When you're on a date or at an interview, you want your smile to look good. A set of pearly whites can set you apart from the crowd, after all. But you may be wondering how to brighten your smile without spending a fortune.

From braces to whitening products, it can be done. Read on to learn 10 ways to improve your smile!

1. Maintain a Healthier Diet

When you're loading up on sugary and processed food, that won't help the health of your smile. Foods high in sugar can eat away at the enamel of your teeth. And other foods, like bread and citrus, can inflame your gums.

If you restrict consumption of sugary foods and load up on vegetables, you'll do more than just reduce your weight. You'll reduce your blood pressure and cancer risk — and give yourself something to smile about!

2. Add More Water to Your Daily Routine

If you're wondering how to improve your smile, an easy way is by drinking more water. Water can help flush your mouth of leftover food that may be trapped. It also can help you feel full — and avoid reaching for sugary drinks.

Your body needs between 11.5 and 15.5 cups of water each day. Make a point of beginning and closing each meal with a glass.

3. Brush Your Teeth After Each Meal

Start a habit of brushing your teeth after each meal. By doing this, you'll remove the nasty food residue known as plaque. And by removing plaque, you'll reduce the risk of seeing tartar build on your teeth.

Tartar is plaque that has been stuck in your teeth — and then hardens. You can trust that your dental professional will work to remove it at your next appointment. But if you make a point of brushing before you go to bed and after you eat snacks, you'll help your smile stay whiter.

4. Be Diligent with Flossing

When it comes to ways to improve your smile, flossing is key. Flossing helps teeth stay bright — and it lowers the risk of gum disease or receding gums. Before you reach for your toothbrush, reach for about 12 inches of floss.

When sticky foods get stuck between two teeth, the results can be painful and expensive. But you can avoid cavities and fillings by committing to a daily flossing routine. Move slowly with the floss and change to a clean section of floss for each tooth.

5. Routine Dental Care is One of the 10 Ways to Improve Your Smile

Get in the habit of visiting your dentist in Elgin twice each year. Not only will you get your teeth cleaned, but you'll also get x-rays and fluoride treatments. X-rays can catch weakened roots or the early signs of a cavity.

You'll also be able to ask your dentist questions. And if you need help with proper flossing techniques or want prescription toothpaste, they'll have the expertise to help. Think of these dental visits as preventative care that will help improve your smile as you age. So don’t hesitate to polish your teeth and opt for teeth whitening in chatham to get a confident smile.

6. Use the Right Whitening Products

You can buy whitening toothpaste that may help reduce stains and brighten your teeth. But these products provide temporary fixes that may fade in a few weeks.

For a more complete whitening procedure, visit your dentist's office. Dental bleaching is safe, and you'll be able to control the level of whitening you want. Ask about these services at your next cleaning appointment. 

7. Avoid Red Wine and Coffee to Improve Your Smile

You may start your morning with a cup of coffee and wind down in the evening with a glass of wine. But if you want white teeth, you may need to rethink that routine. Much like tobacco products, wine and coffee can cause your teeth to yellow over time. 

The tannins in wine and coffee will stick to your teeth. This translates to discoloration. Aim to limit consumption and brush your teeth immediately after consuming these drinks.

8. Improve Your Smile with Braces

Do braces improve your smile? Yes, braces will correct overbites and help reposition teeth. A straight smile will make a good impression when you're interviewing for a job or meeting the in-laws!

Braces can cost up to $6000, so they're not an inexpensive solution. But they do provide long-lasting results. Choose from traditional metal, aligners, ceramic, or lingual braces. 

9. Avoid Tobacco Products

Smoking and chewing tobacco are some of the worst habits for your teeth. Because smoking is bad for your gums, it can weaken roots and trigger gum disease. And that means your teeth may fall out.

There's never a better time to quit smoking than now. If you're hoping to maintain a white smile and avoid costly dental procedures down the road, quit smoking.

10. Get Whiter Teeth with Veneers

For a truly professional smile, ask your dentist about veneers. Veneers sit on the outside face of your teeth, and they are meant to look like natural — but whiter — teeth. They may be made of porcelain.

While some enamel may need to be removed to accommodate veneers, they are the best way to achieve a movie star smile. You could spend a few thousand dollars per tooth, though — so they're not the cheapest solution.

Find the Right Ways to Improve Your Smile

When it comes to the 10 ways to improve your smile, regular dental care from a professional should be a given. Be sure to see your dentist twice a year. And make brushing and flossing a part of your nightly routine!

For more tips to lead a healthy lifestyle, check back for new articles.