Teeth Whitening

I haven't tried this new Enbrightenment BriteSmile Whitener & Tarte Lipgloss ($26) yet, but it totally caught my eye when I was web shopping over the weekend. From what I understand, one side of the tube contains a vitamin-rich lip gloss and the other side houses a teeth-whitening formula.

The teeth-whitening side contains .05 oz. of BriteSmile bleaching formula with a brush on the end of the wand to facilitate application. I've heard mixed reviews about BriteSmile. Some say it's worked wonders, while others have experienced overbearing toothaches and post-treatment sensitivity.

The lip gloss side contains .05 oz. of antioxidant-rich fruits such as goji berry, maracuja, acerola, pomegranate, jojoba seed oil, and acai and there's also a brush on the end for smooth and even application. The two available shades; pearly pink and radiant red are described as sheer with a peppermint flavor. The idea behind the product sounds interesting and practical enough to me — a bright, white smile (within 14 days) enhanced by a lip gloss. Have any of you tried it yet? If so, what are your thoughts?

This June, get excited for the latest limited-edition, travel-sized, teeth whitening kit launch from GoSmile called Summer Smile ($99). The 38-piece set includes two travel toothpastes, 20 B1 ampules, 15 touch-ups ampules (in two flavors) and a mini-toothbrush. The items come packaged in a sturdy, clear, zip-and-buckle pouch that I love because it can double as a travel bag when you use up the original products.

The whitening portion of the kit (B1 ampules) is a ten-day, twice-a-day regimen and the touch-ups are for post-whitening maintenance. The flavors are great; I especially love the peach touch-ups and the pineapple-flavored toothpaste.

I've been a fan of GoSmile for a little over a year now. I have fairly sensitive teeth, but I find that the products are mild enough for everyday use. I also feel they do a decent job at preserving a bright white color as long as you don't over-do eating too many stain-enhancing foods. I'll level with you — I've tested out many teeth whitening brands and I don't feel that any of the over-the-counter jobbies are as successful as a professional treatment, but as far as maintenance products are concerned, I think that GoSmile is high quality, gentle and effective.

It seems like just about every product having to do with your mouth shouts the word "whitening" all over it. Gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and whitening kits are available to make your pearly whites even whiter. Who doesn't want gleaming white teeth, right? The question is, how safe are these products?

When used as directed, these products are safe and cause minimal side effects. Although, common complaints do include tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Since teeth whiteners are not drugs, you should know that the FDA does NOT monitor them. Some products have the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance, which means that they have met ADA guidelines for safety and effectiveness. Only a few whitening products contain this seal, and manufacturers have to voluntarily seek acceptance.

However, only whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes and gum can receive this approval. You won't find whitening kits on their list since the ADA strongly feels that professional consultation is important to ensuring safe and effective use.

Just because a whitening product doesn't have the ADA Seal, doesn't mean it's necessarily unsafe. What things should you look for when buying an over the counter whitening kit? To find out read more

What's more American Beauty-esque than a big, bright pearly white smile? Images of legendary model Christie Brinkley, the adorable Reese Witherspoon and all American Tommy Hilfiger ad campaigns instantly come to mind. Stained, yellow teeth are out and a glowing, killer smile is in!

These fabulous GoSMILE Touch-Ups, $8 for a matchbook of 5, are brought to us by the company's founder and inventor, Dr. Jonathan Levine. The packets, which come in original (non flavored), peach, pear, and mint are meant to be used once a day, preferably in the afternoon after brushing.

They are most effective on teeth that have already been whitened or are still naturally white. They remove surface stains like red wine, coffee and chocolate. These are also perfect for the busy American gal on the go since they are super small and will fit right into your pocket.

Using them is a snap. All you do is flip open the top of the capsule, squeeze it, and then rub the gel over the front of your teeth. Your mouth will feel clean, your breath fresh, and your teeth will look renewed.

The product is formulated as a gel and made to hold the hydrogen peroxide in your teeth to keep it active for up to eight hours. Your teeth will feel shiny because the polymer creates a tiny coating or barrier around your teeth to help prevent stains from breaking through.

*Please note: This product is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or breast feeding.