Keys to a Brighter, Healthier Smile: Don’t neglect your teeth!
How you can keep your smile dazzling white

We’re bombarded every day with pictures of smiling actors with perfect, white smiles. Magazines are full of models with gorgeous grins. We prize the perfect smile, and for good reason—it’s often the first thing people see. Find out how you can achieve a healthy, confident smile today.

It’s important to remember that signs of aging and wear in teeth are perfectly normal. Daily wear and tear can make teeth lose their luster. With some basic care, however, you can recapture the perfect, white smile.

Brush every day, at least two times a day.
This might seem obvious for most people, but it bears repeating. Brushing your teeth removes plaque, the substance that builds up on your tooth surfaces. Although dental technology has come along quite a bit in the last thirty years, brushing and flossing daily remains the best way to defend against gum disease and tooth decay.

Brushing tips.
Here’s something not everyone knows: the American Dental Association recommends changing the toothbrush you use every three to four months. Also, take care not to brush too hard. Brushing too aggressively can actually wear away your tooth enamel (the protective coating that makes the surface of your teeth shiny).

Whitening your teeth.
For at-home treatments, use a whitening toothpaste. Try using one that has a non-bleaching action, such as Crest Whitening toothpaste. Don’t forget—routine cleanings at the dentists every six months also contributes to a brighter, whiter smile. 

Invest in serious changes.
There are many cosmetic dentistry options available nowadays. Consider bonding, veneers, and enamel shaping. Bonding covers up stains and fixes chipped teeth. Veneers, on the other hand, treats gaps or stained teeth. Enamel shaping actually contours your tooth enamel and is often used to fix uneven teeth. Many cosmetic dentistry products and procedures are being introduced to the market every day. Contact your dentist to find out about these options.

Watch what you eat.
Avoid candy and sugary drinks such as soda. Sugary sodas and drinks cause bacteria in your plaque to produce acids that erode tooth enamel. This might potentially lead to tooth decay. Tea and coffee often yellow teeth as well. Sugary teas and coffees are even worse. When consuming something with caffeine or sugar, brush your teeth right afterward.

Don’t neglect your lips.
Protect your lips by wearing a lip balm or lip screen with SPF 15.

Be confident
If you lack the resources to undergo extensive dental procedures, don’t despair. Remember, attitude and confidence count for a lot as well. Celebrities such as Madonna keep the imperfections in their teeth as a signature look. You don’t necessarily need perfect teeth to have a great smile.