I’m reaching out to you, dear models and industry folk, because of a pandemic that is affecting us all. Whether it’s a steamy (read: awkward) Harlequin shoot or an early morning event, the blatant disregard for oral hygiene is assaulting senses everywhere. It’s gotten to the point where I, as a makeup artist, automatically hold my breath when I’m working on someone’s face; I’ve been burned too many times by the dank stench of heedlessness and tonsil stones.
The way I think about my own oral hygiene is, «If a stranger had to stick their nose in my mouth, would they be offended?»
As a non-coffee drinker and non-smoker, I’m probably extra-sensitive. If you have been drinking the aforementioned coffee and smoking the above cigarettes, offense will be taken. Have you maybe eaten something with garlic or onion today without brushing your teeth afterwards? If yes, we can smell you two studios over.
Rushed lunches and tight hours don’t always allow for a 2 minute go with the electric tooth brush, mouth wash, and flossing routine, but there are little cover ups available. These will save the person who is breathing in your breath from collapse: gum, Listerine Pocketpacks, and mouth spray. They all magically fit into a purse or pocket and can be administered in seconds — no excuses!
I am on my knees (far away from any atrophied mouths), begging everyone to take extra precautions to be minty fresh at all times on the job. For the sake of the stylist who’s adjusting a necklace on you, the hair stylist sculpting your bang, the makeup artist spending fifteen minutes on your lips alone, and the fellow models sharing your tight quarters, always be courteous in matters of the mouth.
