After a year of communicating solely on whatsapp, of remembering you had something else to do just prior to every arrangement, the holiday season is an orgy of actual, real, face-to-face contact with friends, family, and co-workers. Depending how you look at it, this is either a wonderfully social time of year or an ordeal. The embarrassing family members and excruciating office parties; well, sometimes, you just have to grin and bear it. With all the team photos being taken and subsequent social media uploads, that grin needs to be at its most spectacular, and as white as the Christmas we’re all hoping to have. So, to help, here are 5 steps to the IDEAL seasonal smile.

Professional Teeth Whitening

If the necessity for a gleaming grin is urgent, and you don’t have time for organic, hippy approved steps which may or not be successful, the simple best solution is to go nuclear, seeking professional help somewhere such as the Perfect Smile Spa. Yes, we talking about getting your teeth whitened. The process itself is quick and simple, and not as expensive as you might think. Generally, there are two options available; laser teeth whitening which is done in the office and takes about 90 minutes, or an at-home teeth whitening kit which you use an hour a day for 14 days.

Break Out The Baking Soda

If your teeth aren’t in too bad a condition, then home remedies could well be enough. Brushing with baking soda has long been a popular way to gently whiten your teeth. The soda works to scrub any surface stains off your teeth, and as an added bonus stops mouth bacteria in its tracks. Results will be more gradual than a professional whitening, but will show themselves in time. Just be warned, the super saline taste isn’t for everyone! Or anyone, for that matter….

Bleach the Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide

Another at-home technique of popularity is to use hydrogen peroxide, which works to kill bacteria and bleach stains. The idea is to do a light rinse of your mouth with 1% hydrogen peroxide, being careful not to swallow it, or make your own teeth whitening paste combining the ingredient with baking soda.

Brush More Often

Hey, look. We’re not taking you for an idiot. We get it. Life gets in the way, and most of us don’t do important, healthy stuff as much as we’d like to. This may sound really simple, but brushing strictly, regularly, religiously even, can prove to be really effective in reducing stains and promoting that gleaming white grin. After you eat or drink something that is known to stain teeth – such as red wine, coffee, or cigarettes, it’s wise to immediately brush your teeth. This stops the food/drinks from settling in and staining. The old ‘two times a day’ is just a guide. There’s no hamd (and much good) in brushing more.

Rinse With Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known as a natural antibiotic, and is also able to remove stains with efficiency. Make a habit of rinsing with it a couple of times a day – combined with water to lessen its assertive qualities – and you will start to notice a difference within a month.

Christmas is a time of giving and let’s face it, it feels great to smile and spread that happiness around. So, this festive season, show off your pearly whites with pride and  give the gift of a smile.