It seems like we can't walk through the toothpaste aisle at the local grocery store these days without seeing this toothpaste or that overnight treatment for tooth whitening. There are toothpastes, brush-on overnight paints and even those little dams. So, there we stand agonizing over which product to try this time as a means to reduce the effects of age, coffee, tea and smoking.

Which one is the best one on the market? Why didn't I think to ask my dentist the last time I was in that chair? What are the risks? Hum, I wonder if my dentist would mind if I called him now? How many of you have looked at a few of those and walked away in frustration resolving to ask your dentist at your next visit? Well, here is the latest information regarding tooth whitening products from the American Dental Association.

In-Office Bleaching:

Providing your gums and teeth are healthy enough, a dentist can use a tooth whitening agent right in his chair. This procedure consists of covering or protecting your gums with a gel-like substance, then using a product that will bleach your teeth free of stains. This is, obviously, more expensive than one of the do-it-yourself varieties, but is more effective in the long run. It is important to note, however, that an in-office tooth whitening procedure may take more than one visit for optimal results.

At-Home Bleaching:

The products that may be used at home for tooth whitening include bleaching agents and toothpastes. A bleaching agent, usually a gel containing a mixture of peroxide and other chemicals, is placed in a "guard" or "dam" and worn for a period time, usually overnight for about a week to ten days. By contrast, a whitening toothpaste may be used every time you brush your teeth and will have some effect, but not as much as either the home bleaching products or those used by your dentist.

Whatever tooth whitening product you choose, make sure that it has been accepted by the American Dental Association. This way you are assured of the quality and safety of the product you will be placing in you mouth and near your fragile teeth and gums. The American Dental Association is the leading authority when it comes to dental procedures and products, so if it the one you are looking at does not bear their seal of acceptance, then the safety and quality of the product may be questionable.