10 Easy Ways for a White and Healthy Smile

A healthy smile is everything. Even a quick smile can boost your mood, increase your confidence and make you feel like a winner. However, a healthy smile doesn't happen overnight. If you're looking for white and healthy teeth, you're in the right place. Check out these 10 simple ways that'll help you get the smile of your dreams.

Brush Better!

We're taught by our parents how to brush our teeth at a youthful age. Nowadays, there's probably an app for that. Yet, according to a 2014 survey by Delta Dental, roughly 30% of all Americans aren't brushing enough! That's a crazy amount, especially since your dentist cannot stress enough the importance of brushing your teeth!

First off, start by brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, two times a day. Don't have time in the morning? Set your alarm clock a few minutes earlier so you have no excuse to put off brushing your teeth. For a healthy smile, make sure you're brushing in small, circular motions to eliminate much of the plaque coating the surface of your teeth.

Let's not forget all sides of your teeth, including the back and the gumline. Bacteria loves to gather in these areas, so giving them a good scrub will keep them away. Lastly, replace your toothbrush every 3 months. The bristles that sweep away plaque won't be of any use if they look like a toilet bowl wand.

Don't Forget to Floss!

It's scary to think only 1 in 4 Americans are flossing every day. However, you can't trick yourself or your dentist, especially when they ask if you've been flossing. That's why it's important to learn to floss the right way.

The next time you're in the bathroom, dust off your floss and wind about 12 in. of it around your index fingers. Gently move it between the crevices of your teeth in a curved motion, using about half an inch of floss for each tooth. You'll be surprised by how much gunk you'll pull out, and how yellow the floss strand will get. With practice, flossing will take as little as a minute.

Start Using Mouthwash

Having a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss may be one thing, but do you even have mouthwash in your bathroom? Mouthwash is of utter importance; it contains enzymes and minerals that not only repair your teeth, but also neutralizes any acidic foods and drinks you eat. Mouthwash is also useful, to help flush out any remaining chunks of food your floss didn't reach.

However, we do have to say mouthwash is not an alternative to brushing your teeth. Too much mouthwash can cause dry mouth, which isn't good if your plan is to have healthy teeth. Stick to swishing a tiny amount in the morning right after brushing and flossing.

Take a Look at Your Diet

Your stomach isn't the first thing your food faces when getting digested. Your teeth are what breaks down your food into smaller portions for easier swallowing to begin with. Too many sugary or acidic foods can destroy your white teeth.

The next time you're at the store, fill up your shopping cart with foods that are teeth-friendly. This includes fresh vegetables, non-citrus fruits and assorted nuts.

Quit Drinking Sodas

One of the biggest dangers to your teeth that goes under the radar is sodas. Far too often do we sip on carbonated drinks for an extended period of time not knowing the dangers soda poses to our teeth.

The primary problem is the high concentration of sugar in sodas. Sugar is food for bacteria in your mouth, and these bacteria excrete acidic juices afterwards. This can lead to terrible cases of tooth decay and worse. Keep your teeth healthy by limiting the consumption of sodas to less than one cup a day.

Cool Down on the Hot Drinks

Are you a coffee or tea type of person? These drinks are great for slow mornings, but here's a wakeup call. Hot drinks can put your teeth at risk for the rest of the day. Scalding temperatures can cause dry mouth and stained teeth, neither of which are enjoyable.

To protect your teeth down the road and make sure they're white and healthy for a lifetime, put down the entire coffee pot and limit yourself to a cup a morning.

Keep the Alcohol Under Control

Life is easy if you can go home and enjoy a beer or your favorite bottle of wine. However, if you at all care for your teeth you'll take this wholeheartedly. Alcohol, especially red and white wines, are highly acidic. The acidity in these beverages are a primary cause of tooth decay, stained teeth and can leave your smile dull.

That doesn't mean you have to give up these drinks entirely! As with the other drinks on the list, keeping it in moderation won't be a problem for you or a healthy smile.

Stress Less!

It's hard not to stress, but even the slightest amount of stress can impact a healthy smile. Stress causes anxiety-relieving habits, including grinding and teeth clenching, both of which can wear down the thin layer of enamel that protects your teeth.

Stress varies from person to person, as such so does any relief methods. However, to avoid teeth clenching during the day, chew sugar-free gum, and at night wear a protective mouthguard.

Wear a Mouthguard

Speaking of mouthguards, if you play sports it's crucial that you wear one. In most sports, coaches won't even let their players go onto the field without one, so why should you? A mouthguard protects your teeth from any knockout. You don't want to go home with a bleeding lip and a missing tooth! That's definitely the opposite of a white set of teeth.

Visit your nearest sporting outlet, or even come to the dentist. When you get a mouthguard, initially you'll have to warm it up and mold it around your teeth so it's comfortable when you later use it.

Visit the Dentist!

Keeping up with your teeth is well worth it, and who better to impress than your dentist! Visit your dentist to stay up-to-date on good oral care practices, as well as surprise them with your healthy, white teeth.