When you consider how much we put our teeth through, it's no wonder that they may get stained along the way. We asked some top dentists to share their easy tips for whitening your teeth without having to sit in their chair...
EAT YOUR WAY TO CLEANER TEETH
1) ‘Strawberries contain malic acid, which is a natural tooth whitener. However, don't keep strawberries on your teeth for long as the fruit acid will attack the enamel,’ advises Dr Mervyn Druian, The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry.
2) ‘Foods that are firm or crisp are known to help clean teeth as they're eaten. Apples are considered to be “nature's toothbrush” and are a great way of cleaning teeth on the go. Other choices include raw carrots, celery and popcorn. All of these foods are known as “detergent” foods, as the rough edges act as a cleaner to remove bacteria from the teeth. Try to make these the final foods you eat in your meal if you know you won't be able to brush your teeth right after eating,’ says Dr Peta Leigh, Elleven Dental.
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3) ‘This may come as a surprise to many, but cheese is also known for helping to maintain healthy white teeth,’ adds Dr Leigh. ‘Although very fattening, cheese speeds the neutralisation of acid and remineralisation of enamel. Less damage to our enamel equals fewer discolorations. In addition, cheese is also high in calcium, which is known for strengthening bones and teeth. For a healthier alternative, milk and yogurt act in the same way as the cheese.’
4) ‘Anything that will stain a white shirt will stain your teeth. So avoid dark foods and drink fizzy drinks with a straw,’ says Dr Uchenna Okoye, Oral-B ambassador and dental expert on Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger.
5) ‘Eat white foods: the whiter the foods you eat, the whiter your teeth will be,’ advises Wimpole St Dental’s Dr Richard Marques. ‘Eat chicken, rice and fish. Avoid pigmented foods such as beetroot, blueberries and Chinese/Indian takeaway (which has lots of turmeric or food colourings).’
MORE: THE VITAL STEP YOU’RE MISSING OUT WHEN YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH
6) ‘Chewing gum is also very beneficial when it comes to maintaining a white smile,’ recommends Dr Leigh. ‘Chewing gum helps to clean teeth mechanically by removing debris, and it stimulates production of saliva, which increases your saliva’s ability to neutralise acid and remineralise your enamel, ultimately strengthening teeth. Make sure you choose a sugar-free gum and if it has whitening properties, even better!’
ADJUST YOUR BRUSHING
7) ‘Fluoride is topical and therefore it needs to be topped up frequently. It is best to spit rather than rinse after brushing your teeth so the fluoride stays in your mouth for longer. This is especially important for the night-time brush so the fluoride can coat your teeth while you sleep,’ says Dr Okoye.
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8) ‘Baking soda is a natural teeth whitener and included in many toothpastes. Try mixing a quarter teaspoon of baking soda with water and applying this to the teeth with your toothbrush. Alternatively, add the baking soda to a cheap toothpaste. It will not damage your teeth in any way but will make them look gradually whiter over time,’ advises Dr Marques.
9) ‘Use an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can remove up to 70% more plaque than manual brushes alone. They also remove more stains by vibrating or rotating more effectively,’ adds Dr Marques.
WASH AWAY BACTERIA
10) ‘Water is not only essential for overall wellbeing, it is also vital for great oral health. Water acts as a natural cleaner and has the power to wash away bacteria and residue left on the teeth after eating, so be sure to drink a glass of water after every meal,’ says Dr Leigh.
11) ‘Use warm salt water to rinse. This helps to whiten your teeth naturally and looks after your gums. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm, kettle-boiled water (cool it down first) and use it as mouthwash. Salt is a natural antibacterial that works by attacking bacterial cell walls,’ suggests Dr Marques.
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12) ‘Use coconut oil as a mouth rinse; this is known as oil pulling. Use a tablespoon of coconut oil and swill in the mouth for as long as you can - the longer the better, 15 minutes is the ideal time,’ advises Dr Marques.
13) ‘Flossing removes some of the staining in between teeth, making your smile instantly look whiter. Try to floss several times a week as this will not only improve the health of your gums, you will also notice your smile looking brighter,’ recommends Dr Leigh.
CHEAT TIP
14) ‘Wear red lipstick with a blue undertone to make your teeth appear whiter,’ says Dr Druian.
MORE: THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS OUR TEETH FACE AS WE AGE
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