A beautiful smile can seem like an unattainable asset. Cosmetic dental procedures can be very expensive and not everyone can afford it, nor do they have the time!The good news? You do not have to book an appointment with the cosmetic dentist in order to get that sparkly row of teeth you want. There are so many things you can do to improve your smile for little to no cost.

Excuse-free maintenance

You know this one already: brush and floss, twice a day, every day. Keeping up a regular routine of thorough cleaning and flossing will help you to avoid issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and discoloration. Flossing between your teeth helps to remove plaque, which is the pesky substance that contributes to the formation of cavities. A couple of extra minutes a day is worth it when you consider the havoc unkempt teeth can wreak on your bank account, and on the appearance of your smile. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to brushing and flossing is…it can help to prevent heart disease and strokes! This might sound far-fetched, but it’s true: built-up bacteria in your mouth can move into the rest of your body through your blood, and can cause serious health complications. So, get back to the basics and implement a strict, no-nonsense routine of brushing and flossing. You will see and feel a marked improvement in no time!

Brighten and whiten…affordably

Having a bright, white, celebrity smile is not as inconceivable and high-cost as it once was. You can easily and safely whiten your teeth at home with safety approved at-home kits. Improving the pearly white sparkle-factor of your teeth is one of the best ways of drasticallyimproving your smile. It’s kind of like a mini-makeover for your face which will lift your spirits and make your smile even more amazing than it already is.

Avoid the candy aisle!

Your diet contributes to the health and appearance of your teeth. The old saying which was drummed into you as a child is still true now; “sugar rots your teeth”. The sugar itself doesn’t necessarily do the damage directly, but it is the main accomplice. The bacteria in your mouth uses sugar to produce acids which eat away at your teeth, causing holes and discoloration.

Spend a little to save a lot

Going to the dentist for regular check-ups might cost more than you would like at the time, but undergoing serious corrective treatments to fix neglected teeth will cost you a whole lot more in the long run. The fresh, clean, healthy look of your teeth is so much more likely to be preserved if you bite the bullet and see the dentist every year. Your dental professional can maintain the vigilant maintenance you have kept up, and keep an eye on any developing issues.

Embrace your imperfections

This one is totally free: accept your smile, and wear it proudly! It’s easier to say than do, but just know that teeth “imperfections” are actually gorgeous and they make you unique. There are so many supermodels out there these days who have gaps in their teeth, chipped teeth, large teeth…and they are admired and coveted all over the world for their unique beauty.

Quick smile-enhancing tips:

• An electric toothbrush is a great way of getting an extra-deep clean for the recommended 2 minutes. If you make the effort (and the investment) to purchase an electric toothbrush, then you will probably be more motivated to actually use it properly! Some models have 2-minute timers to stop you from skimping on brush-time, and pressure-sensitive mechanisms to keep you from pressing too hard and damaging your gums, which can be easily-done with a manual toothbrush
• Set a “floss reminder” for 2 weeks to get into the habit. This is for those of you who have abandoned your flossing routine all together. By reminding yourself to do it, the habit will soon form, and it will be second nature. Your teeth will remain visibly cleaner and healthier for longer, between dentist appointments
• Treat yourself to an at-home whitening kit and use your new-found sparkling smile as motivation to keep up your teeth-maintenance habits long term

Final thoughts

The key to a beautiful, healthy smile is regular cleaning, flossing and cutting down on the sugar. These are free and easy ways of keeping your teeth glistening and fresh. Remember to see the dentist every year to avoid colossal dental bills and painful treatments down the line. To top off all of your responsible teeth-maintenance efforts, get yourself a teeth-whitening kit so you can really show off your dazzling smile like you deserve!