New Year’s Steps to a New Smile: Natural Ways to Improve Your Teeth

The New Year is right around the corner and what better New Year’s resolution than to improve the look of your smile? It’s often one of the first things people notice, and it’s undeniably a big influencer in your level of self-confidence. Yet, it’s also undeniable that cosmetic dental procedures are an investment, and purely cosmetic procedures aren’t always a priority moving into the New Year when Christmas bills are still rolling in.

But what if we told you there are ways you can naturally improve your teeth? You heard us right: there are inexpensive ways to make your teeth better and brighter.

Start with the foundation.

Better teeth are made from the inside out. Healthy teeth are stronger and more durable, which means they function better and are more resistant to chips and breaks. To build healthier teeth, consume foods and drinks that have teeth-friendly nutrients in them such as calcium and vitamin C. Milk is an excellent source for tooth-strengthening calcium. Strawberries and oranges, as well as other citrus fruits, are great ways to consume vitamin C, which helps build strong gums to support your smile.

Keep it light.

Pearly whites don’t have to come from dental whitening procedures. Try your best to consume clear liquids whenever possible and minimize your consumption of teeth-staining liquids like coffee and tea. You can also remove lighter surface stains by purchasing toothpaste that has a whitening component. Many drugstores offer multiple options for you to try.

Always protect.

Taking proactive steps to avoid tooth damage is an often overlooked, yet important, part of any oral hygiene regimen. Avoid biting directly into hard food objects, such as apples or corn on the cob. Instead, slice the apples and try to remove the corn from the cob. Small step such as these help eliminate added stress on your teeth. Whenever playing high-intensity sports, don’t forget to wear a mouth guard. Biting on ice or hard candy and grinding teeth are other things that individuals can avoid to help safeguard and improve their teeth’s strength and appearance.

Let 2014 be the year that you make healthy decisions for your teeth. You’ll notice a positive difference in how they look and feel, and chances are that you’ll feel even more self-confident. For more tips and advice on improving your smile, please check out the blog at Patrick Toms DMD.