When you smile in the mirror, are you happy with what flashes back at you?

If your pearly whites aren’t living up to their name, you’re not alone. Turns out that a whopping 57% of us don’t like how our teeth look thanks to spaces between them, crookedness, and other dental issues. In fact, many of us are more concerned about our smile’s appearance than our other physical features.

The good news is teeth can be fixed. Here are five steps to achieving that perfect smile you can be proud of!

Find a Great Dentist

There’s no getting around this one. Everyone needs a dentist, even if their brushing and flossing routine is perfect. “But if I don’t have any cavities, why do I need a dentist?” you may be asking.

Because you still need someone to check your current dental work to make sure it’s doing its job. Also, cavities can be sneaky. You may have one in between your teeth or under a filling.

A dentist will also screen you for oral cancer and check your gums for signs of gingivitis (the early, reversible stage of gum disease.) Dentists catch small dental problems before they turn into bigger ones.

Ask people you know for dentist recommendations. If you’re nervous about having dental work done, look for one that offers sedation dentistry. If you’re experiencing sudden dental issues in Campbelltown, seek prompt help from an emergency dentist campbelltown for immediate and reliable dental care.

Establish an Oral Care Routine

Just as our skin needs a care routine to help it look its best, our teeth need one as well, and it’s particularly important if you wear nighttime aligners.

Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you gently brush all tooth surfaces for at least two minutes. Set your phone’s timer or play your favorite song to make your brushing last that long.

Floss at least once a day, preferably at bedtime.

Eat Healthy Foods

We’ve all heard how bad sugar is for our teeth, so try to cut down on sweetened foods and beverages in your diet. Swap soda when you can for plain water. Be wary of fruit juice; it often contains a lot of sugar.

Go easy on sticky foods as well, including crackers and dried fruit—they can lead to tooth decay.

Eat crunchy foods such as apples and carrots to help scrub away plaque in between brushing. Strive for a healthy, balanced diet to keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy.

Look Into Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Chances are your dentist can offer you many cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers and whitening to improve your smile. But in some cases, they may refer you to a specialist such as an orthodontist to straighten your teeth.

If you having a missing tooth or teeth, consider receiving dental implants to replace the gap. They look just like natural teeth and they’ll prevent other teeth from shifting out of place. Trust me, you’ll have a great smile after receiving cosmetic dental services.

Avoid Stain Causing Foods

Coffee, red wine, and berries sure are yummy, but they can stain our smile, making it look dull and yellow. Take care when eating these foods. Rinse your mouth with plain water and brush afterward to minimize staining.

And if you like noshing on oranges or drinking citrus foods, wait at least 30 minutes after consuming them before brushing. The acid in them can soften your teeth’s enamel.

A Perfect Smile Can Be Yours

It’s not impossible to get a perfect smile made of straight white teeth, but it does require a combination of good health habits and professional care. Follow these five tips to get teeth you’ll be proud to show off!

Need to feel more confident about other areas of your body? Check out my latest Body Positivity posts!