While teeth whitening is an entirely safe procedure, it is important that patients do not go overboard and have excessive treatments, one expert has said.

Speaking to DrBicuspid.com, Dr Matthew Messina, spokesperson for the American Dental Association, said that some people will have teeth that are as white as they can be, yet they feel there is room for improvement.

"It's useful to remind people that even though teeth whitening is safe and effective, it should not be done all the time," he stated.

This view is echoed by Dr Kellee Stanton, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, who added that whitening treatments can be touched up every six months or so and that patients can help themselves by avoiding food and drink that are likely to stain their teeth.

The British Dental Health Foundation recently urged young people to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as both increase the risk of them developing gum disease in later life.