People who are worried about the appearance of their teeth could increase their confidence by undergoing a teeth whitening treatment, it has been claimed.

The American Dentists Association noted people can be happier about themselves when they are not worried about their smile and there are presently a number of ways to achieve this.

It noted there are a number of take-home kits that are now available which enable people to whiten their teeth themselves, although these are often not as effective as having a dental professional carry out the procedure.

The organisation noted that in many cases, store bought kits will not give as long-lasting results or make teeth as bright.

Elsewhere, Colonial Dental Group recently noted more people are becoming interested in teeth whitening.

However, the fact that the active ingredient in many kits is hydrogen peroxide means those looking for dazzling pearly whites might be better advised to see a professional rather than carry out the procedure themselves.

Teeth whitening has become all the rage for people looking to make their smile as dazzling as possible, it has been claimed.

According to Colonial Dental Group, there are now a number of teeth whitening treatments that people can use to increase the sparkle of their smile, ranging from home kits through to professional teeth whitening by a dentist.

The company noted, however, that as the active ingredient in the majority of these treatments is hydrogen peroxide, it is important those undergoing the procedure are in safe hands.

In addition, the firm stated there has been an increase in the number of people considering dental veneers as a way to brighten up their smile and straighten any crooked teeth.

Elsewhere, research carried out by thegoodsurgeonguide.co.uk recently showed that up to a third of Brits would consider giving a cosmetic dentistry treatment as a gift this Christmas.

While more than half (54 per cent) of people would be happy to receive such a present.

Many Britons are choosing to whiten their teeth in an effort to keep their smile as dazzling as possible.

Karen Coates, dental advisor for the British Dental Health Foundation, said that staining is one of the main reasons that people choose to have their teeth whitened.

She commented: "Even curry has the potential, if it’s highly coloured, to be staining [the teeth]. Many people do have their teeth whitened and there are more instances of it certainly."

Ms Coates made her comments following the publication of research by Align Technology – the makers of Invisalign braces – showing almost half (46 per cent) of women between the ages of 25 and 54 feel embarrassed about their teeth.

The editors of Good Housekeeping recently published advice on making a person’s smile brighter on MSN.com and noted that not all teeth will be suitable for teeth whitening, as people with fillings or grey – rather than yellow teeth – might not react well to the treatment.

Brits have had a number of options revealed to them on how best to look after their teeth and maintain a bright and healthy smile.

According to the American Dental Association, using teeth whitening toothpastes can help keep teeth pearly white, although they can be more expensive than regular brands and do not always guarantee results, especially if a person smokes or drinks regularly.

Indeed, for a more powerful teeth whitening solution, consumers have been advised to turn to over-the-counter strips or teeth whitening kits, which a person can use at home to improve the brightness of their smile.

Elsewhere, cosmetic dentist Elisa Mello recently told WCBS that anyone suffering from bad breath could easily tackle the problem by chewing sugar-free gum and ensuring they keep themselves well hydrated.

Ms Mello noted that the action of chewing and having lots of water in the system means saliva production is increased, which can help regulate the levels of bacteria in the mouth.

Brits have been advised to floss regularly or face a trip to see the emergency dentist or worse.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, flossing helps to remove bacteria in the mouth which, if left unchecked, could find its way into the bloodstream and lead to an increase in the build up of plaque in arteries.

In such cases, this plaque can increase the likelihood of strokes or coronary heart disease and lead to complications face more serious than a simple case of bad breath.

AsiaOne Health also recently reported that regular brushing of the teeth can help people avoid the need for teeth whitening and help them maintain a good level of oral health.

The publication noted getting regular dental check-ups is also advised, as by doing so people can be made aware of the specific needs of their teeth and how best to look after themselves so as not to need dental implants or other treatments in the future.

A women in Scotland who sent for a "free" teeth whitening gel ended up paying £90 for the treatment after scammers helped themselves to the funds from her account.

Local newspaper the Sunday Mail reported Marie Grant, 44, of Airdrie had expected to pay just £3 postage for the gel – which was being shipped from the US – but instead realised she had been duped when the company took the additional amount.

"I used the gel pen and was not impressed but thought no more about it until I received a delivery of a further three whitening pens the same day as my credit card statement," Ms Grant told the publication.

Elsewhere, people living in Edinburgh could soon benefit from the setting up of the first dental surgery to offer dental veneers in the city.

The Scotsman reported Dr Biju Krishnan of the Lubiju dental practice in Leith has recently returned from California and plans to become only the third dental practitioner in Scotland to offer the treatment.

Beauty salons are not qualified to carry out teeth whitening procedures and anyone looking to have this treatment should visit a qualified dentist, it has been argued.

Karen Coates, dental advisor for the British Dental Health Foundation, said it is important to remember that teeth whitening is a medical procedure and it should only be carried out by a qualified professional.

She commented: "They do not have the clinical knowledge to assess the patient before they carry out the treatment because not everybody is suitable for tooth whitening."

For instance, Ms Coates noted someone who has a lot of sensitivity or enamel erosion may not be suitable for the treatment.

According to a survey by Align Technology, makers of Invisalign braces, 46 per cent of people feel embarrassed about their teeth.

In addition, 60 per cent of people agree straight, even teeth make for a great smile, while 32 per cent are most likely to notice their smile first when meeting a potential partner.

A Blackburn theatre has been preparing for a rainy day – literally – by offering teeth whitening treatments in an auction.

The Thwaites Empire Theatre currently suffers from a leaking roof, causing costumes to become damaged during bad weather, reports the Chorley Citizen.

But teeth whitening sessions have been included in its latest fundraising auction, helping to brighten the smiles of local residents as well as the future of the venue.

Fundraising director Michael Berry tells the publication: "The whole community have rallied round once again."

Other prizes to be donated to the auction include fitted kitchens and luxury holidays, he adds.

The auction could give people the chance to emulate their heroes, following reports of rising interest in teeth whitening procedures among celebrities.

A recent article in the Edmonton Sun noted a 300 per cent increase in uptake of teeth whitening treatments in the US, with the UK likely to follow the trend.