Quick Makeover Tips for Your Smile

Whether you’re going into a job interview or meeting your future in-laws, you might be concerned about making the best possible first impression. One thing that can always help in this regard is having a brightened, whitened smile to give you the confidence boost you need going into that interview—or into your partner’s parents’ living room!

However, most people have to plan weeks in advance just to get to the dentist for such treatments, and there may not be time to schedule an appointment around your work schedule. Luckily, all you need are a few changes in your daily oral healthcare routine to get that perfect makeover for your smile.

Use Whitening Toothpaste

The best whitening toothpastes have abrasive ingredients that allow them to remove roughly 80 percent of the surface stains on your teeth, thereby whitening them, making this a simple method for improving your smile. To start, just switch from your regular toothpaste over to a whitening toothpaste. It may take a few weeks to see results, so be sure to start using a whitening toothpaste as soon as possible before your next big get-together or event. If you need quicker results, you may want to try out different whitening options, such as a whitening gel.

Floss Every Day

As you’ve likely heard many times over the course of your life, flossing is a crucial aspect of your oral healthcare routine, and most people, despite their dentist’s urging, could improve this part of their routine. According to the American Dental Association, as much as one fifth of Americans don't ever floss while only two fifths actually floss every day as they should.

If you’re among those who don’t floss at least once per day, it’s never too late to get back in the habit. Flossing not only freshens one’s breath, but it also cuts down on gingivitis, removing plaque from along your gumline as well as embarrassing bits of food debris.

Avoid Foods and Drinks That Stain

An easy way to keep teeth at their best is simply avoiding certain foods and drinks that could stain teeth and undo other whitening efforts. Greatly pigmented foods, such as curry dishes and pasta sauces, can contribute to staining, as can several kinds of fruits, such as raspberries and blueberries. Many drinks, such as red or white wine, soda, coffee, and tea, can contribute to staining as well.

Use Mouthwash

Nothing ruins a first impression faster than bad breath, so it’s in an individual’s best interests to use mouthwash after brushing and flossing. Be careful of the mouthwash you choose—some just use minty freshness to hide bad breath while others have ingredients that specifically kill bacteria that cause bad breath. To have fresh breath for a longer period of time, try mouthwashes with antibacterial agents or germicidal ingredients, such as cetylpyridinium chloride.

If you have not been to the dentist in some time, get over to that office before you start a new oral hygiene regime. And, if you want to find out how you can save as much as 20 percent off your bill with a New Hampshire discount dental plan , just click here for more information!

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