How to easily and safely get white teeth

Everybody wants a Hollywood smile, but it comes at a price. No, we aren't just talking about how much it costs to actually get your teeth straightened and whitened, but more about the things you need to give up and the lifestyle changes you likely need to make in order to first get, and then maintain a white set of gnashers.

Well, we decided to ask Dr. Mahsa Nejati, one of London's leading dental surgeons and the founder of Mahsa, a leading oral healthcare brand (and winner of a 2025 Gentleman's Journal Grooming Award), to give us the low down on what you should be doing to get a healthy and glistening smile.

Certain foods and drinks are notorious for staining teeth. If you’ve recently whitened your teeth or want to maintain their natural brightness, consider cutting back on the following:

• Coffee and tea – high in tannins that stain enamel
• Red wine – one of the biggest culprits for deep staining
• Dark berries – like blueberries, blackberries, and cherries
• Tomato-based sauces – acidic and pigmented
• Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar – dark and sticky, prone to clinging to enamel
• Sugary drinks and sodas – the acid and colorants can lead to staining and erosion

If you do consume any of the above, rinse your mouth with water afterward or use a straw to minimise contact with teeth.

• Smoking or vaping – nicotine and tar cause yellow and brown stains that are difficult to remove
• Brushing immediately after eating acidic foods – it can wear down enamel, wait 30 minutes instead
• Overusing whitening products – excessive use can lead to tooth sensitivity and enamel damage
• Skipping regular dental hygiene – plaque buildup can make teeth appear yellow

At-home whitening can be effective, especially for mild surface stains. Here are the most common options:

• Whitening toothpastes – contain mild abrasives or low levels of peroxide.
• The MAHSA Snow Me White! has a unique formulation to whiten teeth without causing any sensitivities. Alongside this, the MAHSA Radiant Amethyst gives an immediate whiter and brighter smile in just one brush so is great to use prior an event.
• LED whitening devices – offer better results and you can usually see a significant change after 7 days (use once a day for 10 minutes for 7 consecutive days).
• The MAHSA Trio Light whitens teeth and helps with gum-inflammation in one sitting. 

Professional teeth whitening offers faster, longer-lasting results. Options include:

• In-office whitening – has a high-concentration whitening agent and is applied and activated with light; results are often seen in one visit
• Combination treatments – sometimes clinics offer a combination of in-office and take home LED device for optimal results

Yes, when done correctly and under professional guidance, teeth whitening is safe for most people. However:

• Some sensitivity is common, especially with stronger whitening agents
• Overuse of whitening products or using them on compromised teeth (e.g., decay or gum disease) can lead to damage
• Whitening does not work on crowns, veneers, or fillings, so consult your dentist if you have dental restorations

Always consult a dental professional before starting a whitening treatment, especially if you have existing dental issues.

Teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way to boost your confidence, but maintaining those results requires smart habits and realistic expectations. Avoid foods and drinks that are known to cause staining, keep up with good oral hygiene and make sure to use a reputable product that has a good track record and is formulated in a way that doesn't cause sensitivity whilst still delivering a good result.

Now check out the best grooming products of the week

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