Are you looking for ways to improve your smile? Read about the different tips on how to improve your smile and oral health.

About seven in 10 people feel self-conscious about their teeth. In fact, they get a lot of criticism from the people closest to them as a result. About one in four have received a negative comment about their teeth from a coworker or significant other.

Learning how to improve your smile could also boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. Here are a few tips from your dentist in Framingham, MA that can help.

With these tips, you can improve your oral health and maintain a stunning, photogenic smile.



Read on to learn more!

Brush and Floss

Nearly 26% of adults ages 20 to 44 have untreated dental cavities. Cavities can form if there's plaque and tartar on or between your teeth. Plaque is the sticky, clear substance that clings to your teeth when you neglect to brush.

Plaque can hide between your teeth, too, increasing your risk of cavities and affecting your gum health. 

If you want to experience noticeable smile improvement, start with your oral hygiene routine. First, make sure to brush and floss every day, twice a day. Don't go to bed without brushing your teeth first.

Brushing

Frequent brushing will help your teeth stay white, improving the appearance of your smile. It can also minimize bacteria, ensuring a healthy smile, too.

Make sure to brush at a 45-degree angle. Use gentle pressure and small strokes. Try focusing only on one or two teeth at a time. 

Flossing

Make sure to floss! Flossing will help remove any plaque hidden between your teeth or under the gum line. It also helps you remove plaque that your brush otherwise can't reach.

Flossing every day can help reduce your risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. Otherwise, plaque and tartar will continue to build, leading to periodontal disease. If you develop periodontal disease, your risk of bone destruction and even tooth loss will rise.

When flossing, start by wrapping the floss around your finger. Insert the floss between your teeth and slide it up and down two or three times. 



If bleeding occurs, it could indicate you have gingivitis. Talk to your dentist if the bleeding doesn't stop after two weeks.

Switch Your Brush

You could struggle to maintain a nice smile if you don't replace your brush often enough. Consider investing in an electric toothbrush this year. These brushes can remove more plaque, ensuring healthier teeth and gums.

There are also models available for sensitive teeth or teeth whitening.

Otherwise, make sure to change your brush or brush head every three months. Replace the brush more often if the bristles look worn down.

Consider talking to your dentist in Framingham, MA for toothbrush recommendations.

Otherwise, switch up your toothpaste. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride for more whitening power. Fluoride is one of the leading defenses against tooth decay.



It can fight the germs that lead to decay, creating a protective barrier around your teeth. 

Schedule Regular Cleanings

One of the best ways to improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile is by visiting your dentist. Schedule routine cleanings at least twice a year. Cleanings every six months can minimize your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Otherwise, you could struggle to remove stains and tartar from your teeth alone.

Your dental hygienist can also screen you for health conditions like oral cancer or high blood pressure. These conditions manifest in your mouth. Your dentist could help you determine if it's time to follow up with your primary physician.

Try Treatments

Regular appointments with your dentist in Framingham, MA can also help you determine which treatment options align with your goals. Your dentist can offer smile improvement recommendations based on specific concerns.

For example, if your teeth look yellow or dull, your dentist might recommend tooth whitening treatments. The process is simple and painless. Your dentist might also recommend products you can use at home.

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, your dentist might recommend dental bonding. Bonding involves creating and applying a tooth-colored resin to a damaged tooth. The resin is bonded to the surface to improve the appearance of your smile.



Otherwise, your dentist might recommend dental contouring to reshape a disfigured tooth. Veneers, like bonding, can also repair stained, chipped, or broken teeth. 

Consider Your Diet

Your diet could have a negative impact on your oral health as well.

First, consider minimizing your intake of coffee, tea, and red wine. These beverages can stain your teeth. 

Try drinking through a straw to minimize staining. Otherwise, drink water to rinse your mouth.

Minimize your intake of sugary and acidic foods, too. Sugar converts into acid in your mouth, which could erode your protective tooth enamel.



Instead, consider eating crunchy fruits and vegetables more often. These foods can help stimulate saliva production to clear food particles and plaque from your teeth. They're also high in fiber. 

Quit Smoking

Smoking might impact your progress as you work to improve your smile. Consider quitting this year. Otherwise, the stain from smoking could soak into the enamel.



Smoking can also compromise your gym health. It makes it more difficult to reverse gum disease, too. 

Drink Water

Instead of beverages that can dye your teeth, consider drinking more water this year. Tap water, which has the recommended dosage of fluoride, is ideal. Water also helps flush the teeth of any food particles and plaque. 



If you drink acidic or sugary drinks throughout the day, make sure to carry a water bottle with you.

Address Other Health Issues

How to Improve Your Smile: Visit Your Dentist in Framingham, MA

Don't neglect your smile this year. Instead, learn how to improve your smile by adding these tips to your routine. Otherwise, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Framingham, MA every six months. 

Routine appointments can help you maintain your stunning, photogenic smile throughout the year. 

Ready to improve your smile? We're here to help.



Request an appointment today to get started.