Research suggests that smiling has several health and mood-boosting benefits. And it takes only 14 muscles to smile! But unfortunately, yellow teeth, crooked or misaligned molars, and common oral hygiene mistakes make people insecure or self-conscious about their smile. The good news is that simple changes in nutrition and daily lifestyle can help one achieve whiter teeth and restore that beautiful smile. Here are five dentist-recommend tips for getting that perfect smile.

Use clear aligners
Even a few crooked teeth or misaligned molars can force a person to hide their beautiful smile. And braces are just another painful hassle to endure. So, why not use clear aligners? These are designed and molded to fit the upper and lower jaws perfectly without being noticed. Though expensive, clear aligners have proven helpful in correcting individual molars with minimal pain and effort.

Try teeth-whitening home remedies
Many home remedies help people achieve whiter and healthier teeth. Oil pulling is a popular remedy where one vigorously swishes coconut oil inside the mouth to remove the teeth-yellowing bacteria. Alternatively, baking soda boasts natural teeth-whitening properties and can be brushed onto the teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush. Even eating crunchy fruits and vegetables rich in fiber can help rub away plaque with every bite. Flossing helps get plaque and bacteria out of crevices.

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush
Even the type of toothbrush used affects teeth and gum health. A hard bristle brush can be excessively abrasive, causing the teeth’s outer protective layer to erode. So, it is better to switch to softer bristles and mild antibacterial toothpaste. One should also use the correct brushing style; dentists recommend brushing in a circular motion for maximum cleaning effect.

Avoid certain foods and beverages
Hard toffee, sticky candies, dried fruits, sugary beverages, processed chips, ice pops, extremely citrus-rich fruits, and foods made from refined sugars should be avoided to restore that pearly white smile. These foods and beverages cause the enamel to erode, exposing the dentin while increasing the risk of infections that cause teeth yellowing.

Go for regular dental checkups
It is necessary to plan regular dental checkups and not visit the doctor only when there is a problem. Preventive care is the best practice, as the dentist can check, evaluate, and suggest effective habits to keep those pearly whites nice and bright!