If you’re looking to kickstart your confidence in time for summer – then you may be surprised about one way in which you can achieve this goal: by smiling.
Go on, give it a go! Feels good, don’t it?
Believe it or not, smiling can often help boost your confidence subconsciously because it increases your body’s production of serotonin, otherwise known as the happiness hormone.
As a result, smiling, even when we don’t feel like it, makes us feel happier, less stressed and more confident than frowning. Smiling can also help change the way others respond to you, as it shows that you are friendly, welcoming and receptive.
However, not everyone feels all that confident in their smile, to begin with. In fact, a recent study found that half of British people are unhappy with their teeth or smile – with many avoiding smiling or trying to actively ‘hide’ their teeth. There are various different reasons for this unhappiness. For example, they may feel that their teeth are crooked, discoloured or stained.
However, everyone deserves to smile, especially during difficult times. With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to learn to love your smile more and restore your confidence through your smile.
Develop Healthy Habits
One way you can begin to take better care of your teeth (and, by extension, your smile) is by ensuring that you develop healthy habits when it comes to oral hygiene. For example, you should ensure that you brush your teeth twice a day and use mouthwash, floss or interdental brushes when necessary.
Visit The Orthodontist
If you feel unhappy with your smile because your teeth aren’t perfectly straight – don’t worry; you aren’t alone. Misaligned teeth are very common amongst both adults and children.
However, you may want to schedule a visit with an orthodontist who can talk you through your options when it comes to braces, clip-on veneers and Invisalign products that can help you to get the smile you have always dreamed of. While it may take a little time to get the results you’re looking for, this is a great way to improve your overall smile confidence.
Don’t Skip Dentist Visits
Many, many people avoid going to the dentist, even when they may be in pain. However, the fact remains that this is the easiest way to keep your teeth in good condition, whether you need a wisdom teeth extraction, or a regular check-up.
Not only will this ensure you receive the care you need, but you’ll also be able to ask your dentist for tips you can use to improve your oral hygiene and brighten your smile. As a result, you should ensure that you don’t skip over dentist visits and aim to see your dentist every six months.
Choose The Products You Use Carefully
The products we use for our teeth, from whitening powers to mouthwash, can sometimes be the cause of discolouration or other problems.
As a result, it’s vital that you do your research ahead of time to be sure that you are buying the right products. For example, there are various different factors to consider when choosing a teeth whitening product beyond their price point. For example, you can verify their credibility by seeing if they are dentist-recommended or checking out their reviews.
Cut Down On Your Sugar Intake
As a child, you were likely told that you cannot eat too many sweets unless you want your teeth to fall out. And while this is not strictly true, managing your sugar intake is a great way to take better care of your teeth, prevent decay and can even reduce sensitivity.
For example, you should reduce the amount of chocolate, sweets and fizzy drinks you consume. While it’s okay to treat yourself occasionally, you should also keep an eye out for sugar-free versions of your favourite snacks.
Reduce Your Coffee Consumption
As you get older, coffee can quickly become your best friend, whether you make delicious coffee at home or are a regular at your local Starbucks. This is because it can pull you out of an energy slump during a busy day at work or on those days when it’s harder than ever to get out of bed.
However, coffee can also stain your teeth due to the fact that it breaks down the enamel (and this can’t be remedied by adding more milk to your coffee, either). While you don’t have to cut out coffee entirely, you should monitor your consumption levels carefully, sticking to one or two coffees a day.
Get Into The Habit Of Complimenting Yourself (& Your Smile)
A lot of our self-worth and confidence comes from within, or the way in which we perceive ourselves. While these thoughts are the product of a society that wants us to judge ourselves – countering negative thoughts with positive ones is a great way to reignite your confidence, and not just within your smile.
As a result, you should get into the habit of complimenting yourself (and your smile) so that you can begin to develop a healthier self-image and confidence. For example, you should stand in front of the mirror each morning and say a few compliments to yourself out loud. This is not conceited – as you deserve to feel good, and this is a great way to build self-esteem that lasts.
Embrace What Makes You, You
When scrolling through Instagram, you are likely bombarded with pictures of influencers with impossibly bright, white teeth – which can make it all too easy to fall out of love with your own smile.
However, it’s important to remember that social media is not a reflection of real-life and that photos like this are often edited. In fact, most social media apps now have an automatic teeth-whitening function built into their settings that you might not even be aware of when using the app.
Recognising this is a great way to restore confidence in your smile by acknowledging that everyone’s smile is unique and different – and that’s perfectly fine. Your smile is part of what makes you you – and you’re pretty great as you are!
