With so many temptations around in the modern world, it’s no wonder that many of us get stained teeth. Coffee, cigarettes, sugary drinks - they can all leave their mark. And, when it comes to revealing your teeth to others in the form of a smile, it can be a little embarrassing.

So what’s the solution? Well, with so much staining going on it’s no real surprise that teeth whitening has had such a big response from the general public. It’s also a great way of retaining one’s youthful looks. With this in mind, we thought we would shine a spotlight on teeth whitening and go through some of the procedures you can expect. Ready? OK, let’s take a look at those soon-to-be pearly whites.

Before we start

Before we get stuck into the nitty-gritty of teeth whitening, it’s important to understand one vital thing. White teeth might look healthy, but it doesn’t mean that they are. It’s important to visit your orthodontist at least twice a year if you want to keep your teeth in a healthy condition. Getting them whitened might make you feel great, but it’s just the same as papering over the cracks. Without a proper checkup, you just don’t know what might be happening to your enamel, roots and gums. So please make sure you take care of your teeth - as soon as you hit adulthood, you only have one set!

What to look for

There are a lot of myths about substances that whiten your teeth - baking soda is a good example. But there are only two things that have had proven results, and you should look for them in any products that you buy for the process. Anything with hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide will have the best effects. However, there should be enough quantity in the product to work - and that can vary from person to person. You would be wise, therefore, to find out from a professional what your ideal ‘mix’ is.

Safety issues

One major problem caused by some teeth whitening products is that they can eat away at the tooth enamel. This can cause severe problems in a worse case scenario. Your teeth will weaken, and there is a bigger chance of decay getting in through the gaps. Also, your teeth will darken, meaning you could be trapped in a cycle of teeth whitening that you can’t escape from.

Professional treatments

One of the best ways to start on the teeth whitening process is under the care of a professional. These types of treatments are usually more expensive and take place over an extended period. However, if you want the best results, it’s usually best to put yourself in the hands of an experienced pro.

Home treatments

Your other option is to investigate home treatments. This can be a peroxide paste in a contraption that resembles a gum shield, and is worn while you sleep. It’s not a bad option, but again, you should speak to your dentist before you start. Teeth whitening toothpaste is a big seller in the pharmacy stores but does it have any effect? Well, slightly. But they certainly don’t give you the deep whitening that other treatments do.

And that’s all for now. Do you have any teeth whitening stories or advice? Let us know in the comments section below.