Today's show is sponsored by Smile Brilliant. If you're like me, you're a bit overwhelmed by all the teeth whitening products on the market.

Smile Brilliant has given me some very interesting facts to pass on to you.

Fact number one, teeth whitening does not whiten your teeth. It removes the stains and restores the tooth to its natural color.

Natural colors vary from person to person, but for most

it's an off-white or slightly yellowish undertone. Fact number two, teeth whitening does not damage your

teeth, but it does temporarily dehydrate them. Now when they're dehydrated, the pores of the

enamel are open and exposed. Open pores invite acids and sugars, which as we all know, lead to tooth decay.

So avoid or minimize acidic and sugary substances for at least 24 hours after whitening.

Also avoid staining substances as the teeth are now more susceptible to restaining during this period.

Fact number three, tooth sensitivity is the result of tooth dehydration. When the pores

of the enamel are open, the teeth become dehydrated, exposing the nerve to the elements. As the

tooth rehydrates, the sensitivity will dissipate. To accelerate the rehydration and curb sensitivity,

use a post-witening application known as remineralization or desensitizing

gel. Fact number four, caps and veneers cannot be whitened because they do not have pores for

the stains to latch onto. Prior to having any dental work, you should whiten your teeth, restoring

them to their natural color as the dentist will be color matching to your current shade.

Fact number five, the key to tooth whitening is the delivery device. So long as the

whitening product is a peroxide-based whitener, it will remove the stains. What differentiates

one product from the next is the device that holds the whitening agent to the tooth without

interruption. Whitening strips neglect the crevices and molars. They slide around on your teeth.

Saliva floods the generic trays because they're bulky and they don't create a seal.

Oh, and you likely did not know this, but LED lights are novelty items that add no benefit to you.

...