A preoccupation with the colour of teeth is commonly recognised as a symptom of BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder), a psychological condition where sufferers are fixated about certain aspects of their appearance.
Ken Harris, of Riveredge Cosmetic Dentistry, which has surgeries in both Sunderland and Newcastle, warns that those desperate for bright white teeth should steer clear of using home treatments or the excessive use of whitening toothpastes which can leave them with severe dental problems.
“Whitening toothpastes do not work,” said Ken.
“They clean off surface stains but do not touch ugly deep staining and they are also very abrasive so can wear the enamel off teeth, causing significant damage.
“No amount of tooth brushing can whiten teeth.”
The abrasive nature of toothpaste is measured by RDA (Relative Dentine Abrasivity); in 2012, the British Dental Journal said that toothpastes with an RDA of more than 100 were considered abrasive and could damage teeth and gums.
A number of popular whitening toothpastes on the market have an RDA in excess of 100 so are leaving people in danger of potentially damaging their teeth.
Ken said that many people also try to use a variety of substances ranging from lemons to strawberries in the belief their teeth will get whiter.
“None of these processes work.
“The best way to get a proper and safe whitening treatment is to see a dentist, not attempt it on your own.
“A dentist will also give proper advice on what is suitable and what isn’t, rather than people buying treatments off the internet which simply won’t work, and may even be harmful.
“The dentine beneath our enamel becomes tougher and more dense over the years, and, as such, it gradually becomes darker in colour.
“Dentine is the part of the tooth beneath the outer enamel layer of teeth and therefore cannot be reached by toothpaste or brushing.
“The only way to whiten teeth is to get the bleach to soak through the enamel into the deeper dentine where it will do its job.”
Multi-award winner Ken Harris is respected across the globe for his expansive knowledge on cosmetic dentistry and he regularly teaches around the world.
He is one of only two Fellows of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BACD) which involves him teaching other dentists around the UK. He is a full member of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BAAD), and regularly teaches USA dentists at the world-renowned Kois Center programme across in Seattle.
He regularly travels across to North America and Canada, delivering lectures on aesthetic dentistry to practitioners in New York, Vancouver, San Francisco, Orange County, Fresno and San Diego in his role as clinical director for California Center (sic) for Advanced Dental Studies.