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You can tell when someone’s heart isn’t in it when they smile. Maybe they’re self-conscious about their yellow, stained teeth, or their dry, chapped lips. Instead of smiling freely, they hold back without even realizing it.

Healthy beauty habits and diligent dental care can make your smile healthier and more polished. That way, you can be confident every time you flash someone your pearly whites. Here are eight ways to make it happen.

Keep Your Teeth Bright, But Not Blinding

Bright teeth can make your smile look fresh, but if it’s overly white, it can look fake. Teeth that are naturally bright look healthier than ones that are stark white. 

Don’t fall into the temptation of quick fixes like bleaching your teeth or using harsh whitening strips daily. Not only will they give you an unnaturally white smile, but they’ll break down your enamel and weaken your teeth over time, too. Professional teeth whitening is still one of the best dental treatments for lifting years of stains while keeping your smile looking natural. Keep the results looking fresh by brushing twice a day.

Fix Small Chips Immediately

A chipped tooth is small, and not everyone will even notice it. However, it’s something that will definitely bother you every time you look in the mirror or see yourself smile in a photo. That tiny flaw can make your smile look worn and less polished. 

Fix even minor chips as soon as you notice them so they don’t become a bigger dental problem. Your dentist may recommend cosmetic bonding or reshaping, depending on the size of the damage. Restoring that smooth edge helps your smile look balanced again, and you’ll finally stop staring at that one tiny spot whenever you catch your reflection.

Replace Missing Teeth

A missing tooth doesn’t just change your smile. It also makes chewing harder and could even make nearby teeth shift over time. You’ll end up covering your mouth every time you laugh or smile. That’s not a way to live when you should be showing off your pretty pearly whites.

Replace missing teeth to piece your smile back together. Dental implants are one of the most natural-looking, long-term options available. They’re quite pricey, so it’s always worth comparing rates in different places. For example, you could research dental implants Mexico price if the prices in your state aren’t very reasonable. Traveling for treatment can give you access to experienced dental professionals while being much more affordable. You get a complete smile again, without the hefty price tag.

Hydrate Those Lips

Even the prettiest smile can lose its sparkle if it’s framed by dry, flaky lips. Chapped lips draw attention away from your teeth and can make your face seem tired. They also make lipstick harder to apply, which can be a hassle.

Keep a nourishing balm close by to moisturize your lips throughout the day. Do it before bed too so you can wake up to smooth, supple lips. When doing your makeup, consider switching from matte lipsticks, which can accentuate chapped lips, to hydrating lip glosses that keep lips smooth and soft. Drinking plenty of water helps, too.

Avoid Drinks That Stain Teeth

The yummy drinks you sip every day can also cause your smile to look more unkempt. Coffee, black tea, and dark sodas leave behind pigments that cling to your enamel, leaving it yellow or even brown. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to give up brewing coffee or sipping cola just for a nice smile. You just have to go the extra mile to protect your teeth when you do. Drink dark-colored beverages through a straw. Rinse your mouth with water afterward to wash away any leftover pigments. This helps your smile stay brighter while you enjoy your favorite drinks.

Wear Cool-Toned Lipstick

Your lipstick color can completely change how white your teeth appear. Warmer shades with orange or golden undertones can make your teeth look more yellow than they really are. The shades that will make your teeth look white are cool-toned colors with blue undertones, like berry pinks and cool reds. 

Wear these lipstick shades when you’re going out to an event where lots of photos will be taken, or when you simply want your smile to pop. You’ll be surprised how white your teeth look thanks to a carefully chosen, cool-toned lippie.

Maintain Fresh Breath

You can have healthy teeth and glossy lips, but if you’re worried about your breath, you’ll probably think twice before smiling or getting close to anyone. Fresh breath helps you relax because you won’t second-guess every laugh or chat.

To keep your breath fresh, brush your tongue whenever you brush your teeth. That’s where odor-causing bacteria often collects. Keep sugar-free gum or mints in your bag to freshen up between meals. Fresh breath can instantly boost your confidence, making it much easier to smile without holding yourself back.

Smile With Confidence

The best-looking smiles are the ones that look genuine. Confidence has a way of making a smile feel warmer and more charming, even with a few imperfections. Try not to be so self-conscious when you get the urge to smile. Let yourself laugh or grin when you hear a funny joke or see something that touches your heart. Confidence in a smile can outshine even the fanciest lipsticks and dental treatments, so smile like you mean it.

Endnote

Your smile deserves to look as beautiful and refined as possible. Follow the tips above to make your teeth look brighter and your lips softer. It will be much easier to show off your gorgeous, sparkly smile. You won’t find a better everyday accessory to complement your style!