Many people value their teeth and fear that others may notice their defects. If you think you have bad teeth, there are some simple things you can do to change the situation. You can take care of them, gain greater self-esteem or go to the dentist: whatever choice you make, you can improve your teeth and feel better about yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Gain Confidence
Step 1. Remember that the situation is not that desperate
In fact, many people are in much worse shape than yours. Maybe you have a defect (such as a crooked incisor, malocclusion or yellowing) that you think is so obvious and ugly that you believe that no one will ever look at you, but this is usually not the case. Remember one thing: you see your teeth every day, so you spot every single flaw in them. Others pay very little attention to us and will never notice the imperfections you see.
While noticing the flaws, most people won't care. Few people have perfect teeth
Step 2. Smile anyway
While you feel uncomfortable, you should accept your teeth for what they are. Be confident and smile - no one will pay attention to such a detail. Self-esteem and an open smile can help you make a great impression, regardless of the condition of your teeth.
Practice smiling confidently in front of the mirror
Step 3. Don't draw attention to your mouth
If your teeth are causing you profound discomfort, try to divert attention from there. Do not use lipsticks or lip pencils in bright and flashy colors, otherwise you will immediately catch the eye. Instead, apply a clear lip gloss or conditioner. The lips will be discreet and will not attract attention.
Also, you shouldn't put your hands to your mouth or bite your nails, otherwise others will notice the "offending" area
Step 4. Draw attention to the eyes
Are you afraid that others will dwell on your teeth? Try to look away from your interlocutors. If you wear makeup, try using mascara or a bright eyeshadow, otherwise put on a nice pair of glasses to draw attention to the eyes rather than the teeth.
Try to have an expressive look, especially when you smile. Using your eyes to convey your emotions will warm and intensify your smile, as well as divert attention away from your teeth
Step 5. Get attention elsewhere
Since you don't think your teeth are your strong point, try highlighting parts of the body you like to draw attention to areas you feel confident about. If you use jewelry and trinkets, put on a pair of eye-catching earrings, such as sparkly or dangling ones. You will thus obtain the desired result.
- Try using more accessories. Choose a new hat, bracelet or cuff, put on a nice pair of shoes or a necklace with character. People will notice you for your style, not your teeth.
- Get a nice haircut or dye it a bold color to draw attention to this area. You can also try particular hairstyles.
Step 6. Smile without showing your teeth
If you still feel uncomfortable, you can try to convey confidence without showing your teeth. Many like to smile like this, so it won't look weird at all. You will be likeable and sociable without the need to show your teeth.
- Practice several exercises in front of the mirror. Also try to open your mouth more or less, to understand which expression enhances you while still being natural.
- Look at old photos of you smiling and find your favorite expressions.
Method 2 of 3: Improve your dentition
Step 1. Try using a whitening product
If the problem is color, you can use special products. They will make you feel more confident while having other dental problems. Several products are available on the market. The cheapest, and ideal to start with, are whitening toothpastes. They are easy to use because they are the same as any other toothpaste.
- You can also try a whitening gel. To get it to work, you need to apply the appropriate acrylic strip on your teeth. It is more expensive, especially when specially prepared by a dentist.
- You can also try whitening strips, which stick to your teeth. They are quite expensive and typically need to be used repeatedly, so costs soar over time.
- If you prefer professional treatment, which is more effective, go to the dentist.
Step 2. Brush your teeth
It may seem trivial, but washing them twice a day can improve their overall condition (while not being straight) and make you feel safer. Brushing your teeth keeps them healthy and facilitates the treatments needed to remedy more complex problems.
Choose a fluoride toothpaste. It is more effective in preventing tooth decay than the others
Step 3. Use dental floss
Brushing your teeth isn't enough to take care of them on a daily basis. Floss every day, whether it's regular or floss. It will help remove bacteria, plaque and food debris that have been neglected by the toothbrush, plus it will make your teeth look better and healthier.
Mouthwash is also effective in this regard and helps you feel more confident. In addition, it eliminates bacteria and freshens the breath
Step 4. Eat less sugar
It is the main cause of tooth decay: every time you eat sugar, an acid forms and starts to deteriorate your teeth. Instead of gorging yourself on candy all at once, try limiting your consumption so that you eat one every 4-5 hours. This will give your teeth time to stabilize before taking in more sugar.
- Watch out for hidden sugars in fizzy drinks, fruit juices, and products that claim to have no added sugars. In fact, they all contain some and can damage your teeth. Try light drinks, sugar-free products or natural sweeteners. They have no effect on the teeth and help protect them.
- You don't have to completely eliminate candy, just reduce the amount consumed each day.
- If you have a hard time cutting down on sugars, try eating candy that is sugar-free.
Step 5. Avoid other habits and activities that are harmful to your teeth
You should avoid smoking, as cigarettes stain them. The same goes for coffee, dark colored fizzy drinks, tea and red wine, so drink less.
- If you really can't give up on these drinks, try drinking them through a straw to reduce stains.
- Xerostomia can also cause tooth decay, so keep your mouth hydrated by drinking more water or chewing sugar-free gum.
Method 3 of 3: Contact a Professional
Step 1. Talk to your dentist
If your teeth are suffering from a serious problem that affects the quality of your life, you need to intervene. Go to the dentist and work out solutions for your particular case. He can do a dental cleaning, whiten them, seal them to keep them white and healthy, repair the broken ones, replace the missing ones, put veneers on the stained, chipped or uneven ones.
- If you fear the costs of these treatments, you can try the dental tourism option, that is, do dental care in a country where they cost less, but with high hygiene and professional standards.
- You should go to the dentist every 6 months to have beautiful and healthy teeth.
Step 2. Go to the orthodontist
If you are concerned about having crooked or uneven teeth, this professional can help you solve many dental alignment problems. Treatments are expensive, but with fixed, mobile or transparent braces, or with a retainer, you can correct your defect.
Your dentist will be able to recommend a good orthodontist in the area
Step 3. Consider seeing a psychologist
If you are trying to learn to accept your teeth, but nothing seems to work, it is possible that you have a deeper self-esteem problem that you have never faced and that goes far beyond the teeth. A psychologist can help you treat tooth-related social anxiety, but also anxiety caused by visits or dental care.