How to Get a Younger Looking Smile

28 Apr How to Get a Younger Looking Smile

A person’s smile is usually one of the first things you notice about a person. Having a nice smile can brighten up a person’s face, helping them appear to be more attractive and younger. However, your once-nice smile changes as you get older, and it’s not always for the better. Luckily there are steps you can take that will help keep your pearly whites healthy and strong.

Do you want to turn back time and have a healthier, younger looking smile? There are steps you can take in order to help protect and preserve your teeth and mouth.

• Dry mouth can happen as we get older, and that can contribute to infections in the mouth as well as tooth decay. In order to help keep the saliva flowing in your mouth, make sure you have sugarless candy or gum with you. It will help with saliva production and is an excellent alternative to soda and juice.
• A good rule of thumb is, if it stains your carpet, it will stain your teeth. Your teeth already get darker as you age, it’s a natural part of the aging process, so don’t make it worse by drinking something that can stain your teeth even more. This includes red wine, tea, and coffee.
• If you can’t live without your morning tea or coffee, make sure you swish water around in your mouth afterwards. You might think brushing your teeth immediately afterwards is a better idea, but it’s not. Wait at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth.
• Snacking on potato chips, candy, and even cereal can keep the acid levels in your mouth high. Eating sugary snacks for an extended period of time can definitely contribute to the breakdown of your teeth and tooth enamel. Snacking on them all day is like bathing your teeth in sugar, so instead snack on healthy, non-sugary items such as cucumbers or celery sticks.
• Since our teeth naturally become darker as we age, getting your teeth whitened is an excellent way to keep your mouth looking younger. There are over-the-counter teeth whitening strips available, but if you want more potent whitening power it is best to make an appointment with your dentist.
• If you have damaged teeth that are cracked, chipped, or just worn down, you may want to look into crowns. Crowns will help improve your smile by covering up, or “capping” a damaged tooth. While this is not always covered by dental insurance, it will help your smile look younger.
• Bonding is another expensive, yet effective option. With bonding, composite resin or porcelain is affixed to a chipped tooth, making it look “whole” again by filling it back out.
• Veneers are an excellent way to cover up crooked teeth, chips, and stains. These thin shells can be pretty pricey, but they do a good job of covering the front of your teeth.
• Nothing beats having good dental hygiene, so be sure to brush and floss daily. This is the simplest and easiest way to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, and looking good. So be sure to brush and floss, twice a day for at least two minutes. Just remember to replace your toothbrush when needed!