Everyone wants whiter, brighter teeth. A word of caution before you tackle this self-enhancing project on your own – tooth bleaching is not a do-it-yourself job.

Some ingredients in over-the-counter kits – like hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide or acids – can irritate your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth, or even cause tooth sensitivity.

And in many cases, do-it-yourself kits won’t even improve your tooth colour. Only your dentist can determine if bleaching is the answer you’re seeking.

If you’re a good candidate for tooth whitening, your dentist can perform the procedure in the office, or send you home with a special tray that will limit contact between your gums and the whitener solutions. Your dentist will also keep an eye on your oral health during the procedure to make sure no problems occur as a result of the bleaching.

No matter how discoloured your teeth are, don’t make tooth bleaching into a do-it-yourself project. You’ll be happier, healthier and more satisfied with your results if you pay a visit to your dentist.