20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile

Healthy teeth, healthy smile? by Kristin KochYour smile is one of your best assets, so, of course, you want to keep it sparkling. But even if you brush, use white strips, and visit your dentist twice a year, it may not be enough. Here are some factors that can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, and put a serious damper on your smile. Disney princesses don't typically share their get-gorgeous secrets, but here's a reveal: Sleeping Beauty was onto something. Fully rested people are perceived as more attractive, and even healthier, than their sleep-deprived counterparts, found a recent study from Sweden. "When women ask what's the one thing that will make the biggest improvement in their looks, I tell them, 'More sleep,'" says New York City dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. OK, so there's the quit-skimping-on-sleep sell. And then there's reality: Sometimes stress, seasonal allergies or girls' nights out conspire against our best intentions to rest up. Enter the tactics and new products experts rely on to max out the look-good benefits of your sleep. Sports drinks In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren't great for your teeth. "Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components, which could wear away at the tooth's enamel," says David F. Halpern, DMD, FAGD, president of the Academy of General Dentistry. Additionally, these drinks are often high in sugars that act as "food" for acid-producing bacteria, which then sneak into the cracks and crevices in your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay.