Want whiter teeth? But afraid of the dentist’s chair? We hear you. Which is why we’ve gathered together our top teeth whitening tips for that don’t involve any chair-time. You’re welcome.
1. The white teeth diet
Hungry? Tuck into one of nature’s toothbrushes that actually clean your teeth as you eat. Apples, raw carrots, celery and popcorn are all great, along with broccoli and cauliflower. Make these the last thing you eat at any mealtime if you can’t brush your teeth afterward. Dr. Uchenna Okoye, Oral-B Smile Ambassador also recommends avoiding food that stain teeth: 'This means avoiding red wine, coffee, cola and curry.'
2. Drink up
'Water is not only essential for overall wellbeing, it is also vital for great oral health,' says Dr Peta Leigh, teeth whitening expert at Elleven. '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.'
3. Get gum
'Chewing gum helps to clean teeth mechanically by removing debris, and it stimulates production of saliva,' says Dr Leigh. 'This increases your saliva’s ability to neutralise acid and remineralise your enamel, ultimately strengthening teeth.' Just make sure you opt for a sugar-free gum, naturally.
4. Summer snacking
Get yourself a punnet of strawberries the next time you fancy something sweet. 'Strawberries are renowned for keeping teeth whiter because they contain malic acid, an enzyme that encourages saliva production, so you naturally rinse your mouth as you eat,' says Dr Okoye.
5. Cheese, anyone?
'Although very fattening (and addictive) cheese speeds the neutralisation of acid and remineralisation of enamel,' says Dr Leigh. 'Less damage to our enamel equals fewer discolourations. In addition, cheese is also high in calcium which is known for strengthening bones and teeth.' Finish your meal with a little square of cheese to neutralise any acid in your mouth.
6. Quit smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of tooth decay and discolouration. 'The nicotine and tar in the cigarette result in teeth darkening, losing their natural white,' says Dr Leigh. 'Smoking can cause teeth to turn yellow over a very short period of time and years of smoking can even turn teeth brown.' The only answer is to stop, we’re afraid.
7. New toothbrush time
“Make sure you change your toothbrush or the head of your electric toothbrush at least every two to three months, otherwise you're just transferring bacteria to your mouth. People also underestimate how flossing can transform a smile,” says Dr Leigh.
8. No rinsing
'It is best to spit rather than rinse after brushing your teeth so the fluoride stays in your mouth for longer,' says Dr Okoye. 'This is especially important for the night-time brush so it can coat your teeth whilst you sleep.'
Teeth Whitening Kit
These tips should keep teeth looking whiter for longer, but if it’s time for a professional treatment, Dr Leigh advises visiting your dentist for advice.
For at-home whitening, Dr Okoye recommends [Oral-B’s new White® Whitestrips {href='http://www.dentalcare.co.uk/dental-care-professional-products/whitenings/oral-b-3d-whitestrips.aspx' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}.
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