Say cheese! Oops... You forgot to prep your teeth didn't you? No worries! Here's a few tips from an influential dentist (care of Bustle.com) to get your pearly whites ready for that big event! While it won't be instant or overnight, now you can remember to keep teeth prep in mind when preparing your look for the day.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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!