Before you reach for commercial whitening products or pay your dentist a hefty fee, follow these steps to get the appearance of a sparkling smile.
1. Add Baking Soda to Your Toothpaste.
While many people might reach for at-home whitening products, when you use them too much, they can wear away at your teeth over time, making them sensitive. They’re also expensive! Baking soda is a great natural and inexpensive way to keep teeth sparkling and fresh. Another bonus: baking soda repels odour, so your fresh breath will last that much longer.
2. Wear Bronzer.
It’s universally acknowledged that a tan can make teeth look whiter. Add a little bit of powder bronzer to your temples, cheekbones and anywhere that the sun would kiss your face. Another option: mix liquid bronzer with your regular foundation to give it an extra-bronzed kick.
3. Avoid Coffee, Tea and Smoking.
Giving up caffeine and nicotine at the same time might not be good news for your mood (or your family and friends). Start with the worst one and work your way down: quitting smoking. It will do wonders not only for your teeth, but also your general health.
When drinking coffee or tea, try to finish it quickly to minimize the amount of time it comes into contact with your teeth”that way, you’re also minimizing staining. If possible, use a straw.
4. Wear Red Lipstick with Cool Undertones.
The right shade of red lipsticks will make teeth look whiter”choose one with cool, not warm undertones. Blue-based reds will counteract any yellow, giving the appearance of a much whiter smile. To avoid getting lipstick on your teeth, don’t forget to blot with a tissue.
5. Choose White Over Red.
For a night on the town or a cocktail party where you want your teeth to shine, stay away from the merlots and instead head for champagne or white wine. Red wine stains teeth; so if you love your reds, alternate with a glass of water between each glass of wine to rinse away any leftover residue.
If you don’t want to give up red wine completely, keep it for those nights at home, when you don’t want your wine-stained teeth to be a feature in the next day’s Facebook photos.
