A bright, clean smile not only looks great, but it ensures you have fresh breath. These two factors can potentially improve your life. According to a study by Match.com, 71% of women say that they judge a man based on his teeth. This means having a brilliant smile will actually help you be more attractive to women. “A smile can be very inviting—having a whiter smile is engaging and exciting, and you know he has fresh breath.” says Dr Donald Clifford.
Dating isn’t the only place where whiter teeth and fresh breath play a key role. Kelton Research, an independent research firm, found that your smile might also contribute to securing that dream job. Results have shown applicants are 58% more likely to get a job offer and 53% are more likely to be offered an increased salary if their teeth are white. These results prove a sparkling smile can make you stand out among a sea of applicants. “Having a whiter smile highlights personal self-image and leaves a memorable mark on the interview,” says Dr Clifford.
At Arizona Advanced Dental, with regular dentist visits and checkups, we can ensure your dental care is well taken care of and you are on your way to a healthy white smile and constant fresh breath.
There are also easy, everyday habits that you can implement into your home dental care. Here are 9 simple ways to fresh breath and white teeth.
A whiter smile could be as easy as throwing out your old toothbrush. Dr. Clifford advises patients to replace a toothbrush every three months, or as soon as you see the majority of the bristles begin to bend and look worn down. After the bristles are worn down, your toothbrush isn’t cleaning your teeth properly.
Brushing your tongue isn’t only about having fresh breath. Dr. Clifford says it can also help prevent staining. Your tongue accumulates bacteria, which can eventually lead to discoloration. Use a soft toothbrush and long strokes starting at the very back of the tongue, rinsing your brush after each stroke. This will help remove the bacteria on the brush without re-depositing it on your tongue.
While it isn’t as effective as other, more mainstream whitening treatments, it is a natural and organic way to maintain a healthy smile. Dr. Glassman recommends rinsing with two parts water to one part apple cider vinegar, and swishing the solution around for one minute.
Eating fruits, vegetables, and other crunchy foods is good for your body and your teeth. Dr. Clifford says that eating nuts, raw carrots, apples, and cauliflower can help keep your teeth clean by removing surface stains and plaque that leads to cavities.
Experts are divided on the effectiveness of whitening strips. Dr. Clifford is not a fan of strips because they don’t distribute the whitening paste evenly. Teeth are usually darkest near the gum line, where the strips can’t reach, and rather recommends using whitening gel trays.
Although they’re a good go-to for vitamin C, citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, contain acid that erodes tooth enamel. This can make teeth stain more easily. Make sure to rinse your mouth out with water immediately after eating these fruits to wash the destructive acid off your teeth.
