Lush Toothy Tabs

RRP: £6.50 for 50g (around 100 tabs)

--What does the promo say?--
"Keep your mouth in mint condition. Cleansing kaolin and a triple whammy of minty goodness ensure this solid toothpaste will freshen up your mouth and make your teeth sparkle." 

--Packaging--
These used to come in a cardboard box. Sadly now, though, they come in a plastic bottle. At least this bottle is recyclable - so you can either throw it into the recycling bin at home (unlike a normal toothpaste tube) or take it into a Lush store for recycling (recycle 5 in one shot and you get a free product). It was really this environmental factor that led me to switch from traditional toothpaste. The monochrome label is unisex and minimalist and so should appeal to all. The travel advantage is also obvious: the bottle is much smaller than any toothpaste tube and the tabs clearly don't count towards your liquid allowance when flying.

--Usage--
"For intensely icy airwaves," the website instructs, "simply nibble one between your teeth and start brushing." This really is as simple as it sounds (although I went in with some trepidation). 

--Appearance--
This depends on the flavour you choose. Limelight is green with yellow streaked through, Boom! is black, and the two I went for - Dirty and Miles Of Smiles - are white. Not feeling quite brave enough to try the former, the latter two are more like traditional toothpastes in appearance, dissolving quickly in the mouth to create a white foam.

--Scent and taste--
Miles of Smiles is a really very minty concoction whose aftertaste lasts hours. As a result, I tend to use this in the morning, switching to Dirty in the evening, which is mint and neroli flavoured, and slightly milder as a result. It's an unusual combination, but taste-wise really works for me (although I've read reviews by others who disliked it - so it's definitely personal and you should definitely have a sniff in the shop before buying). 

--Texture and consistency--
These tabs are based on kaolin (clay) and bicarbonate of soda, leading to a chalky texture. This is fine and doesn't take long to get used to: the tabs are small, so break down quickly upon chewing and with the addition of water, the chalkiness giving way to a smooth, fine foam. However, I have found that the binding elements of kaolin and bicarb do tend to gel with any excess saliva in the mouth overnight, leading to yucky strings of white gel populating in my mouth that I then have to scrape out. Yep. Lovely. BUT other reviews don't suggest that this happens to other people. So I'd recommend trying it first before discounting the possibility.

--Effects on the teeth--
Teeth feel clean after use and the flavourings make breath feel fresh for hours. 

--Value for money--
At £6.50 a pop this isn't cheap - especially if it turns out not to be for you. As for myself, I really wanted to like this product as I so loved the concept. However, the mouth residue is not something I can live with long-term, which is such a shame. Once my 2 bottles are finished, I'll be looking for other toothpaste alternatives.

perfect partner
Mouthwash Tabs, £6.50*

*available in 3 flavours: clove & mint, mint, and lemon

Rapid White Instant Whitening Toothpaste

RRP: £7.99

--What does the promo say?--
"A patented blend of PVP and Pentasodium Triphosphate synergistically working to remove stains and preventing tartar and plaque build up. A whitening silica maximises whitening and cleansing yet its gentle abrasive action will not harm tooth enamel. Fluoride to help strengthen and remineralise tooth enamel to protect against tooth decay. Intense mint flavour for long lasting freshness.Instantly transforms your smile by whitening teeth up to 1 1/2 shades whiter after only one brushing! This proprietary formulation safely and efficiently whitens and brightens teeth, removes stains, removes plaque and polishes the surface of the teeth. Get that "WOW" sensation now!"

--Packaging--
The white, silver and blue tube is energetic and vibrant (an effect also created in part by starburst-style graphics) even if lacking originality. The screwtop works in the usual way.

--Usage--
Foams up quite a bit in the mouth, so do use sparingly. Apart from that, proceed normally.

--Appearance--
A white paste which leaves no residue in or around the mouth after rinsing.

--Scent--
Quite a strong mint flavour.

--Texture and consistency--
As mentioned, foams up quite a bit more than normal toothpaste, but not really unpleasant.

--Effects on the teeth--
I am aware that I speak as someone who's had fluorosis ever since their adult teeth came in - knowing, therefore, that I'm a bit of a special case. I wouldn't say that I experienced instant whitening - mitigated for, of course, by the packaging promise that I would see my teeth being "up to" 1.5 shades lighter after just one brush. However, I did notice that in the long term, any mottling on the teeth was definitely reduced and they were on the way to looking whiter as well. So you may need some patience - but this is still a good product.

