Something to smile about...

Dentists have been warned that "power-bleaching" is illegal. The bad news is that nothing beats it for whitening teeth. So what else can you can do to keep your pearlies gleaming? Here's the good, the bad and the rest.

Over-the-counter gels

These are painted onto trays which then fit around your teeth. They should be avoided, advises Dr Phil Stemmer of Teeth for Life, because of their acidity. "Many can damage your teeth. Others have badly fitting trays, which means that you can swallow the product."

Toothpastes

Stemmer regards these as a "waste of time". Anything called a "smoker's toothpaste" is likely to be abrasive and as well as removing stains will also erode the enamel of the tooth.

Chewing gum

Several brands are sold as "whitening" and if chewed for five minutes straight after a meal they can help stop stains developing. But they won't remove stains that are already there.

Give up smoking

Don't smoke. Look at the colour of the filter of your cigarette when you have finished it - that will give you an idea of the colour it is making your teeth. Drinks to avoid Top stain-makers include red wine, black coffee and green teas.

Good hygiene

Visit your dental hygienist three or four times a year (rather than the once or twice most people manage). Use a toothbrush which isn't too hard ( dentists recommend electric toothbrushes for their efficiency) and, of course, floss every day.