Sometimes, you’re in a situation where you need to put your best face forward, whether it’s for an important meeting or simply to let people know how confident you are. Whether you’re looking to impress your boss or want to look your best when you go out on the town, there are plenty of ways to get the smile you want—without spending hours at the dentist getting expensive cosmetic procedures. With these 10 easy tips to have the perfect smile in a flash, you can have all the confidence of knowing that your smile looks great without spending too much time or money on it.
1) Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate
In addition to washing your teeth twice a day, you should also make sure you exfoliate them thoroughly once a week. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and debris that can get trapped in between your teeth, leading not only to bad breath but also tooth decay. After brushing, use an exfoliating toothpaste or scrub for 30 seconds. This will help remove any plaque that might have formed on your teeth over night. If you don’t have time every night, at least try it every other night.
2) Brush your teeth more often
This is probably old news, but it’s worth repeating. Brush twice per day—and after every meal—for about two minutes at a time, focusing on all four quadrants of your mouth. Go for fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth, making them less likely to fall prey to cavities and decay.
3) Use natural toothpaste
Toothpaste with fluoride has been found to help prevent cavities and remineralize tooth enamel. But if you are sensitive or just not a fan of minty toothpaste, natural products such as coconut oil and baking soda work wonders. Mix these two together with lemon juice for an extra-whitening boost! Be sure to brush lightly so you don’t wear away your enamel. Use a straw: Drinking through a straw will help protect your teeth from air and water exposure.
4) Don’t forget to floss
Flossing is one of those things that many people neglect, but it’s actually quite important for maintaining your oral health. Some dentists will tell you that flossing may even reduce your risk of certain types of cancer. And if that doesn’t convince you, then just remember that nobody wants bad breath or yellow teeth. Floss every day!
5) Choose healthier drinks like water over soda
If you’re looking for ways to improve your oral health, there are easy changes you can make to your everyday routine. One of these is swapping sugary drinks for water and other calorie-free beverages. In fact, some research shows that opting for sparkling water instead of high-calorie soft drinks can be an effective way to reduce overall calorie intake (46). This will certainly help you have the perfect smile in a flash.
6) Get rid of those coffee stains with whitening toothpaste
Coffee, red wine, dark berries and pomegranate juice can cause teeth staining when we drink them. Luckily there are easy ways to get rid of coffee stains without expensive whitening treatments. Simply brushing with whitening toothpaste can remove stains caused by drinking these beverages. The whitening toothpaste will help restore your smile’s natural luster.
7) Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Smoking and tobacco products can lead to stains on your teeth, including yellowing, brown staining, and tooth loss. If you’re struggling with these teeth-damaging habits, your smile can benefit from some extra TLC. Brush regularly with an anti-staining toothpaste, use whitening strips every once in a while (if you’re into that sort of thing), and visit your dentist at least twice yearly for regular cleanings.
8) Add essential oils for natural breath fresheners
Essential oils are awesome at sweetening your breath. By mixing a few drops of an essential oil with water, you can make your own natural mouthwash. Peppermint, cinnamon and cardamom essential oils all work well for this purpose. If you prefer an even simpler way to achieve fresher breath, try chewing on some fennel seeds.
9) Lighten up on the garlic and onions
Whether you eat them or love them, their odors are not kind to your smile. Consuming lots of onions and garlic can lead to staining on your teeth, so try cutting back and using good old-fashioned mouthwash. You’ll be ready for a close-up in no time!
10) Get regular dental checkups and professional cleanings
No one likes going to see the dentist, but at least once a year, everyone should get regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. The dentist will not only look for signs of tooth decay or gum disease, but he’ll also give you helpful tips on keeping your teeth healthy and bright. So sit back, relax and let him guide you through these 10 easy ways to have a perfect smile in no time!