A Sparkling Smile:
That Certain Something

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, April 30 and August 13, 2006
Show 312

There's nothing quite like a brilliant white smile. And thanks to all the advances in teeth whitening, turning a not-so-bright smile into a dazzling one has never been easier. From in-office laser treatments, to do-at-home bleaches, pastes and strips, teeth whitening has become a multi-million dollar industry. Although most whitening treatments do a good job temporarily, they're not permanent. Some can even fade in a month. So once you've invested the time and money to make your smile as spectacular as it can be, how do you keep it that way? First, limit your exposure to foods that stain by sticking to the white teeth diet. Try drinking cappuccino instead of espresso. White wine instead of red. And grapefruit juice instead of cranberry. By avoiding foods that stain, you may be able to wait a year or longer before another whitening treatment or touch-up is needed. You can also keep your smile bright by brushing with a whitening toothpaste containing a mild abrasive. There are several brands that are very effective, and easy on the budget. Even toothbrush makers are getting into the whitening act. Some of the newest ones are specially deesigned with a patented polishing pad and rubber scrubbers that gently buff away hard to remove stains. White teeth are certainly desirable and even sexy, but having fresh breath and healthy gums is just as important. Ninety percent of bad breath is caused by bacteria on the tongue. So use a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner. And don't forget to floss every day to keep your gums and teeth healthy and clean. Complete your routine with mouthwash to make sure you remove as much bacteria as possible. Keep your teeth bright and your breath fresh, and you'll always impress with That Certain Something.