing your missing teeth can be as simple as getting bridges or as complex as getting implants. If you have plenty of healthy teeth, you may be able to get bridges, which are placed in between two healthy teeth that act as anchors. These “bridge” the gap you have when you’re missing teeth. You can also get implants, which involve a few procedures, but can be more permanent than bridges.

An unattractive smile doesn’t have to hold you back or lower your self-esteem. A few preventative measures on your part and a good dentist can give you the smile you’re looking for. With all of the advances in oral hygiene, you have the option to whiten, straighten, or replace teeth to get a smile you want.