4. USE WHITENING TOOTHPASTE
Whitening toothpaste can serve as an alternative or as a supplement to the techniques discussed above. The ADA approves them, mainly because they are pretty much the definition of harmless. What they do is remove pellicle (an invisible film on the teeth), which enables stains to stick to your enamel. While this does prevent stains from taking hold, they DO NOT ACTUALLY WHITEN the shades of your teeth. If you've got yellowish teeth, they won't turn ivory, no matter how much whitening toothpaste you use; they just don't get more yellow. Almost all toothpaste brands have come out with their whitening versions. Even Mentadent. Ahh… Mentadent. (Actually, we recommend you take a look at the 8/98 Consumer Reports On Health review of whitening toothpastes, available at your local library. We'd post the results here for you, but Consumer Reports prohibits reproduction of its content on the Internet. Boo!)
Although there are no safety risks associated with these products, it will take you a VERY long time to notice anything, and the difference won't really be very dramatic at all. But, hey, SoYouWanna wants to take this moment to remind you kids to brush, anyway. And remember—always look for the ADA seal of approval!