--Value for money--
Around the £8 mark is standard for specialist whitening toothpaste: big brands reputed for this area of expertise, such as Blanx, The Breath Co, and Arm and Hammer all charge this sort of money. So it isn't out of step. However, compared to 'normal' toothpastes, it is a little steep - although if, as mentioned, you find you need to use less of it than a normal toothpaste, meaning that the tube lasts longer, and you get the specific result that you're hoping for, you're likely to pay it.

perfect partners
Instant Whitening System, £35
2 Week Whitening System, £20
1 Week Whitening System, £10
Pro Clean and Polish System, £65
Pro Clean and Polish Paste, £10
Pro Clean and Polish Heads, £10
Daily Whitening Toothpaste, £8.50
Blue Light Tooth Whitening System, £30
Express Sensitive 5 Minute Dissolving Tooth Whitening Strips, £23
Express Max Effect 5 Minute Dissolving Tooth Whitening Strips, £23

Sensodyne Repair and Protect Daily Repair Fluoride Toothpaste

RRP: £4.50 for 75ml

--Packaging--
The white and blue colour scheme lacks originality but is vibrant nonetheless and accompanied by Sensodyne's standard 'rings' design to distinguish it from its competitors. The screw-top lid is easy to use and clicks shut securely.

--Usage--
Brush teeth twice a day as usual.

--Appearance--
A white paste that leaves no visible residue in the mouth.

--Scent--
A spearmint-style mint flavour; not too strong, and with none of the slightly strange taste that some toothpastes for sensitive teeth have. 

--Texture and consistency--
Slightly sticky on its way out of the tube, so squeeze sparingly. However, it foams up easily in the mouth and there is no difficulty rinsing.

--Effects on the teeth--
My dentist recently told me that my teeth seemed more 'porous' than they should be, as if I'd been drinking a lot of fizzy drinks (I don't). However, since using this toothpaste, my teeth have felt stronger - definitely repaired and protected.

--Value for money--
In line with the other market leaders: Oral B and Colgate both retail in this price bracket. It does what it says it will do, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

perfect partners
Precision Toothbrush Soft, £3.60
Pronamel Daily Mouthwash, £4.49 for 450ml

Ultradex Daily Oral Rinse

RRP: £8.15/500ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Alcohol free rinse, safe for daily use. The iQ+ ActiveOxi Technology® is clinically proven to: instantly eliminate odour-causing compounds (VSC) and deliver 12 hours' fresh breath; whiten teeth within 14 days by gently lifting organic stains to reveal their true brightness (excellent for use as part of a whitening maintenance programme); and be highly effective against bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum problems and plaque. Contains fluoride (230ppm) to help strengthen teeth. Free from colouring and available either preflavoured with mint or as original unflavoured (comes with a separate mint sachet to suit personal taste)."

--Packaging--
Has a stylish appearance and the screw-top cap closes securely. Overall a practical and not too cumbersome part of your dental care arsenal. We were sent the 250ml version for free by Ultradex's PR, and this size is convenient for travelling (although a 100ml size, to comply with airlines' hand baggage requirements, would be even better).

--Usage--
Easy to use - just slosh around in your mouth for 15-30 seconds after cleaning your teeth, before spitting it out.

--Appearance--
A slightly foamy, clear-coloured liquid that leaves no visible residue on the teeth.

--Scent and taste--
Has a neutral scent and taste that is not too strong, giving a refreshing light mint flavour. However, you still couldn't say it has a natural mint taste exactly.

--Consistency--
A watery consistency that foams a little in the mouth. However, towards the end of the bottle, the texture of the mouthwash got thicker and grittier, which made it less pleasant to use and would indicate that you need to shake the bottle before each use.

--Effects on the mouth--
Freshens breath as promised, putting the 12-hour claim to the test favourably. There have also been no tooth or gum problems while using the product. Whitening effects, however, were not noticeable.

--Value for money--
While this product works well, other brands are preferable due to a greater consistency of texture. At around £5 for 250ml and around £8 for 500ml, this mouthwash is also marginally more expensive than other commercial brands, so you would really need to like it in order to purchase it regularly over others.

perfect partners
Low Abrasion Toothpaste, £6.10 for 75ml
Wire-Free Interdental Brushes, £4.99 for 30
Fresh Breath Oral Spray, £3.05 for 9ml

Smile Brilliant! LED Teeth Whitening

RRP: $40, plus shipping

--What does the promo say?--

"The LED teeth whitening system by Smile Brilliant is perfect for those who want great tooth whitening 

results but are on a budget. Our LED system is competitively priced when compared to popular whitening

strips sold at your local grocer. However, it is far more effective due to its 22% carbamide peroxide tooth 

whitening gel and high strength LED light which accelerate the whitening process. With hundreds of 

reviews available on the internet and thousands of satisfied customers, our LED teeth whitening system 

is a superior alternative to over-the-counter whitening products.

