The baby boomer generation are increasing looking at ways to stay looking young, such as having teeth whitening.

This is one of the findings of a new survey carried out by Saga Magazine, which discovered that the over-50s are keen to keep their bright smiles as they move into their twilight years.

According to the poll, 62 per cent of women in this age bracket believe they are judged more closely on their appearance than would have been the case in the past.

The survey also found that the use of anti-wrinkle creams and fake tanning lotions are also soaring among baby boomers.

Editor of the publication Emma Soames said that actress Dame Helen Mirren is a good example of a woman who has grown old gracefully – and many of her fans want to copy her “age-positive” look.

She added: “Today’s over-50s are a generation that has successfully redefined attitudes to age and ageing.”

Earlier this month, a report by American Express Spending & Saving Track discovered that 45 per cent of youngsters want teeth whitening treatments before going back to school after the holidays.

The MTV Video Music Awards took place this week and one source revealed that Lady Gaga may have needed her teeth whitening before she faced the cameras.

Speaking to the Mirror, a source revealed that the fashionable pop star wanted a white theme as a nod to Madonna’s Like A Virgin hit.

“Her dressing room was stocked with white tea sets, Smile Studio teeth whitening, white flowers, white sofas … Everything was ice white,” they were quoted as saying.

It was certainly a successful awards ceremony for the singer, who won eight gongs including best collaboration, best female video, best pop video and video of the year – most of which were for the song Bad Romance.

Lady Gaga’s teeth whitening was not the only colour change the star was involved in, with the publication reporting that she asked for the red carpet to be swapped for a white one.

The singer is currently touring the US before undertaking a series of gigs in Europe.

Professional teeth whitening procedures can improve the appearance of teeth in less than an hour, according to one expert.

Cosmetic dentistry expert Jennifer Jablow described how compared to over-the-counter products, bleaching treatments performed at dental practices can be more successful, Elle magazine reports.

Depending on how porous an individual’s teeth are they could see a noticeable improvement in the brightness of their smile, she explained.

Ms Jablow said: “With a professional treatment, you’ll be able to get your teeth eight to 10 shades whiter.”

She described how a dentist will apply the gel over three sessions that last 15 minutes each and then use a UV light to activate the formula, meaning patients will be able to see a difference after 45 minutes.

A Canadian laser teeth whitening process, which targets each tooth individually, was recently suggested by the Daily Mail as an affective way to improve oral appearance.

To get a whiter smile it is important to first have your teeth whitened and then follow a strict regime of a healthy diet and dental hygiene, a US dental expert has claimed.

Dr Laura Torrado told UsMagazine.com that teeth-whitening products would have no effect unless teeth have initially been professionally whitened.

The cosmetic dentist, whose clients include Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively, explained that avoiding food and drinks such as coffee, wine and berries would help to reduce staining, while chewing gum throughout the day would combat the build-up of plaque between meal times.

She advised that although mouthwash is good for combating bad breath it would not remove stains and instead people should ensure they brush their teeth twice a day and floss regularly.

The positive effects of laser teeth whitening were recently reported by the Daily Mail, which stated that people who had received the treatment found their teeth to be up to six shades brighter after one application.

People could be causing damage to their teeth by using home teeth-whitening products that are too harsh, an expert has claimed.

Dentist Dr Philip Stemmer tested a range of teeth-whitening equipment and found some cause for concern, the Daily Mail reports.

He said that while some products would do little more than help remove plaque, others, in their attempt to whiten your teeth, could in fact do more harm than good.

With more than 30 years of teeth-whitening experience, Dr Stemmer described how certain goods containing hydrogen peroxide could cause irritation to teeth, gums and the stomach lining if not applied correctly.

One kit available on the market contains pumice for scrubbing stains from teeth, although Dr Stemmer explained that this is too harsh for regular use.

Teeth whitening may be becoming increasingly popular among celebrities, with British socialite Peaches Geldof being the latest to be spotted with whiter teeth.

