Teeth Whitening Tips for Brides to Be

Getting married soon? Congratulations! You've perfected your tan, scheduled the stylist and created your ensemble. Don't forget one important step: teeth-whitening. The white color of your dress will make the color of your teeth stand out, so make sure they are bright white to matcHere's how to get a wedding-white smile. You don't have to be a celebrity to have a beautiful white smile. You don't even need perfectly straight teeth, either.

You could have your teeth professionally whitened, but why spend the extra money? You've probably spent plenty on the wedding already. You can get beautiful, sparkling white teeth at home, easy, fast and cheap. Here are several options.

Avoid food and beverages that stain teeth. Give up the coffee, tea, colored candy and gum, artificially-colored food, red wine, fruit juice, soda pop and energy drinks. Stay away from shots with colored liquor like Jagermeister, Tia Maria, Kahlua, Grand Mariner, coffee liquor, grenadine, blue raspberry and Razzmatzz. If you smoke, cut down.

Teeth whitening strips. There are several brands and styles of white strips for teeth: original and professional strength. A 14-day treatment costs around $16-$20. Professional and ultra professional treatment kits cost about $30 and work in seven to 10 days.

My daughter has used the regular formula teeth whitening strips for years. She is a smoker and wine drinker, but the whitening strips have covered all stain. Many people have asked if she gets her teeth whitened professionally. Others have commented that she has the whitest teeth of anyone they know. Whitening strips will definitely ensure that your teeth match your gown on your wedding day.

Teeth bleaching kits. This product works like a sports mouth guard. After soaking in hot water, the plastic mouthpiece molds itself to your teeth. The mold is filled with teeth whitening gel and applied each night before bed. This treatment is good for teeth with stubborn stains.

I've used a bleaching kit. I didn't like the feel of the mouthpiece, but it did work to whiten my teeth. Results are visible after one use. I would not recommend this method for long-term use, as bleach can damage tooth enamel. Bleaching kits cost around $23-$30.

Baking soda, salt and peroxide - This old remedy tastes unpleasant, but works well to remove stains and whiten teeth. Rinse mouth with peroxide as you would mouthwash. Like the pre-brush rinse, hydrogen peroxide removes dirt by foaming. Make a paste of salt, baking soda and water. Brush teeth thoroughly. Rinse with water.

Teeth-whitening gum - Sugar-free teeth-whitening gum contains xylitol. Xylitol is proven not only to whiten teeth, but also sanitize your mouth. Xylitol prevents bacteria build-up and sinus and mouth infections. Chew teeth-whitening gum just before the ceremony for fresh breath and white teeth. It also helps prevent pre-ceremony dry mouth.

Whatever method you choose to get a wedding-white teeth, remember to smile. Your smile is your best asset. A smile is your magic wand to transform you into a beautiful princess bride!