More people are turning to toothpastes that claim to make teeth whiter than white in search of a celebrity smile.
That Hollywood sparkle comes at a price that not everyone can afford.
Film stars and pop stars spend thousands having their teeth cleaned up. The rest of us try to do it on the cheap.
Dentist Gerry Cleary says that people are more aware of their appearance. One of his patients recently told him that improving her teeth felt like having a facelift. People are more conscious of their teeth as part of their personal appearance.
People are very conscious about the image they project to people and your smile is the second thing that people see when they look at you.
Gerry Cleary is concerned about people over using these products but says that if you can buy the product over the counter, then it is usually well tested and safe.
Dozens of toothpastes now claim to make our teeth whiter than white. A consumer group in Britain is disputing claims that these whitening toothpastes are performing as promised. They say that very few manufacturers were able to produce any scientific evidence to back up the claims about their products. Dermot Jewell of the Consumers Association of Ireland said that if consumers want clear information, they should contact their dentist.
Experts say that brushing your teeth with any toothpaste is good for you. However, you will not find a Hollywood smile on the supermarket shelves.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 June 2001. The reporter is Anne Marie Green.
