Health

1-Minute Smile Makeover Tricks

9 little changes that can transform your teeth into the pearly whites you've always wanted -- instantly

by Anna Jimenez

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Stop whitening so much While teeth whitening is generally safe, some people go overboard with it, becoming addicted to the power of bleaching, says dentist Bill Dorfman, DDM, one of the creators of Zoom whitening. Too much of a good thing is not always good, agrees Toscano. "There are many different whitening materials out there, and if they're used improperly or too often, it can result in damage of the gums and teeth."

It's also important to be wary of teeth whitening pop-up shops in your local mall, says Toscano. "These places don't exactly know what they are doing and patients don't know what they are getting themselves into," he says. You can end up walking out with burned lips or gums when a shop like this isn't managed by a licensed professional, warns the doc.

Find out more about proper teeth whitening and safe practices here.

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Older comments

I never thought that swimming would change the color of teeth! Very enlightening!

by GigiSD Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 08:53PM Report as inappropriate

Everything in moderation would help with most of these problems. Also I can't imagine brushing with a hard bristle tooth brush. OUCH!!

by krista_dailey Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 10:17AM Report as inappropriate

It's good information. Thank you.

by bksc Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 12:13AM Report as inappropriate

say cheese

by LittleBunny Monday, January 7, 2013 at 11:34AM Report as inappropriate

Informative

by EricaC123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 07:31AM Report as inappropriate

Great article!

by robyne00 Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 04:41PM Report as inappropriate

interesting

by Nicole2814 Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 08:41PM Report as inappropriate

intriguing

by jaye_tyler Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 01:35PM Report as inappropriate

There are so many things that I never even considered might be affecting my teeth. I am a diet coke girl and I have no desire to quit drinking it. I hear drinking through a straw is better for your teeth than drinking straight from the can.

by flirtygirl214 Monday, July 2, 2012 at 03:33PM Report as inappropriate

birth control? i had no idea it could affect my teeth!

by liliofthevalley Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 08:45AM Report as inappropriate