Start Smiling: Boost Your Confidence by Taking Care Of Your Teeth

We all know the importance of a good oral hygiene: bad teeth and bad overall condition of our mouth can cause, and be linked to, various diseases down the road. So taking extra care of your teeth can be a lifesaver – literally. But let's be frank – good and beautiful teeth are also important for our confidence. Who wouldn't want to have a gorgeous smile that is the first thing people see when they meet you and greet you? Here's how you can take the teeth care to the next level and really boost your confidence by showing off your pearls.

Of course, you've been doing it ever since you remember. Do you do your best when brushing, though? Brush at least twice a day, with a good fluoride toothpaste, and don't just do two swipes and call it a day. You really want the remaining food and plaque to be gone, otherwise – what's the point? Choose a toothbrush that has a small head – that way, you will have better access to the teeth in the back. Also, take the bristles into consideration – the softer ones are kinder on your gums, and you don't want to deliberately be hurting them twice a day, or more! And finally, make every brushing last for two to three minutes. If you don't want to time yourself, play a song that lasts about that time – Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley, Waterloo by Abba or Yesterday by the Beatles, for example.

Not many people do this – definitely not as many as they should, because the tongue is also an area that keeps plaque – and bacteria – stuck. What does that do, you ask? Cause the smell – that bad breath you have certainly smelled somewhere and definitely not something you want on yourself. To make sure your breath is always top-notch, include this two-seconds practice every time you're brushing your teeth. To be more efficient than just using the toothbrush, use the special tongue scraper and never worry about bad breath.

Oh, if only brushing was enough! But it's not, and for a more beautiful smile that oozes confidence, floss slowly with a gentle sawing motion. Pay special attention to the area just beneath the gum line, as well as the tight spaces between teeth – if not flossed regularly, these are the places where plaque can build up and turn to tartar, which is much bigger of a hassle. And this can also lead to cavities and gum disease, so just do it once a day and prevent boring issues.

Sodas, sweet and sugary snacks, cookies, fast food. We know, we know, bad news! But it's not without reason: bacteria in the mouth need sugar to produce the acids, and the acids unfortunately weaken enamel and damage teeth. This is not to say that you must absolutely never eat those; just limit your consumption, and you're good. Instead, make sure to consume a variety of nutrient-rich food – it will keep your teeth and gums healthy, as well as your whole body.

Sometimes your teeth are super healthy because you're taking good care of them – but they're crooked, or have grown badly, and the result is not the smile you're proud of. Why be miserable about it? Ask your dentist about the options he or she has for you. There are many kinds of braces available, some even invisible, most of them painless. What's a year or two in comparison to the life of a beautiful smile?

We know, we know, nobody is a great fan of the dentist's office. But you shouldn't be only saving the visits when you have dental problems such as bleeding gums or a toothache. Your dentist can give you personalized advice for your teeth and gums, and share new info with you. That person has the same goal as you do: to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and beautiful for as long as possible. Use it!

When you feel better about yourself, looks included, your confidence soars. Especially if your teeth are beautiful because you will never be self-conscious about laughing, which will make you more relaxed and able to enjoy the moment. Everybody should be able to do that! Go you!