Even if they do notice, most people won’t care. Very few people have perfect teeth. [1] X Research source
Practice smiling confidently in the mirror.
You also shouldn’t place your hands near your mouth or chew on your fingernails. If you do, people will look at your mouth and teeth, which is not what you want.
Be expressive with your eyes, especially when smiling. Using your eyes to show your emotion not only makes your smile feel warmer and more engaging, it also draws attention away from your teeth. [2] X Research source
Try wearing more accessories. Pick out a new hat, grab a new bracelet or wrist cuff, wear a great pair of shoes, or throw on a flashy necklace. This will make people notice you for how stylish you look, not for your teeth. Get an alluring haircut. Try styles with a dramatic cut or bold color to focus attention on your hair. You can try fun hairstyles as well. [3] X Research source
Practice smiling different ways in the mirror. Also try opening your mouth more or less to see what looks good but still looks natural. Look at old photographs of yourself smiling and find the smiles you like best.
Also try whitening gels. These come with trays to hold the gel against your teeth. These can be more expensive, especially if you get custom trays from a dentist shaped to your teeth. You may also want to try whitening strips. These stick onto your teeth to whiten them. These are quite expensive and you will likely have to use these repeatedly, so the cost can add up. If you want extreme whitening, you can also get professional whitening treatments done by your dentist. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source
Choose a fluoride toothpaste. It will do a better job of preventing cavities and tooth decay than a non-fluoride toothpaste. [7] X Research source [8] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMDBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
Mouthwash will also help maintain your teeth and make you feel more confident about your smile. Plus, it has the added bonus of killing bacteria and giving you fresh breath.
Be aware of hidden sugars in sodas, juices, and products labeled “no sugar added”. These all have sugar in them that can harm your teeth. Try diet sodas, sugar free products, or natural sweeteners. These have no effect on your teeth and will help you preserve your teeth. You don’t have to cut sweets out all together, just reduce the amount of sugar you eat each day. Try eating sugar-free sweets if you are having a hard time reducing the amount of sugar in your diet. [11] X Research source
If you really like dark liquids, try drinking them through a straw to reduce staining. Dry mouth can also lead to tooth decay, so try to keep your mouth moist by drinking more water or chewing sugar free gum. [13] X Research source
If you are worried about the cost of dental care, you can find low cost care at dental schools or through local programs. There are online sources that can help you find low cost dental care in your area. You should see a dentist every six months to help you keep your teeth healthy and looking great. [14] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMDBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
You will likely need a referral to an orthodontist, so ask your dentist about ones in your area.
Look for a psychologist that fits you. You want to be comfortable so you can talk with them about your fears and anxieties without feeling stupid or shy. [15] X Research source
