Pearly Whites

You don’t need a red carpet for that Hollywood smile, and achieving it is easier than you think. Here are some tips, tricks and products for healthy teeth and a gleaming smile. 

The formula for healthy gums and teeth is pretty simple: brush and floss your teeth twice a day, keep on top of your dental check-ups and keep sugar intake to a minimum. But, if you want a little more out of your teeth-cleaning routine, then try these simple tips and tricks for a stellar smile.

Tips - 

Avoid food and drinks that can stain your teeth. 

Calling all red wine lovers… I’m sorry to have to break it to you but certain food and drinks like red wine, as well as coffee and tomato-based sauces, can stain your teeth and dull your smile. The acids, tannins and natural dyes in red wine can turn your teeth a soft purple shade, which will eventually lead to long-term discolouration. “Strong pigments in red wine are instant stain-makers for porous surfaces like your teeth,” says New York-based dentist Dr. Lana Rozenberg. As a preventative measure, try brushing your teeth right before you go out. This will get rid of any plaque on the surface of the tooth, which stains love to adhere to. 

Get rid of any bacteria.

Bad breath or halitosis can occur when bacteria become trapped on the surface of the tongue or in the gums, and also when the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva and becomes dry. Try brushing your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride and also brushing your tongue to combat any bacteria build-up. Use a mouthwash daily and try chewing sugar-free gum in between meals to avoid a dry mouth. Remember to drink lots of water too!

Take it easy.

Yes, giving your teeth a good scrub feels soo satisfying, but is it actually good for our teeth? Peter Heaseman, Professor of Periodontology at the Newcastle University's School of Dental Sciences explains that while we brush our teeth under a good amount of pressure for two minutes to get rid of the harmful plaque which causes dental disease, brushing too long and too hard can have an adverse effect. “Our research shows that once you go beyond a certain point, you aren't being any more effective," says Heaseman, in a news release. "You could be actually harming your teeth and gums." 

Replace your toothbrush. 

How many of us are guilty of having that one toothbrush in the holder, that’s at least three years old? Well, if you’ve had your toothbrush for longer than four months, it’s definitely time to bin it. Dr Sienna Palmer, a dentist at Meridian Dental in California says: “The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months. This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.” A good tip is to buy a two-pack of toothbrushes so you always have a spare lying around when you feel your bristles begin to soften.  

Don’t ignore a toothache.

Catching a toothache right away will make a huge difference in the health of your teeth and gums. While toothaches can be a result of something as small as a cavity, getting it checked by a dentist will eliminate the chance it’s anything more serious. Even untreated cavities can lead to gum disease or tooth loss. 

Tricks -

Use lemon as a natural instant stain remover.

Using a lemon wedge, gently rub it over your teeth to instantly brighten up your smile and remove any stains. 

Drink using a straw. 

Use a straw when drinking soft drinks. This limits the amount of contact the sugar has with your teeth and will decrease the amount of plaque build-up or chance of cavities. 

Oil Pulling
As strange as it may sound, swishing oil around your mouth for 10 or 15 minutes and then spitting it out can really help overall tooth and gum health. It can reduce plaque, bacteria and gingivitis. 

Baking soda as a teeth whitener.
Wet your toothbrush and dip it into a small container of baking soda to form a thick paste. Brush your teeth as usual for a quick at-home teeth whitening remedy. 

Use lipsticks with a blue undertone.

A quick trick for making your teeth appear whiter is to use lipsticks that have a blue undertone like blue-toned reds. The blue undertones will help diminish any yellow tones you have on your teeth, making your smile brighter. 

Products - 

1. iWhite Instant Tooth Whitening Kit €30, visit mccabespharmacy.com 

2. Polished London Whitening Paste and Mouth Cleanse €35, visit polishedlondon.com 

3. Jordan Individual Reach Soft 2 Pack Toothbrush €4, visit mccauley.ie

4. Moon Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen €16.90, visit moonoralcare.com

5. Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening System Strips €39.99, visit boots.ie