Beauty

IN 8 X WHITER TEETH

(without a dentist being involved)

During my student days, I lived on Jawbreaker chewing gum, diet cola, and occasionally a glass of citron pressé (freshly squeezed lemon juice with boiled water) to stave off hunger. Until my dentist pretty much scolded me out of the chair for ruining my teeth. Since then, I've been so careful with my teeth that I don't even consider a professional whitening session because it damages your teeth. But I do want white teeth. Hence these 8 home, garden, and kitchen whitening tips.

1. Avoid everything that sticks

To get straight to the unpleasant part: no coffee, cola, red wine, and curry. So that's everything I like. One option is to always drink a glass of water afterward. Or a sip, go ahead.

2. Eat this

Don't ask me why, but carrots, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, and even popcorn (yes really) seem to have a whitening effect on your teeth. Eat this last during a meal if you don't have time to brush your teeth after eating, and you're safe. So tonight, white wine and popcorn it is.

3. Water

I've noticed that people around me who drink a lot of water and no coffee (hi Jettie, hi Joss) never have bad breath. Drinking plenty of water is good for everything, but also for ‘the oral climate’. You wash away bacteria and everything that has stuck to your teeth. So drink a glass of water after every meal. Also good for digestion. And your skin. And...

“I also have the impression that in people who smoke for a longer period, their teeth start to spread apart”

4. Chewing gum

Sugar-free of course. Chewing gum helps collect stray debris in your mouth and increases saliva production. My dentist (you know, the shouting and yelling one) also thinks you shouldn't keep that gum in your mouth for too long, as it can wear down your teeth. And it doesn't look very classy of course.

5. A cheese platter

I've heard that if you don't have a toothbrush with you, you should eat a piece of cheese or a cashew nut. Cheese neutralizes the acid level in your mouth and is rich in calcium, which gives you strong bones and teeth. So forget that crème brûlée and order a piece of Emmental and Brie de Meaux for dessert.

6. Ban the cigarette

Just as water is good for everything, smoking is bad for everything. Unless it makes you thin, that is. But your teeth turn yellow. And your gums recede. Not a pretty sight. I also have the impression that in people who smoke for a longer period, their teeth start to spread apart. You see that in people who use a lot of drugs too. You even start to talk differently (just check out YouTube Herman Brood). So quit. Your lungs and skin will thank you.

7. Don't rinse

I always felt bad when I didn't let my kids rinse (try explaining that to a one-and-a-half-year-old), but it turns out I'm actually doing it very well. If you just spit and don't rinse, the toothpaste leaves a small protective layer over your teeth.

8. Brush

Treat yourself every now and then to a new toothbrush with nice active upright bristles. Just see what a sparkling smile you have.