People have long gone to great lengths for a pearly white smile. The ancient Romans used urine as a mouthwash to whiten their teeth, the ammonia proving handy for lifting stains. In Elizabethan England, people reportedly kept their smiles bright by rubbing their teeth with powdered fish bones, then rinsing their mouths out with vinegar and sulphuric acid.

Our methods have changed significantly over time (and thankfully no longer involve human waste), but we’re still just as intent on keeping our teeth white. Whitening trays, gels, lasers and charcoal toothpastes are all offered as solutions for teeth whitening.

We all want a pearly white smile, but what is the best way to get it? Credit: Compiled by Marija Ercegovac

But just how effective are they, and what causes our teeth to sta

See Full Page