Let's face it, everyone wants that super shiny, Hollywood smile. We all crave dazzling white teeth, but while there are a number of cosmetic treatments available on the market to achieve an enviable smile, from composite bonding to veneers, Dr Hanna Kinsella reveals that the secret to a whiter, brighter smile could be as simple as making a few small changes to your diet.
READ: 9 best teeth whitening kits you can buy to whiten your post-lockdown smile
New mum Hanna, who stars in ITV's Real Housewives of Cheshire, explains that although the best way to whiten teeth is by professionally approved whitening products, there are many ways you can achieve a whiter smile at home without them.
MORE: The do's and don'ts of teeth whitening
1. Be aware of your food and drink
Coffee, tea and red wine can quickly cause yellow or brown stains to form, so small things like being aware of avoiding these drinks if possible, or drinking these through a straw may help to keep teeth white and avoid stains. The nicotine in smoking can also stain teeth, so it goes without saying to avoid cigarettes too for whiter teeth.
© Photo: iStockHow does avoiding certain foods whiten your teeth?
Food colouring stains teeth by binding to the tooth surface. Load up on natural food, it doesn't stain your teeth as much
2. Visit your doctor
Something most people don’t know is that health issues like diabetes, oral cancer, anaemia and some eating disorders can also cause damage to the tooth enamel and oral health, which can result in yellow teeth. Always seek help from a professional if you are experiencing any of these, and your teeth will benefit too.
How does going to the doctor whiten your teeth?
Certain health issues can cause oral ill health, always get checked if you think something is wrong, it may be affecting your teeth, too.
© Photo: iStock3. Brush your teeth correctly
Instead of brushing teeth aggressively with a hard grip - which can be a natural response - try to hold your toothbrush at the very end and use a grip as if you’re holding a pen. This will reduce pressure to the brush and the teeth, therefore protecting them from damage. All of these things can contribute to whiter teeth.
MORE: This professional water flosser will actually make you want to floss and it’s an Amazon bargain
How does brushing your teeth whiten your teeth?
Brushing your teeth gently reduces damage, and protects them, leading to whiter teeth.
You can add Whites Beaconsfield's new every day whitening toothpaste to your routine.
The specially formulated toothpaste whitens, detoxes the mouth, dissolves stains, kills bad breath, removes plaque and remineralises teeth.
4. Healthy eating - strawberries can whiten the teeth
Who knew - strawberries contain malic acid which is actually a natural tooth whitener. Obviously don’t go too hard on the strawberries, and don’t rub them on the teeth or keep them against the enamel for too long, but a healthy amount of them can help with whitening! In the same vein, apples are a great way of cleaning the teeth (in some form!) as long as not eatentoo aggressively. The rough edges of crispy food like apples can help to remove bacteria from the teeth.
How do strawberries whiten your teeth?
They contain Malic acid, which is a natural cleanser.
5. Use a sonic toothbrush
Using a sonic electric toothbrush like ICY BEAR whitening toothbrush can provide a powerful dynamic cleaning action that helps to keep teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque, as well as effective stain removal which helps to brighten teeth and restore them to their natural whiteness.
Sonic Whitening Toothbrush, £59.99, Icy Bear
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How does using an electric toothbrush whiten your teeth?
electric toothbrushes remove more stains by vibrating or rotating in a more efficient and effective manner than manual brushing alone.
READ: How to limit the effect of sugar on children's teeth
6. Drink plenty of water
A benefit across so many areas of life, drinking water is essential for wellbeing and also our oral health - it’s a natural cleaner in so many senses and can also help remove bacteria from the teeth. Always have at least a glass of water after eating meals.
How does drinking water whiten your teeth?
Water helps remove bits of food stuck in your teeth after meals, avoiding a build up
MORE: Everything you need to know before getting your teeth straightened
7. Floss, floss, floss
Flossing is that step everyone forgets - but it has so many benefits. It can remove some staining in between teeth and brighten the smile as well as help with overall oral health.
How does flossing whiten your teeth?
Flossing stops decay as it removes food after meals and brightens the smile
8. Visit your dentist regularly
You should be visiting your dentist every six months - they will be able to talk to you all about the colour of your teeth if you’re not seeing any improvement with your own dental health. You can always consider professional teeth whitenings, veneers or composite bonding to whiten the teeth artificially. If done by a medical professional, the results can be hugely confidenceBoosting.
How does the dentist whiten your teeth?
The dentist can offer treatments and point out areas of your teeth that need improving.
9. At home whitening treatments
Extremely popular thanks to the pandemic, at home treatments can show huge results. Icy Bear Dental has just launched - performance-driven dental care for whiter teeth and brighter smiles which are palm oil free, SLS free and animal cruelty free. The professionally developed toothpaste and professional whitening strips have a rare ingredient combination containing the finest diamonds which gently clean and reduce stains with no damage to thetooth surface.
How do at home whitening treatments whiten your teeth?
Professionally developed, they combine the best, healthiest ingredients to make your teeth glow
10. Gargling ginger and salt water
Gargling with salt and ginger water helps to both whiten your teeth naturally and looks after your gums (as it is a natural antibacterial). Mix a teaspoon of salt and a little ginger in a cup of warm kettle boiled water (cool it down) and use it as mouthwash.
How does gargling salt and ginger water whiten your teeth?
Salt is a natural antibacterial working by attacking bacterial cell walls.
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