7 Dentist-Approved Hacks for Pearly Whites On Your Wedding Day

The following post is a collaboration with Gipsy Lane Advanced Dental Care to promote natural, sustainable and low-maintenance oral health initiatives. Plus, if you’re getting married this summeror within the next few months, like methese chemical-free alternatives edge out those “quick fix” whitening strips you’ll find on a mainstream cosmetic aisle.  

Smiling Bride

Newsflash: summer’s not over yet which means wedding season is still underway! During these next several months, lovebirds will be “a-flutter” planning their special day—from venues and entertainment to decor and photography.

But speaking of those all-important wedding photos, what newlywed couple doesn’t want to dazzle on-camera? Shouldn’t your smile reflect the brilliance of this momentous occasion?

For teeth that match the bride’s pristine designer gown or the groom’s crisp collared shirt,  dentists recommend a whitening regimen about 3–4 weeks before your nuptials take place. So, from professional treatments to holistic techniques, these strategies will make your smile sparkle—even after the “I Do’s.”

1.   Opt for DIY Whitening with Turmeric.

Containing high levels of the potent antioxidant curcumin, this superfood spice reduces oral inflammation and flushes out plaque deposits. Whisk together baking soda, coconut oil and  turmeric until a paste forms, apply onto your teeth, then wash after five minutes.

2.   Abstain from Dark Colored Beverages.

Drinking coffee, red wine and black tea will cause stain residue to permeate the grooves within your enamel. Gradually, this discoloration could spread or even become permanent, so refrain from consuming these liquids at least one month before the wedding.

3.   Break-Up with Your Overused Toothbrush.

Scrubbing with the same tattered toothbrush for extended periods of time is a wasted effort, according to the American Dental Association. So, replace your toothbrush every three monthsor when the bristles appear worn-out—to mitigate tartar buildup.

4.   Enlist Help from Oral Health Experts.

Spending just one hour at the dentist’s office can transform dullness into radiance, giving you visible confidence and irresistible allure on your special day. Cosmetic whitening procedures are both safe and painless, without risk of oral infection or long-term damage.

5.   Use Apple Cider Vinegar as Mouthwash.

Incorporating this natural elixir into your tooth care regimen can prevent gum disease and alkalize pH balance with a concentration of minerals, acids, enzymes and pectins. Every morning, just rinse your mouth with organic apple cider vinegar, diluted in water.  

6.   Resist those “Sweet Tooth” Cravings.

Pulling into the Krispy Kreme drive-through is not just detrimental for your waistline—it’s also hazardous to that smile. When these refined sugars latch onto your teeth, bacteria begins multiplying which creates an environment for cavity-inducing plaque to grow.

7.   Choose Plant-Based Snacks Instead.

Sinking those choppers into raw fruits, veggies and nuts is a healthy alternative to mindless munching—not to mention, an effective shield against bacteria. The crisp texture offers abrasive benefits that eradicate surface stains and lubricate salivary function.

Alright. So, here’s the takeaway message: by combining the professional expertise of your dentist with nutritious eating habits and homeopathic remedies, you’ll achieve a photo-ready smile to last your entire nuptials—plus, all those honeymoon selfies! 

honeymoon selfie

PSA: For even more healthy hacks worth smiling about, Gipsy Lane’s blog has you covered.  

10 Turmeric Hacks to “Spice” Up Your Daily Wellness Ritual

Turmeric. It’s basically the kale of 2016. This close relative of the ginger root has been initiated into the “superfood” clique—sorry, avocado…we had a vote—and everyone, from  Ayurvedic healers to that cashier at Whole Foods, now swears by its anti-inflammatory benefits.

But turns out, turmeric is worth the hype. Containing high levels of antioxidants—more specifically, curcumin—this exotic orange-yellow-ish powder has been found to protect against cancer, stroke, arthritisliver disease and even Alzheimer’s.

So, yeah. “Superfood” indeed.

If you’re like me though, you’ve got this internal dialogue playing on-loop right about now: Ummm…medicinal properties are cool, but how am I supposed to actually use this stuff? Well, aside from being a wellness wonder, turmeric also earns versatility points. Consider it your spice rack’s answer to coconut oil.

Whether ingested or applied topically, the following hacks will transform turmeric into a health and beauty must-have:

turmeric hacks

Whiten Your Teeth

Douse a toothbrush in water then dip the bristles in 1/8 teaspoon turmeric. Scrub your teeth with the turmeric and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse your mouth then brush again with regular toothpaste.

Minimize Dandruff

Whisk 1/2 teaspoon turmeric with 1 tablespoon coconut oil until both ingredients are combined. Massage this mixture into your scalp and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse your hair then shampoo normally.

Heal Inflamed Skin

Mix 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon water until these ingredients form a paste. Spread this mask across your face—paying close attention to acne-prone areas—then leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse your skin with cold water.

Sooth Joint Swelling

Combine 2 tablespoons turmeric, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon water until these ingredients form a poultice. Apply this mixture directly onto the injured body part then wrap in a cloth bandage. Leave on for 20 minutes, at minimum.

Blend Into Smoothies

Include a few dashes of turmeric in your favorite beverage concoctions, along with other superfood enhancements like chia seeds, hemp hearts, cacao nibs or spirulina.

Make “Longevi-Tea” 

Add 1 teaspoon turmeric to 1 cup boiling water then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain any leftover turmeric grounds from the water then stir in ginger or honey, to taste.

Make “Golden Milk”

Mix together 1 teaspoon turmeric and 1/4 cup water on low heat until both ingredients form a paste. Add 1 cup unsweetened almond milk and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon coconut oil or ghee, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

Toss With Salads

Whisk 1/4 teaspoon turmeric with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Pour this mixture over fresh veggies and use salad tongs to distribute the liquid evenly.

Spice Up Bone Broth

Infuse 1 teaspoon turmeric into a healthy homemade stock—like this recipe from Wellness Mama—for extra flavor, zest and color.

Kickstart Your Morning

Sprinkle a few dashes of turmeric over scrambled eggs, oatmeal, avocado toast, plain Greek yogurt or sliced apples with almond butter.