Expert Tips to a Sparkling Smile at Your Next Event ...

1. Follow the "White Smile" Diet

Munching on crunchy snacks like apples or celery is as effective as a brushing, according to Dr. Layliev. "Raw fruits and veggies are loaded with fiber, a natural abrasive that can help clean teeth," he says. "Avoid foods that are dark and sticky, which are the worst culprits for staining - such as red wine, coffee, barbeque sauce, balsamic vinegar."

2. Pick the Right Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes are your friend... at least to a certain extent. "Avoid toothpastes with abrasive ingredients like silica, especially if you have sensitive teeth or you don't have much stain buildup," says Dr. Layliev. "Kaolin clay and bentonite clay are the safest and most effective toothpaste ingredients for polishing off surface stains while being the least abrasive."

3. Change Your Coffee Habits

I know. I'm sorry for this. "Sip your coffee or latte through a straw to as to avoid direct contact with teeth which help prevent staining," says Dr. Layliev. Maybe consider switching to iced, though, because hot drink + straw = ouch.

4. Opt for Natural, Colorless Mouthwash

All mouthwash products are not created equally. "The alcohol in mouthwashes dries out dental work such as composite bondings," says Dr. Layliev. "It can also weaken the overall tooth structure, so it’s best to rinse with a natural formula that is alcohol-free." He suggests opting for a clear mouthwash that won’t mess with your bleaching treatment or undo the work of a whitening toothpaste.

5. Brush, Brush, Brush

This should go without saying (because hopefully you do it every other day, too!) but brush at least twice per day and floss daily.

6. Go See Your Dentist

Depending on how much work you want done, and how big the event is (Ex., your wedding) a bride may need a lot of time to get everything accomplished. "If a smile requires more than a simple whitening and involves a lengthier makeover, a good doctor can book out months in advance for a procedure that could take several weeks to complete," says Dr. Layliev. Book your appointment well in advance, just in case.

7. Try Petroleum Jelly

If you have any minor defects in your smile, such as a stain or a crack, all you have to do is wipe a small dab of petroleum jelly over it. The aberration will be diffused in your photos.

8. Avoid Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry tends to bring out yellowish tones, so it's best avoided if you're worried about the whiteness factor of your teeth. Simple, sparkly earrings can actually help make your teeth look whiter.

9. Choose Your Lip Color Wisely

Certain lipstick shades can have varying effects on your teeth. According to Dr. Layliev, a true red shows off your pearly-whites the best, and rose, pinks, and sheer colors also offer a good contrast. Shades of magenta, however, can make teeth seem yellow.

So now now you know some expert tips from a professional dentist to keep your smile sparkling the whole night through!