The holidays are right around the corner, which means you’re more likely to be out and about. Whether you are shopping more frequently or attending many social events, ’tis the season to see and be seen. You may run into people you haven’t met all year at the mall or at holiday parties. When this happens, you want to make sure you look your best, especially in this age of Instagram.

While there are filters and editing tools out there to edit party photos, you want to make sure that you’re also making the best impression in person. The color of your teeth plays a large role in how you look and feel, so keeping them white and healthy is key to looking great. But when there are just a few weeks left to get yourself together, how can you whiten your teeth in time for the holidays?

#1: Prevent More Stains

Before you search for whitening regimens, it’s important to stop any more stains from forming on your teeth. From this point on, start avoiding key stain triggers like red wine, black teas, coffee, and juices. If you need to give in to a craving, drink these beverages with a straw and brush your teeth afterward so that the pigments don’t stick to your teeth.  Also, consider using an electric toothbrush to better remove stains.

#2: Get Professional Tooth Whitening

If you want to get the most dramatic results just in time for that upcoming party, you’ll need to go see your dentist for professional tooth whitening. Only your dentist has access to the highest concentration bleaching gels compared to over the counter products. Therefore, you’ll get the quickest and best results from an in-office whitening session. These treatments don’t involve any downtime and you can return to your normal life when you leave the office.

#3: Use An At-Home Whitening Kit

If you’re truly in a time crunch and can’t make an appointment in time, head over to the nearest pharmacy and pick up a tooth whitening kit. Since the hydrogen peroxide levels in these kits are lower, you will need more repetitions of the procedure to achieve noticeable results. However, you can reverse some of the stains on your teeth to improve your smile before a big event.

#4: Try Natural Remedies & Alternative Products

Baking soda is a classic whitening remedy that has been praised as an affordable and effective whitener. Though it won’t give as dramatic results as a whitening kit or professional whitening session, when used regularly, it can keep stains at bay. Natural remedies like baking soda and oil pulling are best used after you get your teeth white professionally so that you can consistently keep your teeth white with a natural approach.

There are also other interesting products available online like activated charcoal toothpaste that is supposed to take away stains. Before you purchase any product, however, check out verified reviews to ensure that it will have the desired effect. You may be surprised to find an alternative product that works for you when you’re in a pinch!  Also, many products can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Try a product for a couple of days and only continue if you don’t experience any adverse reactions.

These products are not FDA approved, so you have to do your own due diligence and make sure they are high quality.

#5: Eat A Balanced Diet

When you eat good food, your body does better as a whole. Your teeth are a reflection of your body’s state and thrive when you eat right. When you have all the nutrients you need, your body keeps up its saliva production, which washes bacteria and stains away. You can also munch on “nature’s toothbrushes” like apples and carrots that naturally clean the surface of your teeth while you eat.

Get Professional Tooth Whitening

If you want to get your smile ready for all those holiday parties and photo ops, then your best bet is to get your teeth professionally whitened. Not only is it the quickest method, but you’ll also get the most dramatic results. Contact us for more information about how you can bring out the best of your looks this holiday season. Your best smile is just one consultation away.