Former Neighbours star Jason Donovan has admitted having cosmetic dentistry and spray tans in the quest to look more youthful, but says he is too scared to try botox.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Donovan spoke of his previous struggles with drug addiction and how he now follows a healthier lifestyle that includes cosmetic techniques to help him look younger.
“I do have a spray tan twice a week and my teeth are bleached. But botox scares me,” said the one-time pop sensation and ex-boyfriend of Kylie Minogue.
He added: “I guess that’s why I look 41 and Kylie looks about 17.”
Meanwhile Kylie said recently she is planning to give up botox and instead embrace the new chapter of her life by being body confident and “growing old gracefully”.
The pair played Charlene and Scott on the Australian soap and dated briefly off-screen, before Kylie’s pop career took off and Jason re-invented himself as a musical theatre star.

Take-home teeth whitening treatments are safe to use.

People worried about the safety of take-home teeth whitening kits should rest easy, safe in the knowledge that as long as they are used correctly, they should be fine.

KVAL News reported that Dr Dan Vodvarka, a practicing dental health professional in the US, claimed whitening treatments literally bleach the teeth and therefore they should not be taken lightly by users.

However, as long as the instructions are followed carefully and the product is not over-used, then anyone hoping to whiten their teeth at home should be alright.

He noted that “overall, teeth whitening is a very safe procedure”.

Elsewhere, I-Newswire recently reported the use of teeth whitening gels or strips may be pointless if a person does not carry out a good oral health routine.

Therefore, ensuring teeth are kept clean and healthy will make sure plaque build-up is kept to a minimum and stains and yellowing of teeth can be kept under control.

Teeth whitening procedures vary both in price and effectiveness.

Teeth whitening services can vary in price, reports the Daily Herald.

According to the publication, not all teeth whitening procedures cost the same amount, or have equally good results.

However, it is not only price that can determine which procedure is most likely to be effective.

Individual characteristics can also have an effect, meaning an expert consultation is essential before deciding on which action to take to attempt to whiten teeth.

Depending on the reasons behind the discoloration of a person’s teeth, bleaching them back to bright white can have varying results.

People with fillings or veneers are also told to seek expert advice before bleaching their teeth, as only the natural enamel is likely to lighten in shade.

“What’s best for you depends on several things, including the type of discoloration and the amount of time and money you’re willing to spend,” the article explains.

Dental expert Dr Richard Hixson recently told Today’s THV that new technology is helping patients to have more control over the final shade of white that is achieved following tooth whitening procedures.

People of all ages deserve a bright smile.

Brits of all ages could benefit from teeth whitening or other cosmetic dentistry treatments to give themselves the smile they always wanted, it has been claimed.

Dr Jim Arnold wrote in his blog for Valpolife.com that it is never too late to have work carried out and that if someone is unhappy about any aspect of their smile then they should feel comfortable having that issue addressed.

He noted: “Smile enhancement with cosmetic dentistry is a wonderful solution for many people who want to make a great first impression.”

Elsewhere, Harley Street dental professional Dr Tariq Idris recently claimed the Da Vinci Code could hold the key to the perfect smile.

He noted a set of numbers contained in the code – known as the divine proportion – are already used in architecture as it creates structures that are naturally pleasing to the eye and this principle could similarly be used when shaping teeth.

More Britons plan to spend their money on teeth whitening in the next 12 months than will start saving for their retirement, new figures have revealed.

Moneymarket.com reported research carried out by HSBC showed just two per cent of Britons plan to start saving for the future in the next year, while three per cent plan to pay for teeth whitening treatments.

Ian Martin, head of retirement businesses at HSBC Insurance UK, commented: "Many are more motivated by that sparkly smile or dream holiday than the retirement of their dreams and are less educated or aware when trying to plan for the long term."

Elsewhere, research carried out by thegoodsurgeonguide.co.uk recently showed that more than half of all Brits (54 per cent) would be happy to receive a cosmetic dentistry gift this Christmas.

The study revealed that it is becoming more popular for people to buy cosmetic dentistry treatments such as professional teeth whitening for their loved ones.