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Whether on a date, giving a presentation at the office, or simply enjoying the company of friends and acquaintances, everyone wants to feel the confidence to flash a smile they can proud of. Smiles are, after all, how we express happiness, affirm others, and show appreciation.

All too often, though, we find ourselves lacking that confidence. From bad breath to yellowed teeth, there are several aspects of dental hygiene that can make or break your willingness to let your smile show and your laughter ring out.

Proper dental hygiene is key to not only unlocking your confidence, but also to keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Thankfully, both aesthetic and health benefits can go hand-in-hand when it comes to your mouth!

Many of the dental hygiene basics are common knowledge and are followed religiously by most people. There are certain dental hygiene hacks, however, that you need to know to further your ability to care for your teeth.

From choosing the right toothpaste to trying special foods, we’ve put together a few examples of these dental hygiene hacks to help you keep your teeth pristine and your confidence at an all-time high. Read on to start hacking your routine!

Eat Detergent FoodsBefore we go any farther, let’s be clear: we are not condoning the trend of eating laundry detergent pods. Please, for the love of all that is holy, do not eat laundry detergent pods.

Great, now that we’ve shared our disclaimer, let’s talk about detergent foods!

Detergent foods are named for their effect on teeth—they help clean while you eat (pretty clever, right?). You can typically identify these foods by their physical traits; they tend to be crisp and fibrous. A few examples of detergents foods include apples, carrots, lettuce, and popcorn, but the list goes on.

While not a replacement for brushing your teeth, eating detergent foods at the end of your meal can act as a natural tooth brushing. Their fibrous nature helps scrub away debris from your teeth, which prevents bacteria and other tooth-harming microbes from spending time on your teeth. Detergent foods also serve to increase saliva production, helping your mouth naturally cleanse itself and aiding in its return to its ideal pH balance.

Incorporating detergent foods into your diet is one of the easiest, most efficient ways to hack your dental hygiene and maintain that beautiful, bright smile that everyone loves. Take a little time to research what foods fall into this category and give some of them a try, your teeth will thank you!

Choose The Right ToothpasteWhen you walk down the dental aisle at your local store and are confronted by the seemingly endless options, it can be overwhelming. Choosing the right whitening toothpaste is more important than the shelves stacked full with differing brands would lead you to believe, though.

Not all whitening toothpastes are created equal. The ingredients used to create the whitening effect varies from chemicals like fluoride to enzyme systems to abrasives. Some of these ingredients can actually be harmful to your teeth in the long run.

Before you buy your next tube of whitening toothpaste, take a few minutes to perform some research. A simple rule to follow is to avoid products that use abrasives for one glaring reason—they can damage your enamel and cause more harm than good over extended periods of time.

While you may see aesthetic improvement from whitening toothpastes with abrasives, the end result is not worth the temporary visual reward. There are other options on the market that are just as effective but do not have the negative side effects. Always avoid pastes with abrasives!

Use Apple Cider VinegarApple cider vinegar is well-known for its numerous health benefits, dental hygiene included. Its versatility lies in its antibacterial properties, which allow it to aid in both dental aesthetics and health.

In fact, these antibacterial properties contribute positively to dental hygiene on multiple levels. Plaque, unsightly buildup, bad breath, and even tooth decay can be caused by the lingering presence of bacteria.

Utilizing apple cider vinegar can help erase the bacteria present in your mouth, reducing the negative aesthetic impact of bacteria, minimizing the possibility of tooth decay, and leading to whiter teeth and fresher breath!

Simply swishing apple cider vinegar around your mouth, briefly gargling it, then rinsing with water can be tremendously valuable for your dental hygiene. It is important to note, however, that apple cider vinegar is acidic, especially if not diluted. As such, be sure to research safe application before adding this dental hygiene hack to your repertoire!

A Sugar Substitute Your Teeth Will Love!
It’s a well-known fact that sugar directly contributes to tooth decay. From cavities to a decrease in vibrancy, the negative impacts of sugar cannot be understated.

It’s also a well-known fact that sugar is delicious. Rather than forfeiting sweets altogether, consider xylitol, a sugar substitute that is not only sweet, but is actually good for your teeth!

You may be familiar with xylitol, as it is added to certain products—such as chewing gum and oral care items—to help prevent tooth decay. The benefits actually extend farther, though.

Xylitol reduces decay-causing bacteria found in saliva, yes, but also increases the level of salvia that is produced, allowing the mouth to naturally cleanse itself more effectively. This one-two punch of dental hygiene benefits makes xylitol the perfect sugar substitute for your teeth!

Our Final Thoughts
The majority of people want to have a smile they can be proud of and confident in. The majority of people also know that proper dental hygiene is integral in achieving the pearly whites they’ve always desired.

There is a lack of knowledge around exactly what you can do to better your dental hygiene routine, though. We hope this list has given you a headstart on unlocking the potential of your smile, but also of your dental health.

If you’d like more information on how to easily and painlessly whiten your teeth, feel free to check out Smile Bright White—a one-stop site for all your teeth whitening needs!