Aging Fabulous

5 Tips for Whiter Teeth - Instantly!

by Teri on June 11th, 2008

As we get older, our teeth naturally get duller. And all of the coffee, wine, and food stains don’t help. While I am a bit obsessed with some teeth whitening products, over-the counter ones especially, there are some ticks to making teeth appear whiter and brighter.

Celebrity Aesthetic Dentist Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, whose A-list clients include Sarah Jessica Parker, Christy Brinkley and Victoria ’s Secret Model Allesandra D’Ambrosio, offers these tips that will brighten your smile.

1. Whiten While you Chew

Everyone knows that red wine and coffee stain your teeth, but some foods can actually work to whiten your teeth while you eat! The following foods remove stains by exfoliating teeth before the stain molecules have the time to attach deeply to the surface. It is like a skin scrub for your smile. Foods that whiten teeth include:

• Apples
• Celery
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Lettuce

2. Kiss the Stain Away

Some lip colors can actually make your teeth look significantly whiter (and darker!).

If you have grayish teeth:

• Avoid: Red Lipsticks with blue tones
• Try: Cool tone with a brown base. Nude pinks with an almost brownish hue are best.

If you have yellowish teeth:

• Avoid: Deep, dark shades. Bright Shades. Super shiny glosses
• Try: Pink shades that have blue undertones. Nudes

3. Go Bronze

Golden and tan skin tones (from a bottle not from harmful UVA/UVB rays of course) not only give you a more toned, healthy appearance but also make your eyes pop and your teeth look brighter! Some of the most natural looking new tanners include:

• SkinCeuticals Sans Soleil - a unique self-tanning lotion that delivers an even, natural looking tan without exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Price: $32.00 at SkinCeuticals.com
• DuWop Revolotion Body - Unlike traditional bronzers, Revolotion is actually a moisturizer that contains SPF 15 sun protection along with a kiss of bronzing pigment and subtle shimmer. The streak free, easy to apply formula is meant for legs, arms, back and decollate. Anywhere you want to show off perfect, glowing skin. Price: $28, available at Sephora and www.beauty.com

4. Accessorize

Try wearing shimmering white rhinestone jewelry or gleaming silver to make your teeth appear whiter. Stay away from gold, which exaggerates any yellowish tones in teeth.

5. Clothing

A bright white shirt will only accentuate less-than-white teeth. Choose an off-white or cream-colored shade instead. Reducing the contrast will result in the appearance of a brighter, whiter smile.

Let me know if you have any other tips to share.

image from stock.xchng

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POSTED IN: Anti Aging, Beauty Tips