	High Intensity LED Accelerator Light: – Accelerates the teeth whitening process
	Teeth Whitening Gel Pen – Convenient, 4ml whitening pen (brush-on applicator) with 22% professional strength whitening gel
	Lip & Cheek Protector – Upper and lower protective tray (prevents gel mess)
	Detailed Instructional Brochure – Guide to using your LED teeth whitening kit effectively"

--Packaging--

The ensemble arrives in a surprisingly posh-looking black cardboard pouch. This contains tooth moulds, an LED light, and the whitening gel, in an elegant silver-effect twist-up pen. The whole thing is therefore quite portable, and so suitable for travel, as well as not taking up too much space in your bathroom.

--Application-- 

Squeeze a very small amount of the gel at the bottom of the tooth moulds. Not much is needed as the gel is pushed up inside the moulds once inserted. The LED light then must be held between the teeth and switched on. The LED light will switch off automatically once the recommended 20 minutes has passed. How easy this is will vary between individuals: those who produce a lot of saliva, for example, will find it difficult as you are unable to remove the moulds mid-treatment in order to spit (swallowing could risk you swallowing some of the whitening gel, especially if you have been overenthusiastic in your first application of it). The tooth moulds are also one-size-fits-all, so it makes sense that they will fit some people better than others. As it renders you unable to communicate and makes you look pretty stupid to have an LED light about the size and weight of a matchbox sticking out of your mouth, I’d recommend doing this when nobody else is in.

--Texture and consistency--

Suffice it to say that having a mouthful of gel for 20 minutes feels about as good as you’d expect it to. Have a glass handy so that when you remove the tooth moulds you’re able to give your mouth a good rinse afterwards. The website says you can use this for as long as 120 minutes, but I think you'd have to be very patient.

--Appearance--

The gel itself is clear and leaves no visible residue on the teeth after use.

--Effects on the teeth-- 

Unfortunately, the packaging and promotional material gives no guarantee of any particular result, and while I understand that the company doesn't want to be accused of mis-selling, or at least of disappointing people, some promises are needed so that you can compare the initial state of your teeth with what you are supposed to get at the end. No indication is given of how long one is supposed to use the product for in order to see any result at all (4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks...). As I was not prepared to continue using the product ad infinitum with no indication of what the result could be, I have no long-term results to report. For what it's worth, I did not see any immediate results either. The website narrows things down slightly by saying 7-14 applications is enough to see results, but don't say if this is seven 20-minute sessions or seven 120-minute sessions.

--Value for money-- 

This is a relatively cheap tooth whitening system which, if it works, is better value than the majority of at-home whitening systems that currently exist. However, so little detail is given about what the consumer can expect that it would be unsurprising if few people are prepared to use it for a long enough time period to find out whether or not it does work. More effort is therefore needed from the company in terms of adding more detail to its product's claims so that users can adjust their expectations accordingly and commit to use of the product for a realistic time frame.

perfect partners

Custom-fitted trays and 1 whitening gel syringe, $90

3 x 3ml teeth whitening gel syringes, $35

1 x 4ml teeth whitening pen, $30

3 x 3ml desensitizing gel syringes, $20  

Aquafresh Ultimate + Whitening

 RRP: £1.79

--What does the promo say?--

"Keep your family's teeth in good hand with Aquafresh Ultimate Whitening Toothpaste. Aquafresh Ultimate's unique formula helps to strengthen the 30% of visible teeth, as well as helping to protect the 70% that isn't by helping to keep the gum seal tight and healthy. How does Aquafresh Ultimate protect? Above the gumline: Aquafresh Ultimate contains fluoride which helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and protect from cavities. Below the gumline: The unique antibacterial formula in Aquafresh Ultimate kills bacteria that can build up along the gum line, helping to keep the gum seal tight and healthy, protecting the tooth below. Not only this, but Aquafresh Ultimate also leaves you with fresh breath and a great clean feeling - now that is something to smile about."

--Packaging--

The blue, white and red is fairly standard among toothpaste brands, but the fact that it stands on its flip-top lid is pretty handy.

--Usage--

As with all other toothpaste: just don't decide to eat the whole tube in one go and you'll be fine. Put some onto your toothbrush and brush away before rinsing and spitting.

