Time for a Smile Boost!

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you may be thinking about a special someone. Or you may just be planning to spend the evening treating yourself to some much-needed self-care. No matter what your Valentine’s Day plans are, why not prepare to be the best version of yourself that you can be? One easy way to do that is to give your smile some extra love.

Not sure what to do to give yourself that boost? We’ve got you covered with dental care tips to help you achieve a confident, radiant smile this Valentine’s Day.

Easy Tooth-Stain Removal

Did you know that teeth naturally yellow with age? One cause is the normal thinning of enamel, which reveals more of the yellow dentin underneath. Stains from coffee, berries, and other dark-colored foods are also hard-to-avoid culprits. But you can brighten up your smile by treating yourself to a little pampering with a professional whitening treatment. You might be surprised how something as simple as lightening your smile a few shades improves your mood. You won’t just notice the difference in the mirror or in pictures; you’ll feel it radiating off of you as you go about your day. 

Once you have your freshly whitened smile, you’ll want to go the extra step to take care of it: Keep up with your daily oral routine, brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once a day. And be sure to monitor your intake of stain-contributing foods.

Fresh-Breath Confidence

If you’ve got plans for a romantic evening this Valentine’s Day, the last thing you want is for the smell of the peanut butter sandwich you had for lunch to be sticking around! Before you head out for your big evening, tackle any potential odor with a toothbrushing session complete with flossing and tongue cleaning. While you’re at it, why not throw in a round of mouthwash? After all, you can’t be too careful. 

Another tip is to carry a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in a bag and keep it nearby. This is handy for an after-dinner refresh or in those instances where food particles lodge between your teeth (no gum-damaging toothpicks, thank you!).

Smile-Friendly Food Choices

Sometimes making just one change to your lifestyle can make a big difference, so never underestimate the little things! This is true for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. When choosing those tasty treats for the big day, see what you can adjust.

For example, look for decadent, flavor-filled dark chocolates instead of the classic sugar-filled milk chocolate varieties. The milk chocolate versions contain more sugar than the dark ones, and sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria, contributing to tooth decay. Another helpful trick is to enjoy these treats a few times a day instead of snacking on them throughout the day. This way, your saliva has a chance to neutralize the acids from the sugars.

Oral Hygiene Consistency

As with pretty much everything, consistency is key. Oral hygiene is no exception! Whether it’s a holiday or not, remember to give your teeth the TLC they deserve. As we mentioned, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time. If you need to, set a timer—your teeth will thank you. 

Be sure to floss at least once daily as well to get rid of particles hiding between those teeth. For extra bacteria-fighting power, add some mouthwash into the mix. If you’re not sure whether your dental tools are right for the job, look for the ADA seal of approval to make sure you’re giving your smile the best care you can.

Confidence in Your Smile

Never underestimate the power of self-confidence. Sure, everyone has days when they feel a little down, but Valentine’s Day is one day you shouldn’t be spending worrying about little details. It’s time to stand up straight and put on a genuine smile. Remember that you’ve done all the right things to keep your smile shining bright—it’s time to show it off. You’ve got this!

Preparation That Pays Off

Having a healthy smile takes effort and intentionality, but the confidence it gives you is worth it all. Keep up with your oral care routine throughout the year so that you can feel confident in your smile when it matters most. A little preparation right before a big date is all it takes to be sure there aren’t any lingering traces of your lunch.

If you want to be sure those teeth shine, call our Hite Family Dentistry team for a professional whitening treatment. You’ll be surprised how something as simple as brightening your smile improves your confidence!