So you want whiter teeth…

Many people believe it’s enamel that’s whitened, but enamel is actually quite thin and you can see through it, says Dr Ben Atkins, a Trustee of the Oral Health Foundation. It’s the material inside the tooth – dentine – that’s whitened. It’s a creamy colour but becomes discoloured as teeth absorb stains from food, drink (particularly red wine and black tea), smoking and some medications.

‘Whitening treatments can be extrinsic or intrinsic,’ says Ben. ‘Extrinsic – outside the tooth – means a really good polish by a hygienist or even just a good electric toothbrush and whitening toothpaste to remove stains. Bleaching is an intrinsic treatment that goes through the enamel to lighten the dentine. It doesn’t affect crowns, fillings or implants.’

The dentist may apply hydrogen peroxide gel at the surgery and use a laser or LED lights to speed up the bleaching process. This may even be possible in one session.

Alternatively, they take impressions to make personalised trays fitting over the upper and lower teeth. You’re shown how to fill them with hydrogen peroxide gel to wear at home overnight or for a shorter period in the day. This usually takes between two and four weeks.

‘Your dentist will discuss what’s best for you,’ says Ben. ‘Trays have a lot of control and lighten teeth slowly to reach the right shade, but lights can accelerate the process.’

Fluoride not only protects teeth but helps to repair early-stage tooth decay