5 Things You Should Do Every Day for a Better Smile

It’s no surprise that there’s a connection between smiling and contentedness. But smiling can also be contagious. You can, simply by sharing a smile, improve the moods of others.

While smiles beget smiles, not everyone is proud of their pearly whites, and such people often suppress their smiles. By so doing, they may be jeopardizing their happiness.

The good news is you can take measures to improve your smile. It starts with a good oral health routine to prevent. In addition to taking good care of your teeth through brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, you should also go in for regular dental appointments with a reputable dental care provider. 

Consider these four things you should do every day—and one you should do at least every six months—to get and keep the smile you want.

1. Brush Your Teeth

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should brush your pearly whites twice daily, for at least two minutes each time, using toothpaste with fluoride. When you commit to brushing your teeth regularly, you'll remove food and plaque and keep your teeth clean and healthy. It’s hard to overestimate the importance of brushing your teeth multiple times daily for good oral health.

2. Floss

Flossing will help to remove the food lodged between your teeth and lessen the odds of experiencing puffiness and soreness. Flossing regularly will, while improving gum health, also safeguard you from gingivitis, lessen the odds of cavities, and remove bacteria that can lead to bad breath.

There are different flossing products available on the market. Try different types to see which one works best for your needs. 

3. Mouthwash

Contrary to popular belief, mouthwash isn't just for fresh breath. By reducing the accumulation of plaque in your mouth, mouthwash helps safeguard against gum diseases and tooth decay. That's why you should use it once or twice daily. 

4. Cut Down on Sugar

What you eat and drink also impacts your overall oral health. It can make it easier or harder to achieve the smile you want. One of the biggest no-nos is consuming too much sugar. According to the American Heart Foundation, men and women should consume no more than nine teaspoons and six teaspoons of sugar per day. Whether eating or drinking, you must be mindful of the sugar content. And while you're at it, consider other lifestyle choices. For instance, drinking too much wine, tea, or coffee can discolor your teeth, as can smoking. 

5. See Your Dentist

Another way to keep your teeth healthy and looking their best is to visit your dentist. Making appointments at least twice annually is a good rule of thumb. But you might have to bump up that number of visits depending on your oral health needs. For instance, teeth cleanings could mean visiting your dentist quarterly or three times per year. How often you see your dentist will depend on how well you care for your teeth, medical conditions, and other things. 

Find a dental care provider you’re comfortable with. You need personalized tips to help you maximize your smile and overall oral health. A good dentist will answer your questions, provide a range of options, and help you do what’s best for you.

Doing these five things will help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. In fact, these recommendations won’t just help you achieve a smile that lights up a room. They’ll also help you keep that smile. It’s worth the effort.