Three Off-The-Wall Secrets To a Whiter Smile

Whitening your teeth in between dentist’s visits is more than possible, and there are some pretty shocking ways to do it, too. The foods you eat, the makeup you do or do not wear, and some off-the-wall do-it-yourself dental care can all help you physically whiten your teeth — or, at the very least, get the appearance of a pearly white smile. Top cosmetic dentists dish the details.

What Foods Naturally Whiten Teeth?

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” may apply to the dentist, too. Cucumbers, pears, and apples whiten teeth by producing large amounts of saliva, which literally washes food residue off of your teeth and out of your mouth. Apples pack an added bonus, too. “Apples work especially well because they act like a toothbrush, and knock the bacteria out of your mouth as you bite into them,” news channel PIX11 reports. This is especially important given the prevalence of tooth decay and cavities. Worldwide, almost 100% of adults have at least one cavity. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and eating plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables will keep your smile stain-free and healthy.

Your Lipstick May Be Making Your Teeth Look Yellow

The best cosmetic dentists reveal that your chosen lipstick and/or makeup may be making matters worse. Lipsticks with primarily warm colors, such as red, may make your teeth appear a darker or more distinct shade of yellow. Swap out these lipsticks with blue-red colors. The hint of blue or other cool colors will bring out your white teeth.

The Strange, DIY Trick Celebrities Love

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow swears by oil pulling. What is oil pulling? Gargling with coconut oil (called “oil pulling”) may help whiten your teeth. Dentists believe it may help prevent bacteria buildup, which naturally whitens teeth and prevents tooth decay and cavities. In addition to oil pulling, always remember to regularly brush and floss teeth. Routine flossing will remove any stubborn food particles that may otherwise cause dental problems.

Keep your smile dazzling white — even in between professional teeth whitening and dentist appointments. Beat bacteria with crunchy fruits and vegetables or oil pulling, and help teeth look whiter with the right shades of lipstick.