--Appearance--

Aquafresh's characteristic blue, white and red stripes are all there and work their way into a bluish-white foam. No visible residue is left on teeth after use.

--Scent and taste--

Very minty! All very usual.

--Texture and consistency--

Foams up well in the mouth without making you feel overloaded.

--Effects on the teeth--

Strangely, even though the whitening aspect of this toothpaste is mentioned on the tube, the promotional material still emphasises protection and strengthening above all other aspects, almost completely bypassing the whitening - making me feel like they've added this version to the range just as an afterthought. While I didn't notice any significant whitening, the blotching on my teeth (thanks to a combination of fluorosis and train tracks) was reduced even further (having already been reduced by two professional whitening treatments), so this was already an improvement. Plus, a visit to my dentist yesterday after not having gone for nearly 2 years (oops) revealed I have no cavities - so maybe this toothpaste helped in that regard too.

--Value for money--

At this price, it's in the average bracket for toothpastes, competing well with other products. I'd recommend it as a normal everyday toothpaste, even if not for whitening per se (perhaps go with a specialist, like Arm&Hammer or Blanx, for this), and perhaps also recommend using with an electric toothbrush for even better results.

Oral-B Triumph 5000 Wireless Smartguide

RRP: £160, but can be found online from £64.70
Other information: used to be known as the Oral-B 9900; note that this is different to the 5000 Professional, which contains 6 heads (not 3) and a DVD

--What does the promo say?--
" * Oral-B's best rechargeable toothbrush with wireless digital SmartGuide to provide dentist inspired feedback during brushing, including monitoring time and pressure
* The only toothbrush to be approved by the British Dental Health Foundation
* 5 different brushing modes: daily clean, sensitive for gentler cleaning, polish to remove stains, massage and deep clean
* 3D technology pulsates 40,000, rotates 8,800 per minute and also oscillates to remove 2 X as much plaque as an ordinary manual toothbrush
* Includes 3 interchangeable heads, Smartplug and travel case for easy travelling; Single charge lasts 10 days"

--Packaging--
All very modern and impressive: the box uses shiny metallic silvers, reds and blues, and there is a hole cut out of the box so that you can see the wireless SmartGuide. They don't make enough of the British Dental Foundation endorsement, though (although it appears that the 9900 box did, in the form of a big gold sticker). The main selling points of the brush are listed in bullet points on the front, sides and back of the box in an uncluttered and unconfusing manner. Not only comes with a plug-in charger, but also comes with a blue plastic travelling case for the brush and its heads, as well as a separate white case to keep the heads in while you're at home (which can also be linked up to the charger). The setup of this (and the wireless smartguide) is generally uncomplicated (a hint: make sure the charger is grey side down). On first reading of the instructions it all seems a little overwhelming, but it quickly makes sense from the first use.

--Usage--
As hinted above, this product is easy to set up and use. Once you've decided whether you want 24-hour or 12-hour clock on your Smartguide, and actually programmed the time in, there is no more configuration to do: the brush and the Smartguide make immediate connection with each other as soon as you switch the brush on, at which point the Smartguide starts timing your brushing cycle (when not in use, it just displays the time). All you have to do is choose your brush head (more of which later) and follow the instructions on the screen: as well as counting how many seconds have passed, the screen also shows you which quadrant of your mouth you should be brushing, and as well as showing on the screen when to change quadrant, the brush itself also pulsates double at the given moment in case you weren't watching. When you're done, the quadrant circle changes into a smiley face (after 2 minutes; 3 minutes if you've chosen the deep clean mode). What could be easier?

--Settings--
This brush comes with five settings: regular (2 minutes), regular (3 minutes/deep clean mode), sensitive, massage, and polish. I definitely noticed the difference between the regular and sensitive settings, and while there are detectable differences between these and the massage and polish settings (in terms of pulsation), I'm not sure that I saw much difference in the overall results compared to other settings on the toothbrush.

--Other options and special features--
As well as timing you, allowing you to see what setting you've chosen, and telling you the time whenever you're not using the toothbrush, the Smartguide also tells you when you're brushing too hard, and when the brush head you're using needs to be replaced. Not sure how it does that, but it's pretty cool, and should please any gadget lover.

The range of brush heads available in the box should also serve everyone's needs: while the regular brush head (Floss Action) is perhaps a little aggressive, the sensitive head is excellent for everyday use, as is the ProBright head if that's your main aim.

