People who regularly buy toothpaste that is supposed to make their teeth brighter may be better off booking themselves in for teeth whitening treatment.

This is the suggestion of an article on NewsNet5.com, which asked an oral health expert about whether or not the formulas are actually any good.

“In many instances, chemicals in whitening toothpastes can wear down tooth enamel and make them look dull,” the unnamed source commented.

He pointed out that this is because the chemicals in such toothpastes “differ greatly” from those used in proper tooth whitening systems.

Phillip Schofield was recently among the celebrities who appear to have had teeth whitening treatment after his smile was left stained by a wine-tasting trip, the Daily Mail reported.

Meanwhile, Contact Music suggested that Susan Boyle may need to head back to the dentist’s chair again after she was pictured with teeth that appeared to be discoloured and yellowed.