I had an epiphany as I shot a final glance at the mirror, before leaving for a party. My teeth were looking whiter than usual. Have I done something differently or opted for a tooth whitening process that I can't remember?
by Dr Syeda Rehma Hasan
Of course (thinking out loud)! I was wearing my new red lipstick, and that had made all the difference. That is when I realised that some lip shades complement the teeth' natural colour more than others. You just have to find the perfect shade to get a super white smile.
Splash of colour & Tooth whitening
The colour one wears on the lip plays a vital role in the appearance of your teeth. When in doubt, pick lip colours with blue, or purple undertones, instead of those with a yellow base. To understand how that happens, you need to know the science behind it. Blue and yellow are opposites, which means one cuts down the other. Therefore, if the lipstick has a blue hint, it will counterbalance the yellow hue on your teeth.
When in doubt, do without
Next time, you plan to get an over-the-counter whitening product, try treating yourself with a new lip colour instead. It will not only bring out the sparkle in your teeth but also save you from the adverse effects of some products that claim to give you ‘whiter teeth’. The lipstick will not cost much, but the whiteners, a fortune! This is because such products may cause long term damage.
Do not skip the dentist
This is a fun-to-know makeup hack that does not aim to discourage supervised tooth whitening procedures. Makeup may not be a solution but can be a quick fix. For a more permanent result, you may want to book an appointment with your dentist. There are a plethora of treatment options, ranging from ultrasonic scaling to bleaching.
Needless to say, if chosen correctly, a lip colour goes a long way. It beautifies the lip and brightens up that smile.
The author is a contributing writer and Canadian correspondent at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at rehmahasan@gmail.com