Cleaning teeth vigorously in the hope of making them whiter actually does more harm, one expert has claimed.
Dr Sultan Sherzoy suggested individuals try Zoom teeth whitening instead to improve the appearance of their smile.
He described how stained teeth require professional treatment and that over-the-counter products will not give the desired effect.
The procedure takes 90 minutes in which time the bleaching agent is applied to the gums and activated by a light that accelerates the brightening of the teeth, the specialist explained.
Dr Sherzoy said: “There is a safe, fast solution to those who want to achieve that sparkling white smile.”
Zoom whitening can be used to treat discolouration caused by tobacco, tea, coffee, red wine and medications, he added.
Entertainment blog Viral Socialite recently advised people to avoid acidic foods and carbonated drinks to help maintain a whiter smile and instead eat oranges which are rich in the natural bleaching agent vitamin C.