Have you got that back to school feeling? I love this time of year when it feels all new pencil case and fresh start-ish. I’ve had my hair colour done, perused a few pairs of boots online and now I’m thinking what else needs an autumn clean-up.

I went to the dentist last month and was overjoyed at no fillings – but not so thrilled at my rather hasty scale and polish. So I’ve been trying out a few smile-brighteners, being a friend as I am of americanos before 3pm and Shiraz after. Did I say 3pm? I meant 6pm. Honest.

I am a big fan of UltraDex who have some really fancy stuff going on with their range. Recalcifying Whitening Toothpaste (£8.20) was created by a dentist and is designed for people with sensitive teeth – it works with your natural pH level ‘to release the appropriate amount of active ingredient to meet the individual needs of your mouth’. Who knew? Anyway, I love its dentist surgery taste and gradual whitening effect.

For an emergency Shiraz situation, I’ve got Blanx White Shock Gel Pen (£10) as my go-to. I’m not entirely comfortable with the word ‘shock’ in any of my beauty products but hey, this is a quick fix when you’ve overdone the stuff that stops you looking as dazzling as usual.

Next up is a purse-friendly performer from Boots – Rapid White Instant Whitening Toothpaste (£7.99). This is a great number for the lead up to a holiday or big night out – it starts working straight away (allegedly brightening your teeth by 1 ½ shades after just one brushing, although I’m not sure how they measure this). Super minty and refreshing.

Now to call in the big guns. I tried iWhite Instant (£29.95), a kit containing pre-filled ‘trays’ that you put in your mouth, top and bottom, for 20 minutes, and hope that nobody knocks on the front door. Was it pleasant? Not really. Did it work? Yes it did.

And finally, something a bit more natural for when you’re done with all the hi-tech stuff in your gob. Weleda Salt Toothpaste (£4.99) contains natural sodium bicarbonate that helps neutralise harmful plaque acids, and stimulates salivation to reduce the formation of tartar. It doesn’t promise whiteness but it is really mentholly and fresh. PING (that was the sound of my shiny teeth catching the light).