It’s kind of crazy how many emails and comments I get on social media about my teeth. When I tell people that I’ve never whitened them, they are shocked. It probably helps that I don’t drink any coffee, soda, or black tea but I realize that isn’t doable for most people.
Having clean and healthy white teeth doesn’t take a whole lot of work. Here are my not so secret secrets to a sparkly smile!
1. Brush first thing in the morning, right before bed and after lunch. If you can, get a fancy toothbrush like the Emmi Dent which I use on my pearly whites daily. Don’t want to spend money (almost $200 for one of these bad boys!)? Today is your lucky day! One reader will win a fancy schmansy toothbrush from Emmi Dent. Just comment below with your favorite oral health tip!
2. Floss at least once/day. I floss before bed every single night. If I miss a day, something feels totally off. It’s not hard to make this a part of your routine. It literally takes less than 5 minutes and makes a huge difference in not getting cavities and for your gum health.
3. Eat foods that are good for your teeth! I read somewhere that strawberries have a (very very mild) bleaching effect on your teeth and can actually remove light stains. Obviously they’re pretty acidic so try to rinse your mouth with at least water after eating them or any other acidic foods. Also, try chewing on raw vegetables like carrots and celery after or in between meals. This will stimulate your gums which is important for maintaining healthy teeth.
4. Sip on water all day long. Drinking water throughout the day washes away food and gunk from your teeth and gums. Plus you’ll be extra hydrated which is good for your skin and pretty much every system in your body!
5. This one is pretty obvious but avoid sugary drinks. Soda can erode the enamel on your teeth (gross) and enhance tooth tecay (ahh!). Next time you reach for that Coca Cola Classic, try gulping down a large glass of water first. If you’re still craving the soda, have a big mug of mint tea. Usually at that point, you’ll “crowd out” your need for the sugary drink by filling yourself up with healthier options.
6. Smile! No one can notice your gorgeous teeth if you don’t show them off. I think part of the reason people comment on my teeth so often is because I smile 90% of the time. Next ill have to figure out what to do about my ever growing smile lines…
Want to win your very own super duper ultrasound toothbrush worth $190? Comment below with your favorite healthy tooth tip and I’ll pick one lucky winner by 6pm tomorrow (Friday).
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
The Winner (chosen via randomizer.org) is Court O. (19 out of 39). Congratulations!
I’ve heard that eating an apple helps buff away any surface stains, so I try to eat an apple a day!
I always say, brush more than not. If I have time I will brush my teeth after every single meal I eat or at least floss quick! And no matter how tired I am at night I suck it up and just brush or I will be sorry later!
I am constantly drinking water.
I also use a straw when the drink has acid or it has a darker color to it.
Floss, floss, floss. I have to repeat it to myself so I will actually do it!
I use baking soda and lemon juice on my teeth once a week, I use a q-tip to apply leave it on for no more than one minute, then brush it off. My teeth always feel super clean and a little brighter, but I could definately use a new fancy shmancy toothbrush especially since my wedding is coming up and I want my smile to be at it’s best:)
Regular dentist check-ups are SO important, they remove any buildup to keep teeth super healthy. I also whiten my teeth once a year with Crest White Strips!
Drinking tons of water and always brushing after coffee/diet coke!
I make sure to rinse my mouth with water after eating anything to flush it out a bit.
I make sure to use an all natural toothpaste. Sometimes I even make my own!
I keep it simple, per my dentist’s advice. Baking soda and lemon juice strip your enamel – brush twice daily, floss & eat healthy!
If I can’t resist a drink that might cause stains, I always use a straw. Oh, and flossing!
I try not to let any dark liquids touch my teeth directly by always using a straw, or even better – only drinking water.
i floss every morning and night
Use an appropriate amount of pressure on your teeth with your toothbrush (too much hurts the gums), and avoid mouthwashes with color dyes in them!
If you notice that the bottom of your teeth are smooth/flat/square (not sure best way to describe this) it likely means that you are grinding your teeth while sleeping! I wear a retainer at night after I learned about this to avoid this problem.
I am obsessed with brushing my teeth and I floss everyday!
Avoiding coffee and wine will keep your teeth nice and pearly but if you do indulge…brusha, brusha, brusha and use a little baking soda.
Here is a handy little tip in case you don’t have a toothbrush …Take a piece of the inside of the banana peel and gently rub around on your teeth for about 2 minutes.
The amazing minerals in the peel like potassium, magnesium and manganese absorb into your teeth and whiten them then SMILE!
I love to brush my teeth in the shower and use a flossing pic too! It makes me feel like I am multitasking and I don’t have to worry if I get toothpaste all over my face!
Keep floss and mouthwash at work for use before big meetings!
I actually like to drink my coffee with a straw (hot or cold) to avoid getting the majority of it on my teeth. I don’t do this all the time but when i’m trying to keep my teeth looking nice for something like a wedding I think it’s worth it!
As a coffee and red wine lover, I am always looking for good tips! Thanks for some good tips and ideas! I have always been told to brush after eating and for sure after those darker staining drinks! Brush and floss is my motto!
I love oil pulling prior to brushing in the morning! My teeth are so clean and pearly white, and it’s great for so many reasons 🙂
Make sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush to massage and stimulate your gums! You can have the whitest teeth on the planet, but still look awful due to recoding gum lines!
Go to the dentist every six months!
I like to use coconut oil and do 10-15 minutes of oil pulling. Not only does it promote healthy gums and fights and bad breath and icky dental issues but it also whitens my teeth.
I always try to brush my teeth after every meal but sometimes it’s just impossible. Eating things like apples (nature’s toothbrush) and carrot sticks right after a meal can actually help clean your teeth if you can’t get a good brush in!
Make sure your toothpaste contains flouride!
Floss each tooth down below the gum line! It will help keep decay at bay.
floss everyday
Eat a lot of apples and chewing gum without sugar or aspartam. There are some good vegan online stores where you can buy this 🙂
An apple a day!
Agreed on the importance of flossing! I even keep floss in my purse.
I like to drink lots of coffee, when I can (usually in
privacy) I drink it out of a glass straw because this is a beverage that will stain you teeth. I also use a straw for anything
acidic (i.e. carbonated, oj etc.) this protects the enamel.
Cheers 🙂
Where do u get your glass straws?
I am a huge fan of floss and a bigger fan of mouthwash! I get my teeth cleaned every 5-6 months, and the difference that consistent flossing can make is incredible! If I’m ever stuck somewhere without floss, I use mouthwash. I also really love tongue scrapers.. the process is kinda gross, but I always feel so clean afterwards!
I love coffee, and you would think that brushing your teeth would prevent staining. Several dentists have corrected me on this point– wait 30 minutes after drinking coffee to brush, then use a baking soda containing toothpaste (like Arm and Hammer Whitening) to brush away stains. Brushing right away can actually further erode enamel.
Floss and rinse with water after acidic foods!
Rub your front teeth against the inside of an orange or a lemon peel, makes your teeth really white 🙂
I wait at least an HOUR before brushing my teeth after eating. I have been following this rule forever because after much research I realized that this is so damaging to your teeth!! Leftover food particles and what not can wear away the enamel of your teeth if this is done. Rinse before you brush!
Every 1 of 2 adults have periodontal disease. Please consult with a periodontist at least to be sure your on the right track to keep your teeth for lifetime.
The mouth is the gateway to the heart. Protect yourself from endocarditis. ALWAYS brush and floss frequently, and daily!!