ALL SMILES

A BEST- DAY- OF-YOUR- LIFE SMILE REQUIRES EXTRA SPECIAL PREP. THIS MUST- HAVE ADDITION TO YOUR BRIDAL BATHROOM CABINET WILL HAVE YOUR GRIN LOOKING ITS TWINKLY BEST

Ready, set, smile! You’re about to have the happiest, most expensive – and probably the most photographed day of your life – so if there was ever a time to get your pearly whites in, well, pearly white condition, then the run-up to W-day would probably ( definitely) be it. Had a few too many red wines lately? That three-a-day long-black habit taken its toll? No need to fret. There is a host of solutions that can help get your grin in dazzling shape.

How to master the basics

You’ve brushed your teeth since you can remember, and still tick the morning-andnight boxes daily. But tooth-brushing is your first line of defence against plaque build-up, so it pays to make sure you’re doing it right. Opt for a soft-bristled brush and move it in a circular motion over the surface of every tooth and across your gums and tongue. A good brushing should take two minutes. Flossing is equally important, and should be carried out at least once a day, before or after brushing. A mouthwash can help keep your mouth extra clean, or may be suggested by a dental professional (who you should visit twice a year) if you’re prone to tooth decay or have inflamed gums. For a mouthwash that helps prevent teeth stains, try Colgate Optic White Mouthwash ($8).

Extra help for an ideal smile

If your teeth are more reminiscent of Parmesan than porcelain, there is a wide range of options available to sort you out. Most dentists offer in-chair treatments (the strongest option) or take- home whitening kits. Alternatively, there are lots of high-performing supermarket products available. Look for those that include silica – which will gently reduce surface stains – and hydrogen peroxide, which is the same ingredient used in professional treatments, and has a gentle bleaching effect. Try Colgate Optic White Express White Toothpaste ($11), which delivers whiter teeth in three days (for best results, use it for four weeks) or Colgate Optic White Whitening Pen + Brush ($20), which will do the job in two. And remember that it’s not over once you’ve said “I do” – on the day, recruit your bridesmaids to keep an eye out for rogue spinach leaves and lipstick stains.