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WHITENING TOOTHPASTES
Dentist Uchenna Okoye gives the expert view on how to get gleaming teeth.

BEST FOR SENSITIVITY - Sensodyne GentleWhitening £1.69
If you've got sensitive teeth or are having them bleached, go for this one. It has potassium chloride which blocks the tiny holes in teeth that cause sensitivity. Call 020 8047 5000.

BEST FOR SPARKLE - Maclean's White 'n' shine £2.49
This comes in a tasty gel formula and has tiny particles to remove stains gently. The great packaging and added sparkle make it stand out as a favourite. Call 020 8047 2700.

BEST FOR FEEL-CLEAN - Fresh Umbrian Clay Toothpaste £12.50
The main ingredient in this lovely, thick, natural paste is clay. It's packed with silica and gently polishes away stains. Don't let the muddy appearance put you off. Call 020 7486 4100.

BEST FOR MINT LOVERS - Beverly Hills Formula Natural White £3.99
This paste scores high marks for stain removal, and the very zingy taste will be a plus for anyone who's keen on mint. Call 020 8563 8887.

BEST FOR VALUE - Tesco Total Care Plus Whitening £0.64p
This is a bargain buy. It's standard stuff; nice taste, average whitening and stain-prevention properties - a good allrounder, but nothing to write home about. Call 0800 505 555.

BEST FOR WHITENESS - Janina Whitening Toothpaste £10.95
This clear winner works differently to most pastes - instead of using silica, it contains a small amount of peroxide, so it's a whitener rather than just a stain remover. Call 0800 915 2914.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Most whitening toothpastes don't actually 'whiten' teeth, they are basically stain removers that help get rid of marks on the surface. They are best used to prevent stains building up, rather than to whiten already stained teeth, and generally only lighten teeth by one shade. There are exceptions - those that use small amounts of peroxide to 'whiten' teeth and are more effective on older stains. With regular use they will lighten teeth by about two shades.

Next step up is a jet wash at the dentist, removing stains by blasting them with water and bicarbonate. It is quick, safe, costs around £30 and can leave teeth five shades whiter. Then there is professional bleaching, which can lighten by up to 12 shades and costs from £300.