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Home remedies for whiter teeth

Gorgeous actress Katherine Heigl is a fan of Invisalign, a clear, removable teeth aligner that’s emerging as a popular alternative to braces.

We asked Robert Wong from White Glo and Liz Kelsh, the national make-up artist for Max Factor, for their purse-friendly DIY tips…

Keep your teeth looking tops
‘Brush twice, and floss and rinse with a mouthwash every day,’ Robert advises. He also recommends whitening treatments, which ‘create a chemical reaction with your teeth, forming oxygen bubbles that penetrate into the pores of your teeth, bond with the stains and draw them out’. But don’t get carried away – there is a limit to how often you can use them!

A quick fix is in the lips
‘If you’re concerned by yellowing teeth, choose a lip colour with an underlying blue tone – a blue-based red or a true red will make an immediate impact. Avoid orange bases,’ Liz says. ‘But if your teeth are heavily stained, choose a sheer lip gloss to avoid drawing attention to the area.’

Foods to keep the dentist at bay
A healthy diet can make your teeth whiter and brighter – and make you smile more! Robert suggests milk. ‘Calcium keeps teeth strong and white.’ Fruit works wonders too. ‘The fibre in apples is effective in removing surface build-up as you bite, and lemon or any citrus juice helps remove plaque.’

Beam with bronzer
‘Tanned skin makes teeth look whiter,’ Liz explains. ‘Rather than going darker with your foundation, use a bronzer to give your skin a sun-kissed look'