From sexy summer dresses to the hottest gladiator sandals, nothing is more important to achieving an effortlessly chic summer look than a bright white smile. 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 INSTANTLY, without expensive procedures, whitening strips or even toothpaste! (Although he created my favorite teeth whitening product--GoSmile!)
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
(I personally love Aqua Tan!)
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.
Have any easy teeth whitening tips? I'd love to hear them!
