The holiday season is upon us and we all want to look our best!! For some, that starts with a dazzling smile. When I ask people what they'd like most to improve about their smile, the most common response is whiter teeth.

Teeth whitening comes in two main forms:

Surface whiteners

Surface whiteners such as toothpastes and gums, attack surface staining and can usually change your teeth a single shade. They provide a low cost, non invasive way to give a bit more brightness to your smile.

Bleaches

Bleaches, which are mostly peroxide based, are capable of changing the colour of the tooth itself. This allows for the teeth to, in some cases, be changed up to 10 shades. Bleaching can be done as a professional, in-office treatment, or with in-home bleaching systems. Itís recommended that all bleaching be done under the supervision of a dental professional, as side effects may include sensitivity of the teeth and burning of the gums.

Whether or not you decide to whiten your teeth, keep in mind that good, daily oral health habits, like brushing and flossing, together with regular checkups and cleanings, go far in keeping your smile bright and healthy.

Avoiding smoking, as well as foods and drinks that can cause staining. Limiting such things as coffee, tea, and red wine, will keep your teeth shining in those holiday photos.