--The challenge and its results--
Oral-B promises that if you are not satisfied with this product after 30 days, you can have your money back. It also says that you will experience superior whitening in 3 weeks (when compared to Oral-B Professional Care - a previously released electric toothbrush model). The results are easily superior to use of a manual toothbrush: I definitely felt that a deeper clean was achieved from the very first use and that my teeth and particularly my gums were being taken better care of. As for the whitening aspect, I knew from the off that as a fluorosis sufferer I was unlikely to experience any significant whitening of the teeth. However, I definitely saw an improvement in the evenness of tone (my teeth were previously very blotchy due to the combination of fluorosis and the fact that I had to wear train-track braces on my teeth for a few years), which was more than I had expected. While the colour is still not right, the results in tone alone are pleasing.

--Value for money--
Now, this is an interesting one. As I mentioned at the start, the RRP is roughly £160. This is what it retails at in Argos, Boots etc., and is fairly steep by many people's standards. However, a quick search of Google shopping reveals that many retailers are selling the product for between £60 and £100, which I feel is a fairer price that resonates more with the general public: such a price tag says "Yes, I am good quality, but I won't make your credit card cry." Nevertheless, the sophistication of the wireless technology and the fact that the toothbrush charges at the mains rather than eating batteries for breakfast probably justifies the full RRP alone - especially if, judging by the evening of tone on my own teeth, people also experience the promised whitening effect. This is ultimately a seriously advanced piece of equipment that can genuinely change your brushing habits and thus perhaps reduce your bills at the dentist, so it's easy to think of it as an ongoing investment. However, as a bargain hunter at heart, I'd still advise you to shop around to get the best possible deal.

perfect partners
Braun Oral-B Extra Soft Sensitive Replacement Toothbrush Heads 2 Pack, £7.77 from Amazon
Braun Oral-B ProBright Replacement Toothbrush Heads 2 Pack, £5.00 from www.omegatek.co.uk
Braun Oral-B FlossAction Replacement Toothbrush Heads 4 Pack, £10.43 from Amazon

Pearl Drops Instant White

RRP: £6.85 from Express Chemist

--What does the promo say?--
"Pearl Drops Instant White Brush On Tooth Veneer is a breakthrough teeth whitening innovation that gives you a beautifully whiter smile immediately after just one application! The white liquid adheres to your teeth in seconds to give them a brilliant natural-looking white veneer, which remains on your teeth until you brush it away with a toothbrush. It is the ultimate cosmetic accessory. Simply brush on to instantly leave a white veneer. Like your make-up, you can carry it in your handbag and reapply it whenever you want, wherever you are, to maintain a confident and radiant smile!"

--Packaging--
It's got to be said that they've done a nice job with the bottle - at first glance it could easily be mistaken for a lip gloss, nail varnish or travel perfume bottle, with a nice squarish container made of transparent glass, small and discreet silver writing, and a silvery lid. Very practical and portable with an easy-to-use, nail polish-type brush.

--Application--
It is recommended to polish your teeth each day for few days before using Instant White, using a tooth whitening toothpaste. You then need to shake well before using the veneer to mix the product, ensuring that the teeth you want to treat are as dry as possible (e.g. by rubbing them with a tissue immediately before application). Then apply the white liquid to your teeth with the fine brush applicator, and for extra whiteness, you can add an extra coat.

--Appearance--
A great surprise; I'd envisaged something resembling Tippex. However, this is a transparent fluid containing tiny silver sparkles.

--Scent--
Slightly minty and medical. Not at all unpleasant.

--Texture/consistency--
Smooth to stroke on, but quickly turns tacky, and takes longer to dry than the impression given on the packaging.

--Results--
Sadly I saw no effects whatsoever, even with adding the extra coat. I also cannot comment on how long any whitening effects would last, both for this reason and the fact that I could not stand the tackiness when waiting for the stuff to dry, so I brushed my teeth to remove it probably 3-5 minutes after application.

--Removal--
Easy to brush off when you do want to remove it. I do get the impression that the staying power in terms of colour would be good, though, if you got it to work in the first place.

--Value for money--
If you can get this to work on your teeth, then the price of it (roughly £7) then is, I suppose, not too bad, especially since you don't seem to need very much per application. However, as a long-term fluorosis sufferer (wow, I'm sounding like a one-stop medical pitstop here...fluorosis, acne and hyperhydrosis all in one person!), I saw no effects at all, and so for this reason alone it was not worth a penny. Sorry Pearl Drops.

perfect partner
Pearl Drops Daily Shine Whitening Toothpaste, £1.95/50ml