Beauty
8 steps to white teeth
(without having to drop by your dentist)
When I was a college kid I lived off of Jawbreaker gum, diet coke and glasses of citron pressé (freshly squeezed lemon juice and hot water) to satiate my hunger. That was until I ended up at the dentist and he was outraged at the state of my teeth and so ever since, I’ve been impeccably careful that I won’t even contemplate getting them professionally bleached. Yet I still want that Colgate smile. So therefore, I’ve devised a list of 8 tips that are going to help you maintain those pearly whites that your dentist will approve of.
1. Avoid everything that sticks
To start off with the hardest habits to quit; no more coffee, no more coke, red wine and curry. Pretty much all the things you love. Another option is to always drink a glass of water straight after you have had any of the above.
2. Eat this
Don’t ask me why but carrots, apples, broccoli, cauliflower and even popcorn (no joke) can have a bleaching effect on your teeth. So always save these for last if you don’t have time to brush you teeth and you’ll be in the safe zone. So for tonight, I would recommend a glass of white wine and some popcorn for dinner.
3. Water
I’ve noticed that the people around me who always drink water and never a cup of coffee never have bad breath. Water is good for everything, including your ‘oral climate’. It helps you get rid of bacteria and everything else that finds a way of getting attached to your teeth. So from now on, a glass of water after every meal. It’s great for your metabolism too. And for your skin.
“So forget about the crème brûlée next time and order the plate of cheese for dessert”
4. Chewing gum
The sugar free kind evidently. Gum helps collect all the debris that’s left in your mouth and builds up a fresh new batch of saliva. My dentist (you know, the one that was outraged when I was still a college student) recommends that you don’t keep the gum in your mouth for all too long though – it can also wear out your teeth. And let’s not forget how unflattering chewing gum can look…
5. A plate of cheese
I once heard something about how if you don’t have a tooth brush around, you should eat some cheese or cashew nuts. Cheese neutralizes the pH levels in your mouth and is full of calcium which gives you stronger bones and teeth. So, forget about the crème brûlée next time you’re out for dinner and order the plate of cheese instead.
6. Ban the cigarette
Whereas water is good for you, smoking is hands down the worst. It might make you slimmer, however it’ll also turn your teeth into a darker shade of yellow. Plus, it makes your gums pull out too. Not a pretty sight. It even has the capacity to change the tone of your voice, so kick the habit. Your lungs and skin will be forever thankful.
7. Don’t rinse
I always felt bad when I didn’t let my kids rinse out their mouths after brushing their teeth (you try explaining it to a two year old), but it worked. When all you do is spit out the debris instead of rinsing out your entire mouth, the leftover bit of toothpaste works as a thin protective layer on your teeth.
8. Brush
Treat yourself to a new toothbrush every now and then. You’ll be amazed at how beaming your smile will be afterwards.
