smiling-girl-dentist-300x199If you were to ask hundred people one thing that they would like with regard to their physical appearance, the vast majority of them will ultimately mention their smile. Having a healthy smile can have a dramatic impact on the rest of your life.

People who smile more tend to have more confidence. They also have a tendency to attract more people to them. When people are attractive because they smile, they also attract more opportunities.

Below are five steps that you can take to work toward a healthier and happier smile. In most cases, it won’t happen overnight, but a little at a time and you will notice that you’re hiding your smile less often and ultimately feeling better about many aspects of your life.

1. Brush daily.

This cannot be overstated. It is essential that you brush your teeth at least twice a day every day. It is ideal to brush your teeth after every meal, but this is not always practical, especially in our hectic lives.

Brush after you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep, at the bare minimum.

2. Floss every time you brush.

Flossing gets food and other particles out from between your teeth. You should floss after every time you brush, whether you brush twice a day or five times per day. The more you floss, the better your teeth will begin to look.

3. Rinse with mouthwash.

Once you are done flossing, make sure that you rinse your mouth out thoroughly with a good mouthwash. You should rinse for at least one full minute, but ideally two minutes before spitting the mouthwash out. This will help to kill as much bacteria in your mouth is possible.

4. Visit your dentist every six months.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings will help to ensure that you have a bright, white smile. This will also help you gain more confidence to smile more often.

5. Avoid bad habits that stain teeth.

If you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, these habits will stain your teeth. The stains can be stubborn and very difficult to remove. If you truly want a healthier and happier smile, consider cutting these habits out of your diet. Soda pop is also something you should consider eliminating from your daily habits.