Now every time I turn around there's another whitening advertisement in the sidebar of several of the websites I visit. There's one about some mom who learned some simple trick, but I don't go to those sites just in case they carry viruses or some trojan software.
Fashions vary, but I'm happy to find that I can just whiten my teeth after the fact, while I'm busy airbrushing out wrinkles and fixing up my crepey neck. People who know me might notice that my teeth are not glistening white, but frankly, I think they look more normal than the guy's teeth in the picture. What do you think about it? Do you whiten your own pearlies, and if so, why? Fashion? To look younger? I'm curious.
:-)
I've thought about whitening my teeth but was afraid the "acid" would make them more sensitive. You've testified to that assumption. I'd say it was a bit of vanity -- that was my reason. :D However, like you, I'm keeping my wrinkles, my gray hair, and my less than brilliant white teeth. lol
ReplyDeleteI wish I could afford to get those caps over mine to whiten them up. My sister-in-law got them and they are gorgeous. Yes, I love white teeth! They brighten up people's faces and eyes and you do look younger when they are brighter. I use just the toothpaste for now, as mine aren't yellowed from smoking or anything...but I would love to get them whiter. I say, if they put out products to help you look better, why not? I color my hair too.
ReplyDeleteha
It's something I have tried, it made a significant difference, especially since I drink copious amounts of tea. I hadn't whitened them in almost thirteen years, but thinking of doing it once more. I use the tray whiteners from the dentist office.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Simon's smile, well it's Hollywood, I wouldn't want that bright a smile for everyday pottering ;)
I drink so much tea that whitening doesn't last, and my teeth were a bit "ecru" to being with (as a very funny commercial once said). I used most of one box of whitening strips just before our daughter's wedding, but I didn't like the feeling that I was poisoning my entire system. Twice after that, I bought expensive boxes of stronger stuff, but I threw it away after it reached the expiration date.
ReplyDeleteI like white teeth, but my retirement budget limits mr to whitening toothpaste.
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky with still fairly white teeth, but with all this advertising, a person feels compelled to gets them gleaming. The power of the media! Agh!
ReplyDeleteI tried it, but like you my teeth were too sensitive. It was not worth the money and time to do it again. I always notice people's teeth and I like to see a nice bright smile, but on someone my age it looks a little odd when the teeth are overly done like Simon's.
ReplyDeleteI use some of the over the counter whitening agents but only use them once in awhile to brighten slightly, I drink a lot of coffee. In between I use the whitening toothpaste. I've never gotten to the overly dazzling white like Simon's. That's just too bright!
ReplyDeleteToo white is odd looking. I have whitened in the past - but not all the way. it made my teeth too sensitive. I'd rather have teeth, then have a white smile. I guess I just don't trust the pharma companies not to sell something that will ultimately prove harmful.
ReplyDeleteAt first it wasn't normal, but with so many people doing it, it's becoming the new norm.
ReplyDeleteI tried it too, and it HURT! I'd like mine to be a little whiter, but can't afford caps or veneers. Toothpaste it is, then.
I have used some of the whiting stuff..if you whiten too much it does look fake.
ReplyDeleteI hate it! I have extremely sensitive teeth anyway. You can't hardly buy toothpaste without whiteners. They always make your teeth more sensitive. I can't figure out why they make sensitive teeth toothpaste with whiteners in it. And I drink so much coffee and tea, that my teeth are far from white. So now, when I become this world famous author and go on the talk show tour, my teeth will look brownish-gray next to the host! That is, until I get my new set! LOL
ReplyDeleteNa I've reached the age of invisibility anyway.Vanity isn't something that interests me in myself or others.It's just another way for Dentists to make vast sums of money from our insecurities.
ReplyDeletenothing about señor cowell is normal...
ReplyDeleteLOL...great post, Jan!
ReplyDeleteI'm with everyone..it is a freaky vanity thing. I wonder if his teeth glow in the dark? lmao
I have found a little trick that makes a bit of different...I drink a lot of tea/coffee as well. I only brush my teeth with baking soda, don't use toothpaste for years. When they get looking especially dingy, I gargle and brush with some hydrogen peroxide. It's good for a lot of things and won't hurt you...as long as you don't swallow! And it brightens them right up (normally bright).
PS--
ReplyDeleteI quit coloring my hair years ago too and am now a wrinkled old grey hair. FREEDOM!!!!!
When I look at Simon, I do not see his teeth.
ReplyDeleteSomehow...being the age I am relieves me of any need to waste my time on this sort of thing. Fifty-some-odd is liberating!
When I was growing up, dark, yellow and brownish teeth were considered strong and seldom the kind replaced by false teeth. I never owned a tooth brush until I got in the Army. I never even saw one and didn't know anybody who had one or used one. I didn't know anybody who ever had to go to a dentist either. Of course, the stores didn't have candy (the war effort) and sugar was rationed.
ReplyDeleteLove Abraham Lincoln's Comment!!!!
ReplyDeleteFunny you used Simon Cowell's grin for this posting. I often wonder when I see photos whether online or in magazines if they've been retouched or not.
I agree white teeth like that at actually any age is not normal especially when your 50 like Simon!
Babies don't even have that white of teeth when they get their first set.
Never have used whiteners nor use the toothpaste that has it. My dentist said that all the toothpastes that have extras in them will at some point cause sensitives and gum troubles so have stayed away.
I want to whiten mine a bit with OTC strips but am waiting until after I deliver to be on the safe side. I try to do it every now and again because my teeth are stained from smoking and coffee. Somehow or other I typically forget.
ReplyDeleteI agree that that blindingly white is quite unnatural looking. I can assure you that my toddler's teeth were never that color!
Nah, I don't do that sort of thing. I do, however, enjoy brushing with Arm and Hammer's fizzy toothpaste. I love playing with that baby and seeing the difference afterwards. However, I drink so much tea and that stains, that there isn't much hope for me. Simon Cowell is, I am told, so vain that he probably pays bigtime for his white pearlies.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
I used to use Pearl Drops Tooth Polish..it has disappeared from the shelves. I would like mine to be a tad brighter..but alas they are not that way naturally. I am self conscious enough about my teeth without worrying about their color. I have a space in between my front teeth..most of my family does..it is like a genetic trait. I try to limit the things I am real vain about..my hair is enough for now:)
ReplyDeleteMost of the time, people who whiten their teeth are the famous ones. The celebrities, I mean. It's not cool for fans to see that the people they idolize have ugly or stained teeth. Dental procedures such as teeth whitening are surely very useful for people like them. There are other personal reasons, of course! Boosting self-esteem must be one of 'em.
ReplyDelete