Do you need a mouth MoT?

Hannah Britt asks the experts how to supercharge your smile

When you meet someone, what’s the first thing you notice? For a lot of us, it’s their smile. Yet the latest research shows that post-pandemic, UK adults are more self-conscious about their smile and teeth than ever.

However, with a bit of know-how, making over your mouth is easier – and quicker – than you think.

From teeth TLC to pout plumping, we asked the experts how to give your mouth an MoT in minutes.

BRIGHT SPARKLE

Eat smart “Pigmented foods like beetroot and blueberries can stain the teeth, as can tea and coffee,” says dentist to the stars Dr Richard Marques (doctorrichardlondon.com). “Neutral-coloured foods such as rice and fish are better choices for a white smile as the molecules in them don’t bind to the tooth surface and cause discolouration.” DIY polish “Using a whitening toothpaste generally does help as they break down and remove stains,” says Dr Marques.

Or why not try a DIY polish using baking soda? “This is a natural teeth whitener that is actually present in a lot of whitening toothpastes. Try mixing a quarter teaspoon of baking soda with water and use it as you would toothpaste.” Love your lipstick Did you know that wearing the right lipstick can make your teeth look whiter?

“Want a bold red lip? Try a cooler toned lipstick with blue undertones to cancel out any yellowness on your teeth,” says A-list make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury.

Try Charlotte’s Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red, £25, charlottetilbury.com.

QUICK LIP TRICKS

Plump up the volume Cosmetic doctor Dr Tijion Esho has seen such demand in his clinics for lip-boosting treatments that he has created the Esho Sculpt Lip Treatment, £19, qvc.com. It’s designed to create a pillowy pout in an instant. “It plumps lips without the need for invasive treatment, giving them a boost,” says Dr Esho. The science behind its pout power? “A high concentration of amino acids and plant-derived bio peptides create natural-looking volume and increased collagen production.”

Balm up Making thin lips appear fuller is easy, says Val Garland, L’Oreal Paris global make-up artist. “Before any lip application, use a generous amount of lip balm to create a lip mask to really hydrate and plump out the lips,” says Val. Leave this on while you do the rest of your make-up. “When you are ready just blot away the excess product. Your lips should be smoother, fuller and hydrated.” Fake it with make-up

Another trick to make lips appear fuller is to use a shimmery highlighter.

“Press on to the cupid’s bow,” says Val. “This illuminates the lips, attracting light, and gives the illusion of a cushioned pillow lip.” Try L’Oreal Paris Glow Mon Amour Highlighting Drops, £9.99, Boots. Smoothly does it

Prep is key to the perfect lip, says Val. “To achieve flawless lips, I would first prep using an exfoliating scrub, gently massaging to buff away any dead skin. This helps to stimulate circulation and softens the skin for baby soft lips.”

FRESH BREATH FAST

‘‘ Sugar-free chewing gum will increase saliva to keep the mouth lubricated

Don’t forget your tongue “Brush regularly with toothpaste for at least two minutes twice a day,” says Dr Marques. And remember to brush your tongue. “A tongue scraper will help to remove bacteria and food molecules which get trapped in the grooves.” Take a sip “A dry mouth can cause bad breath,” says dentist Dr Emma Cunningham (dr-emma. co.uk). “So keep a bottle of water with you at all times, and sip from it throughout the day. Sugar-free chewing gum will also increase the saliva flow to help keep the mouth lubricated.”

Floss with flair Flossing keeps breath fresh, and is good for overall mouth health too.

“When food particles become trapped between the teeth or in the gum, they begin to rot, creating bad breath,” says dentist Dr Kamila Azimova (drkamila.co.uk).

So get flossing. “Cleaning between the teeth with either floss or Waterpik, a portable electric appliance that uses a stream of water to remove food particles from between the teeth, is a good way to maintain oral health, and reduce cavities and gum disease.”