Get Your Shine On: Achieving a Big, Bold, And Bright Smile

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Summer is the season of brights and whites, and that includes your sizzling smile. But, our grown-up habits tend to stain our otherwise sparkling pearly whites, unless of course know some secrets that will really give you something to smile about.

· Fabulous fiber: While most of our favourite “foods” such as coffee, wine and soy sauce (for our sushi) detract from les dents, fibrous foods, such as apples, broccoli, celery, carrots, etc, actually help remove otherwise stubborn stains from teeth by exfoliating them before the stain molecules attach themselves to the surface.

· Colour correctors: Certain shades of lipstick can enhance your smile or not. Pros point out that those with grayish teeth should steer clear of reds with blue tones and instead opt for hues with a brown base. In fact, they strongly recommend nude pink tones with a subtle brown hue. And, for those with yellow or off-white teeth, makeup pros recommend nude shades or pinks that offer bluish undertones, rather than deep, dark, bright hues.

· Get out more: Having a healthy glow, aka, tan, can do wonders to make your pearly whites “pop”. Consider a few minutes in the sun each day for an additional dose of healthy vitamin-D or invest in a safe sunless tanner.

· Add some zing by adding a little bling: Add some diamonds to your pearls by picking rhinestones and silver jewelry to accent your sensational smile. Opt out of yellow gold, especially since it highlights any yellow tones in the enamel.

· Go for contrast: Instead of a bright white top, which will only accent your imperfection, go for a shade of cream or off-white, which will highlight the brightness of your smile.

· Sip into something more comfortable: Rather than drinking straight out of a cup, glass or bottle, sip beverages through a straw to help staining beverages from easily slipping and seeping into your tooth enamel. It’s also best, say experts, to brush immediately after indulging in a stain-producing beverages, and hindering it’s chances of setting itself into your teeth.

· Upgrade your toothbrush: choose and electric brush that, according to experts are best at removing stains and plaque; as well as food particles and debris from tobacco, wine, etc.

· Don’t forget to floss: Opt for a whitening floss that keeps spaces between your teeth pearly white. Remember neglecting your gums can result in them looking red and irritated and making your teeth look less attractive.

· Make sure you keep us with maintenance: Keep bleaching strips on hand so you can keep up with your sparkling smile at home, in between dental visits and professional maintenance and cleanings.

· Choose your toothpaste wisely: Since brushing is something we all do daily, preferably several times a day, experts suggest pastes with whiteners and brighteners that help scrub away otherwise stubborn stain, before they settle in. Anything with baking soda, say experts is your best bet.