BIG SMILE PLEASE
3 min read
Growing up, I remember my Mom would always tell me to give a full smile whenever there is a photo-opportunity. But I never took it to heart.
A full smile would mean to show more teeth. As a teenager, I thought it was not cool. I thought it was lame (pa-cute). Instead, I opted for that pa-cool no teeth smile until it has already become a norm. Case in point would be my Instagram timeline. After realizing this, I willed myself one day to practice smiling with the aid of a mobile phone.
Me practicing the different ways (and levels) of smiling. What a geek!
In retrospect, I guess the reason for this pa-cool smile over the years boils down to a personal insecurity. Or, so I thought. Aptly put, it was more of a mind conditioning. Thanks to the gazillion Hollywood movies I saw as a child growing up. I thought that my teeth were not sparkling white enough to dawn that big smile. I wanted to have a celebrity-white set of teeth!
Ang arte! I can’t believe I am sharing this!
Well, my teeth have always been more yellowish than average. My dentist told me that teeth are naturally off-white in color. I read, too, that genetics and environment play a big role; Teeth turn more yellow with age; They can get stained by drinking coffee, tea or red wine and eating certain fruits and vegetables such as apples and potatoes; Smoking or chewing tobacco is also a big no-no; Several diseases, medications, and trauma can likewise cause discoloration. Despite learning all of these, I still wanted my teeth whiter.
Me in the background getting a professional whitening procedure done by Dr. Guendolyn Wee. That is my brother in the foreground doing his silly duck face.
As a sweet tooth, needless to say, regular proper brushing and flossing are mainstays of my personal hygiene. Likewise, it is a must that I visit my dentist on a regular basis for my oral health. Every now and then, I would consult my dentist if I could undergo a whitening procedure.
Other treatment options to whiten teeth may be seen here.
Me in a happy place feasting on two of my favorite things in the world, Mango Bravo and red wine (in a water glass, lol). Weird combination, right? Walang basagan ng trip! I must say that I am salivating right now as I type this. That luscious slice of Mango Bravo of Contis is to die for!
Over the years, this obsession with whiter teeth has turned me into a hoarder of various brands of over-the-counter whitening toothpaste. Searching far and wide, to my surprise, I have the following in my cabinet. Some I even bought abroad.
Just recently, I came across one product that would knock all these out to oblivion. The product claims to whiten teeth while fighting plaque:
- Removes stains while whitening, brightening and polishing teeth for a radiant smile;
- Provides a long-lasting fresh, clean mouth while aiding in prevention of dental cavities;
I tried the product. I must admit that I was completely blown away after seeing the effect of using it for the first time. Check out the before and after first use photos below.
Now, more than ever, I have every reason to smile… a big smile. Okay, I know I need more practice in flashing those pearly whites for a selfie. LOL.
Here is me brushing my teeth using this awesome product for the first time while singing Happy Birthday in my head four times in a row.
Sharing is caring and caring is sharing. Please share this post with friends and family.
Follow me, too, as I feature the remaining skin care and other essentials in my man-bag in my upcoming posts. Signing out for now. Peace.
