A winning smile is always the best accessory, so it’s important to make the most of it. However, a significant number of people are extremely self-conscious about their smile. If you’re uncomfortable smiling or laughing when you’re in company, you’re unable to truly relax and enjoy yourself. Fortunately, there are simple and straightforward ways to improve your smile and boost your confidence:
1. Overhaul your oral hygiene
Minor stains and imperfections can often be remedied with a comprehensive oral hygiene routine, providing you act quickly enough. An electric toothbrush, floss, interdental brushes and/or a Waterpik will help to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright. Take advice from your dentist before updating your oral hygiene routine and you’ll find the best methods and products for you.
2. Fix your teeth
If you have problems with your teeth, such as misalignment or gaps, having them fixed will naturally improve your smile. Affordable dentures are typically the fastest and cheapest way to replace missing teeth, while alignment issues can be fixed with braces or retainers. With a variety of cosmetic treatments available, almost any issue can be remedied with just a few trips to your dentist.
3. Wear the right lipstick
If you wear lipstick to enhance your lips, it’s essential to choose shades that complement your skin tone. Try out various colours and notice the impact they have on your appearance. Some will make teeth appear yellower, while others will make them seem brighter and healthier. Similarly, some lipstick shades will enhance your natural appearance, while others may make your skin appear duller. Finding your signature shade won’t just transform your smile, it will boost your confidence every day.
4. Do facial exercises
We’re used to exercising the rest of our bodies but what about our faces? It’s natural for muscle tone to decrease as we get older, which is why it’s important to work out and retain as much muscle fibre as possible. When it comes to your appearance, the loss of collagen and elastin can have a major impact on your smile too. With cheek and jaw exercises, however, you can transform your smile and slow the signs of ageing too.
5. Visit a hygienist
If you visit your dentist for regular check-ups and brush your teeth twice a day, you probably think you’re taking care of your teeth pretty well. However, visiting a hygienist and having your teeth professionally cleaned really is a gamechanger. By removing plaque and tartar, your hygienist can prevent cavities from forming and help to keep your smile looking great for longer. In addition to this, going for regular cleanings reduces the risk of staining and helps to prevent enamel erosion, which is often responsible for discolouration and sensitivity.
Make the Most of Your Smile
If you still feel self-conscious when you smile, try practising in the mirror! You may feel a little silly smiling at yourself at first, but you’ll soon get used to it. One of the reasons we can feel nervous about smiling is because we rarely see ourselves do it. By getting used to smiling freely, it will become second-nature and you’ll stop thinking twice about showing off your spectacular smile.
