Teeth whitening without sensitivity

1. USE A CLEVER TOOTHPASTE

The easiest way to whiten up is by swapping your toothpaste. Formulas are innovating all the time and we're currently trying the new Colgate MaxWhite ONE Optic with tiny blue pigments that form an invisible sheen on your teeth, reflecting the light to make them appear whiter. This trickery combined with stain removers delivers instant and long term whitening. Resssult.

2. EAT AN APPLE A DAY

It could keep the dentist away – and help brighten your smile. Dr Tim Bradstock-Smith, Head Dentist at The London Smile Clinic says: "Apples are particularly effective at whitening teeth as they contain malic acid, a chemical which is found in whitening products to dissolve stains".

3. SNACK ON CELERY

For two reasons; it can "promote saliva production and therefore also help to dissolve stains", and it "also contains fibrous cellulose which acts as a natural exfoliator" so says Dr Tim. And who doesn't like celery?

4. CARRY FLOSS ON YOU

Forget the strand of hair trick. Who's tried that and ended up with a broken hair caught between their teeth as well as a herb? Keep mini packets of floss in your handbag, car and on your desk because no matter how white your smile is, a stray chive or chilli flake can slash your efforts in an instant.

5. WEAR THE RIGHT LIPSTICKS

Invest in lippies with blue bases - reds and berries are your best bet. Avoid anything with yellow undertones. Bad news for fans of the coral and orange shades out this season. (Us then.)

6. SIP THROUGH A STRAW

We're a fan of healthy juices, smoothies and – dare we say – cocktails, but not what they do to our teeth – for surface stains AND the enamel. Start drinking them through straws, "this will help reduce direct contact with the teeth" says Dr Flora Chigwedere from the Covent Garden Dental Spa.

7. FOLLOW WITH WATER

Chase all your green and red drinks, teas, coffee and colas with water to dilute stains that are instantly forming. Dr Flora says it will also "help to restore your mouth to a neutral pH".

8. GARGLE WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Swap your morning mouthwash for some apple cider vinegar which can not only kill bacteria but shift stubborn stains. Just do it before you brush, not after.

9. BRUSH UP ON BAKING SODA

To remove stains and whiten your teeth use baking soda just as you would toothpaste and rinse your mouth afterwards. Don't just take our word for it – we're inspired by Julia Roberts's Hollywood smile who confessed "I brush with baking soda. My grandfather would put a big heaping mound of it on his toothbrush. He had only one cavity in his entire life".

10. APPLY VASELINE TO YOUR TEETH

A slick across your gnashers can not only act as a protective layer against staining from what passes your lips, but also it can keep lippy in place and prevent it from transferring onto your teeth. Either way – you've got a whiter smile.