Bright Ideas for a Sparkling Holiday Smile
By Kerri Winick, GalTime.com
A season of soirees may have you grinning ear to ear, but what do you do when those yummy hors d' oeuvres are also smiling back at partygoers? From bits and pieces stuck in your teeth, to colorful stains, to not-so-minty fresh breath, here are some tips for keeping your holiday smile bright.
PROBLEM: That spinach-artichoke dip was mmm mmm good, but now you've got greens wedged in between your teeth.
SOLUTION: No toothpicks in site? No problem! Avoid awkwardness by carrying some floss picks in your bag, like the ones below from Dentek. Celebrity dentist Dr. Catrise Austin is the author of "5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile: How the stars get that perfect smile and how you can too!" She says, not only are these gadgets teeny-tiny, you can use them quickly and discreetly. If you're in a pinch, consider using the edge of a business card to get out the gunk.
Related: Give Yourself a 'Dental Facelift'
And when it comes to sweet treats, Dr. Pankaj Singh, Founder and C.E.O of Arch Dental, says to avoid chewing on hard candy, like candy canes. Not only can itty bitty pieces easily get stuck in your teeth, the sugar can be difficult to scrub away, and that can contribute to tooth decay. (And there's nothing sweet about that!)
PROBLEM: That red wine was perfection, but the stains it left on your teeth? Not so much!
SOLUTION: Look for the fruit tray and scope out the strawberries! Dr. Austin says strawberries are natural teeth whiteners. They contain malic acid, which can be used to help boost brightness. Simply take a ripe berry, slice it in half, and rub the fleshy part directly on your pearly whites. Then, rinse and smile! You can also use a napkin to try and erase the red.
PROBLEM: Onions and garlic and alcohol…oh my! Let's just say that you could use a toothbrush.
Related: Teeth Whitening: The Basics
SOLUTION: When filling your clutch with party essentials, throw in a Colgate Wisp ($7.99). This single-use mini toothbrush comes complete with a breath freshening bead. Not only is it compact and convenient, no water or rinsing is required! (We never leave home without one!) Another bright idea is a party-size, portable toothbrush. We like Violight's Slim Sonic Portable Sonic Toothbrush ($14.95). It has a snap-on cap, and comes in chic patterns like zebra print and rainbow stripes. Toss in a travel size version of your favorite toothpaste, and you are good to go!
No gum or mints on hand? Look to see if any breath fresheners are garnishing the holiday table or tree. Speaking of garnishes, if you find parsley on the food tray, chew on it. Dr. Austin says it is a natural breath freshener. And if you're in a bind, do as the French do…reach for some cheese! Dr. Singh says that it's a bacteria buffer.
PROBLEM:
You're looking forward to a white Christmas, but your teeth could use a little whitening, too!
SOLUTION: For a budget friendly whitening solution, try this homemade remedy, courtesy of Dr. Gilbert Beldengreen, Professor of Aesthetic Dentisty at New York University: Brush a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide (available at your local pharmacy) and baking soda. Wet your toothbrush with the peroxide and touch it to the baking soda. Just the right amount of powder will cling to the brush. Brush for 2 minutes. It doesn't taste great, but it does work!
We're also huge fans of Colgate Optic White. This toothpaste contains the same active ingredient as over-the-counter teeth whitening kits: hydrogen peroxide. It promises to give you pearlier whites after just 7 days, with results that improve with daily use each week. ($3.79-$4.29)
Have you ever been stuck with food in your teeth? Tell us your story...and if you have 'perfect party smile' tips, let us know!
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