^{I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Colgate. I received a product sample for this review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.} 

^{Photo Credit: Matt Boyd Photography, Hair/MUA: Meredith Boyd} 

Being a pageant girl, I have gone to the most extreme measures to keep my smile perfectly white, and after just about a decade of whitening treatments, ie dental torture, my teeth’s enamel is suffering. It’s unfortunate, too, because I obviously still want a white smile. I’ve worked hard to keep my teeth stain-free, but natural discoloration happens over the years, and those quick fix treatments have always been my go-to solution. Well, those aforementioned quick fix solutions are also responsible for my gum’s extreme sensitivity and enamel erosion. Now I’m forced to preserve what I’ve got in order to keep my enamel safe and healthy.

So how do I keep a white smile without using any harsh whitening treatments? Here are my go-to tips, straight from the pros:

1. Choose the right toothpaste. 

Find a great toothpaste that builds increasing protection against sensitivity. I’ve started using Colgate Enamel Health from Walgreens, and it’s been working wonders. It contains 5% potassium nitrate, so its formula replenishes natural calcium and phosphate back into weakened enamel to fill in rough spots. Best of all, it gently polishes the tooth surface, decreasing the chances of bacteria latching onto your pearly whites.

Walgreens has some fabulous other Colgate products available, as well, so if you’re in the mood to test some out, hit up the Walgreens Saturdate event on November 15th! Head to any participating Walgreens store to learn more about the benefits of Colgate Enamel Health Toothpaste from the designated Walgreens beauty advisors. I’ll be there, so if you’re in the Orlando area, let me know!

2. Force yourself to floss. 

You literally have to floss. There’s no way around it, or you’ll have a nice chartreuse outline around your teeth. I know, making your gums bleed is never fun, but floss is designed specifically to clean the tight spaces between teeth, as well as the gap between the base of the teeth and the gums. Basically, floss hits all the places your toothbrush can’t. While antimicrobial mouthwash can kill the bacteria that form plaque, it can’t remove the stubborn tartar and bits of food that lodge themselves rudely in these crevices.

Use regular floss or pick up a pack of the individual flossers like me. I swear by my Reach Access flossers, so give those a try if you have an aversion to traditional flossing.

3. Be selective with your toothbrush. 

Buy a decent toothbrush. You don’t need a $200 Sonicare, although I have one and adore it, but you do need to make sure you’re getting a quality dental tool. According to Web MD, a good toothbrush is dependent on size, bristle variety, and expert recommendation. Everyone’s mouth is different, so consult your dentist if you’re unsure which “model” is right for you.

Again, you can go with a more expensive mechanical model, but always keep a few spares in case the battery dies or you need to travel. These travel toothbrushes are just as important, so do your research and pick one that’ll make your mouth– and ultimately you— happy.

4. Lay off the dark liquids. 

Be wary of the liquids you drink. When miracle stain erasers are no longer an option (like the good ole days), steer clear of dark liquids that linger on your enamel and cause your teeth to gradually gray. Yes, this includes coffee, dark sodas, teas, beer… basically any liquid of rich color. If you’re going to drink these regardless, make sure you drink water or brush your teeth afterwards… or drink them through a straw, which brings me to my final tip.

5. Invest in some straws. 

No, this isn’t a joke. I get made fun of all the time by guys at work, but when I surreptitiously peak into their offices, I frequently catch them utilizing my secret whitening preservation tip, which is to drink everything except water through a straw. Yes, this includes coffee, tea, and even beer. Not only are you giving yourself a robust weapon of stain protection through reduced exposure (less exposure=less wear and tear on your enamel), but you’re avoiding germs from not-all-the-way-disinfected restaurant cutlery, Styrofoam cups, or even your own coffee mugs.

How do you keep your teeth sparkling white? Do you have a favorite toothpaste?