People should ensure their teeth are healthy before having teeth whitening treatments, according to one expert.

US dentist Craig Duncan explained that individuals like to see immediate results and can sometimes overlook the need to maintain overall dental health, the Courier News reports.

He said: “It doesn’t make sense if there are problems, such as plaque, calculus and inflamed tissue. And without a cleaning, it’s not effective bleaching.”

Dr Duncan encouraged people to floss regularly and brush their teeth to prevent bacteria from building up, which may lead to health problems – such as the need for emergency dentistry.

Results can take time and effort, he stated, but they are vital to decrease the risk of heart disease and plaque accumulate in blood vessels, the dentist warned.

Dr Sultan Sherzoy recently advised individuals to consider Zoom teeth whitening treatment instead of opting for over-the-counter products which he warned could cause harm.