8 items You Need For A Killer smile

A beautiful smile and good breath never go out of style. In this blog post, I share my top tips and necessities for oral hygiene and cosmetics such as whitening. Keep reading to unlock the eight items you need for a killer smile, at home and on the go.

1. A good toothbrush

My dentist recommends a soft toothbrush to prevent receding gums. As you age, your gum tissue recedes, so it becomes even more important to be gentle when brushing (Harvard). Harder scrubbing might make you think ‘cleaner,’ but it’s not actually what’s best. An electric toothbrush makes brushing easier by doing the work for you, and it helps ensure that you’re not brushing too hard.

I recently partnered with Fairywill to review their electric toothbrushes, and it was perfect timing because I was in need of an electric toothbrush. I wanted Jim to have one too, so I worked him into the deal (perks of marrying a blogger?), and we are loving our duo set from Fairywill – it’s perfect for couples! Fairywill sets – individual, duo, family, and kids – are USB chargeable so you can go cordless. I’ve been using mine for a couple of weeks now and haven’t had to recharge yet (incredible and shocking battery life)! Most of these sleek sets come with a travel case to keep your brush protected and clean while moving around.

Fairywill is also a great alternative for someone that doesn’t have the budget for an Oral B set, which tends to be double the price. The brand is accepted by the American Dental Association, and brushes are made from nylon, which is an ideal material for gentle care.

2. Quality mouthwash

There’s two main brands that stand out to me as best mouthwashes: Listerine and TheraBreath. What I love most about TheraBreath is it’s very light feeling, yet leaves your mouth nice and fresh. This is thanks to it’s formula that’s free of alcohol and artificial flavors and colors. Mouthwashes with alcohol dry out the mouth, prompting bad breath to return after the initial mouthwash feeling wears off. Listerine has an alcohol-free line too if you prefer their iconic tingly and cooling feeling.

3. Convenient floss

Everyone has their floss preferences. I personally love the waxed floss pickers because they are so convenient, and perfect to throw in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups. Since they’re so easy, I’m also more encouraged to floss frequently. Below, you’ll find a roundup of my favorite kinds of flosses. The threader floss is great if you have metal in your mouth that you need to maneuver around, like a bridge or braces.

4. A tongue scraper

If you haven’t tried a tongue scraper yet, you have no idea what you’re missing! This tool is transformative for fresh breath. Next time you’re in the bathroom, look at your tongue in the mirror. Does it look rough and have white gunk all over it? These tongue scrapers gently scrape all of that grossness off, and it’s strangely satisfying.

That gunk is “a combination of bacteria, food debris, and dead cells,” all of which contribute to bad breath (CPW Dentistry). Not all people have this condition known as “white tongue,” and some have it worse than others. It’s typically harmless and normal, but it can also be a sign of another health issue, so do ask your dentist or doctor about it if it seems abnormal to you (Crest).

If you get one of the scrapers, make sure you wash it with warm water and soap after each use, and dry it to prevent germs from building up and making you sick.

5. Whitening strips & toothpaste

I recommend Crest Whitestrips to anyone that needs to whiten their teeth effectively and on “a budget”. I put “a budget” in quotes because white strips aren’t cheap, but they are cheaper than whitening treatments at the dentist. I’ve been using Crest Whitestrips since high school, and I swear by them for taking your smile the extra mile. If you are starting with a more yellow shade, you’ll need to consistently use the strips in the box each day. However, after you achieve the shade of white you like, you can stop, and just use the strips every now and then to maintain your bright smile.

I also suggest selecting a whitening toothpaste as your everyday toothpaste. If you’re starting with yellow, this won’t magically make your teeth white like the Whitestrips will. The toothpaste effect is more subtle and maintenance-focused.

6. On-the-go breath fresheners

When you’re on-the-go and don’t have access to your usual brushing routine, refresh your breath with powerful and long-lasting sugar-free gum or a mint (sugar-free is best for avoiding cavities caused by sugar-coated teeth). I’m a total gum snob and almost exclusively buy Extra because it stays soft and flavorful for long lengths of time. Occassionally, I’ll break my routine and switch it up with a fruity Trident Layers. As for mints, my favorite’s are ice breakers because they are so powerful. Next in line are classic Altoids.

7. Moisturized lips

If you know me, you know that I can’t go anywhere without at least one lip balm. Typically, I feel most safe when I have both a stick and some form of Vaseline. I am blessed with naturally plump lips, and those lips require a lot of hydration to stay in good shape. Below are my holy grail lip essentials that work for both men and women (no coloring, just good ‘ole lip therapy). I don’t always have the cocoa butter mini tub, but when I do, it feels like a luxury – and it smells heavenly.

7. Travel Kit

Last but not least, if you have more build-out plans for the day, consider carrying a travel kit in your purse for all your oral hygiene needs. Throw in your toothbrush, a couple of floss picks, a chapstick, mints, and maybe even a mini mouthwash. Carrying this kind of kit has been extra essential for me while doing my aligner treatment for straighter teeth, and I think this habit will stick with me even after I finish my treatment. The extra purse addition is worth the feeling of fresh breath and smiling confidently!

Below, I’ve rounded up cute and affordable toiletry bags in many colors and patterns. Most are actually cheaper when you buy as a set, so if you only need one or two, you can give the others in the set away as gifts! I selected bags that are waterproof so they can easily be wiped off after sitting on what may be a wet bathroom counter (always thinking!).

BONUS: The last item you need for a killer smile is a kind heart. As always, thanks for reading, Dabblers. Let me know if you got any ideas from this post on how to re-enter the world post-pandemic smelling fresh and smiling bright!

This post is sponsored by Fairywill. Dabble Daybook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, ShareASale, and LikeToKnowIt, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products.