“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing” (Mother Theresa).
This quote is a wonderful reminder to us all to smile more. But we understand that for a lot of people it is far easier said than done, particularly if you are embarrassed by your teeth for any reason.
Whether you’re suffering with crooked, uneven, protruding, yellow or stained teeth, you’re not alone, and there are many people out there that are are afraid to smile with pride. A friendly, confident smile is often the first thing that others notice about us and yet so many accept that their teeth are imperfect, when in truth, it is much easier to do something about it.
Most imperfections can be treated and put right, either by taking certain precautions ourselves or by accessing procedures from good, reputable dental practitioners that specialise in making the most of your smile.
Tips for improving your smile at home
First and foremost, it is important to be aware of the main culprits when it comes to staining teeth. Red wine, dark juices and any dark liquids will stain the teeth. These things cannot always be avoided but it certainly helps to thoroughly clean the teeth after eating or drinking anything that could stain them. There are some good teeth cleaning products on the market, but using good old-fashioned baking soda to clean the teeth once a week is a reliable and cheap way to remove stains. In the meantime a good fluoride toothpaste, used twice daily as a minimum, is a must avoid a build-up of plaque.
The NHS Choices website gives good advice on how to reduce plaque, and brushing teeth correctly and for the right amount of time is of critical importance. In addition to this, flossing regularly is essential as this can reduce gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that can form along the gum line.
Time for professional help
There are obviously some limitations on self-help. When you have ensured that you have done everything you can to enhance your smile there are other options to consider and help is on hand from professional dental care specialists. Teeth Whitening can bring back the sparkle, or even give you a sparkle that you never had, and more and more people are now having this performed.
If the problems are less with colour and more with shape, orthodontic treatments are often considered to tackle the problem of protruding teeth. This has become far more attractive an option with invisible clear braces now available so adults do not have to feel like awkward teenagers while having corrective treatment. Dental implants can also rectify problems with the appearance of teeth and if you are fearful of any treatments choose a practice that boasts award-winning practitioners such as our own Dr Balwant Vekaria.
Don’t just put up with a smile that you are afraid to show and are unhappy with. Do what you can yourself and seek professional help - giving yourself the gift of a smile could transform your life.
