Everybody wants one. The entire cast of Love Island and that three-cups-of-coffee-a-day friend of yours seem to have one. And yet, you still haven’t managed to procure one for yourself. The prize in question? An ultra-white smile, of course.
While composites, veneers and professional whitening are likely to thank for some of the kilowatt smiles I’ve admired, spending hundreds (or even thousands) on new teeth is a serious budget breaker for most of us. But who needs Harley Street when our team is armed with a host of affordable hacks that won’t cost you your entire pay check?
From using an electric toothbrush to choosing the right lipstick, here are six affordable whitening tips from team Cosmo to help you upgrade your smile.
Bag an electric toothbrush
“Since changing to an electric toothbrush earlier this year, I honestly don’t know how I’ve gone this long without one! As well as giving a deeper clean, it’s made my teeth look – and feel – whiter from the very first use.” – Lydia Venn, Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer
Start using a whitening toothpaste
Sensodyne Clinical White Enamel Strengthening Toothpaste
Sensodyne Clinical White Stain Protector Toothpaste
“DIY brightening doesn’t get more user-friendly than introducing a whitening toothpaste to your routine. But as someone with sensitive teeth, I needed a brushing buddy that works to protect my smile. Cue: Sensodyne Clinical White Enamel Strengthening Toothpaste. Formulated with Sensodyne’s most advanced whitening technology and scientifically proven to leave you with teeth that are two shades whiter*, it gently polishes for a whiter smile in just two weeks**, whilst helping to protect sensitive teeth and strengthen enamel.”
“I rotate between this and its sibling, Sensodyne Clinical White Stain Protector Toothpaste, which offers the same brightening prowess, as well as 24/7 care for sensitive teeth†. It's also clinically proven to remove surface stains and helps to prevent future stains, too.” – Shadé Owomoyela, Junior Branded Content Editor
Choose the right lipstick
“Faking a whiter smile is the same as shade matching your foundation; it’s all about the undertones. Opting for a lip colour with cool, blue undertones can be extremely flattering – not only will it make your skin appear brighter, but your teeth will look whiter, too!” – Lia Mappoura, Beauty Assistant
Get yourself a water flosser
“My water flosser became a close personal friend after getting some dental work done, making it initially difficult to fully open my mouth. It’s a superstar for blasting plaque and hard to reach places without the risk of hurting your gums. As well as leaving my mouth squeaky-clean and dentist-fresh, since adding it to my full routine, my smile has never looked brighter.” – Anna Cafolla, Acting Site Director
Make baking soda your new best friend
“Once a month, to help remove the stubborn stains caused by my coffee habit, I’ll mix a pea-sized amount of baking soda with water and brush my teeth as normal. It’s a super-cheap solution that works a treat.” – Zoe Shenton, Acting Deputy Editor
Introduce oil pulling to your daily routine
“I swear by the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling. I swish a glug of coconut oil in my mouth for five minutes daily, as it helps remove unwanted bacteria and seems to have gradually whitened my teeth.” – Mared Parry, Acting Deputy Social Media Manager
Shop Sensodyne Clinical White Enamel Strengthening Toothpaste and Clinical White Stain Protector Toothpaste to start your journey to a whiter smile.
*after eight weeks of twice daily brushing
**vs a regular toothpaste with twice daily brushing
†with twice-daily brushing
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
