Ideally, every bride and groom would like to flash bright smiles on their wedding day. There are a million and one things to do and think about besides this (it seems) and so here are 5 super simple, natural and cost-effective tips to brighten and whiten your teeth in preparation for the big day…
1…2…3…Smile
- Baking Soda is a formidable force when it comes to whitening. There are many types of toothpaste on the market with baking soda in their ingredients however this little trick helps you get results in half the time (plus it’s really fun empowering yourself with this little method). Make your own paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide (get the lowest concentrate). The hydrogen peroxide provides us with chemical exfoliation so if you want something less invasive add a teaspoon of salt. The salt provides a manual exfoliation. Using your finger, rub the mixture on your teeth and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Tip: Use in moderation, staying away from the gums as both hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can cause damage (to gums and enamel) if overused.
- Fruits are known to have acids that oxidize stains on teeth. This attribute makes them a great whitening product, the best being strawberries, apples, pears and orange peels. Strawberries, despite their bright coloring, contain natural malic acid that assists in removing stains. Often you can see immediate results of stain removal. The peels of an orange or banana can be rubbed against your teeth for light whitening. Naturally, the results will be slight at first and constant rubbing will reduce the stains significantly, releasing the bright smile within.
Tip: Avoid lemon peels; the acidity level is too strong for the threshold of the tooth’s enamel.
- Straws are a surprisingly obvious way of preventing further stains gathering on your teeth. Everything from coffee to cordials pass through your lips, over your teeth and down your esophagus when drinking out a cup. Using a straw deters further stains; so using a straw a week or two before your wedding can be a simple way of ensuring your smile is bright.
- Chewing encourages the production of saliva, which is our very own natural mouthwash. Saliva is released into the mouth to encourage omission of stains and to wash away any left over food particles that may be conglomerating on and in-between our teeth. Finding something healthy, delicious and nutritious to chew on is not only of benefit to a naturally washed mouth, your body will love the nutrition too!
Tip: Rinse your mouth, swishing with clean water, after chewing.
- Coconut oil is quickly becoming known as a great way to whiten your teeth. Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurveda treatment used for its many health benefits. Oil pulling whitens your teeth and enhances healthy gums. Add this to your morning routine and you will see brightening results:
Begin by swishing 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth. The recommended time is 15 minutes, but even 3 minutes will work some magic.
Spit the oil out and rinse out with clean water.
Follow with brushing your teeth.
Tip: This is gentle so you may do it everyday, especially in the days leading up to the wedding ceremony.
Enjoy these methods and choose which best suit you, then follow through with your choice to have a bright white smile and get ready for your wedding day…
Here’s to smiling with confidence!