Secrets to Getting Picture-Perfect Prom Teeth
Dream dress? Check. Killer heels? Check. Bright Bling? Most def! You're ready for prom, right? Not quite. Before you snap those pics and head out the door, be sure you're flashing the perfect smile. Dr. Brian Kantor, celebrity cosmetic dentist at the NY-based Lowenger, Lituchy & Kantor, has shared all the secret deets to getting a picture-perfect (and healthy!) smile for your big night out.
Related: Your Guide To Prom
Pre-Prom Maintenance
Maintain the basics:
Brushing: Brush twice a day, from two minutes, in front of a mirror. Opt for a soft bristle brush to effective clean the tooth's surface and pair it with toothpaste containing fluoride to help strengthen the tooth enamel. Electric toothbrushes are also a great option because they time 2 minutes of sonic technology brushing for optimal cleaning.
Flossing: Floss at least once a day and don't forget to floss between back teeth. Although many choose to skip this step, flossing is essential to remove plaque build-up in between teeth, where brushing can't reach. This is where many cavities begin.
Rinsing: Rinsing twice a day can combat bacteria, bad breath and most importantly strengthen teeth. Look for a mouthwash that does more than just freshen breath. As we age, our tooth enamel naturally erodes so choose a flouride rise to decrease the likelihood of cavaties.
Schedule an appointment to see your dentist for a teeth cleaning before the prom. A cleaning will help eliminate bad breath and will make your teeth appear whiter by removing the surface stains.
The most cost effective way to whiten your teeth is to purchase over-the-counter products, such as Crest WhiteStrips. Although they have less of a concentration of bleaching ingredients, they can give good results.
If you can't purchase over-the-counter bleaching products, an at-home remedy is to mix hudrogen peroxide and baking soda to a toothpaste consistency. Brush your teeth with this combination to remove surface stains and make your teeth appear whiter.
Prom Night Maintenance
While at prom, carry a small tube of Vaseline and coat your teeth with it. THis will protect soda and food from sticking, and also keeps lipstick from getting on the teeth (gross!). Apply it right before you eat or snap pics.
If you get sometthing in between your teeth and you don't have gloss, never try to remove it in front of your date. Go to the bathroom and use a toothpick, drink stirrer, or wooden skewer that is sharpened to remove it.
Keep rinsing your mouth with water because most bad breath is caused by bacteria that is clinging to teeth. Keeping your mouth moist lessen bad breath.
Chewing raw crunchy veggies, like celery and carrots, helps to mechanically remove surface stains. Same goes for sugarless gum!
Related: The Perfect Perfume to Impress Your Date!
Post-Prom Maintenance
Continue brushing, flossing, and rinsing as Dr. Kantor recommends and remember to schedule two cleanings a year for regular dental mantenance.
Last, and most importantly, KEEP SMILING!
Complete your prom look with make-up ideas pinned on our Pinterest Board.
Get more prom advice on Seventeen.com:
The Hottest Prom Shoes & Accessories
Tips on Posing Like a Cover Star
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