hey all,
i really want to do something about the colour of my teeth.
Thet arent really bad or anythin i just feel they could be whiter, which would make me feel more confident in myself.

I havent been to a dentist since i was 18 and i am now 21, i do need some fillings :confused: which i am totally afraid of, the dentists scare the livin day light out of me!

Any how, i have read that certain tooth whitening methods cannot be perfomed on teeth that have decay?, which is dissapointing, as i could purchase an otc one, but i dont wanna risk doing more damage to my teeth.

I also forgot to mention that after not turning up to an appointment i got throw off the books and no longer have a dentist, and these days the nhs dental lists are very hard to get back onto, and going private is a little out of my price range atm.

Has any1 with tooth decay used otc tooth whitening kits and been ok, or even laser whitening?

You may be unhappy with me saying this, but you should really focus on getting your teeth fixed and not the whitening. At your age, you shouldn't need to whiten your teeth unless you have discoloration due medications or such. Where whitening is concerned, even though you can buy OTC you should really get the professional lowdown on it. Apparently many young people are using these products excessively and damaging the enamal on their teeth. You are way too young to let your teeth go. Talk to the dentist about a mild sedative if you really are that afraid of the dentist. My mother is deathly afraid and gets a prescription of a limited amount just for when she needs the dental work done. Don't let the hassle of getting back in stop you from getting the work done. You are so worth it!

I also think you need to concentrate on getting your cavities fixed...if you bleach at this point you will run the risk of an absence happing....infection mixed with bleach is not a great feeling in your mouth and it hurts.
And frankly without having a good cleaning done by a hygentist prior to bleaching, your throwing money out the door, as far as great results.

Why don't you find a dentist and ask for sedation or one that will take the time and put lots of emla(numbing agent) on your gums prior to having to get freezing...I know I have said this many times, but painfree dentistry in 2007 is common practice...and there is no need to fear the dentist now...it is not like the dentist's in the past...technology in dentistry has come along way.

They no more want to hurt you, than you want to feel pain..they don't earn business/clients that way....

Again you can buy a whitener but with decay in your mouth you will only end of with an infection and seeking medical help in the long run.

yeh i guess you are both right, my teeth arent really bad like i said before i just envy all those with sparkly white nashers :) hehe
I live in quite a remote area where technology at the dentist is concerned, but i will try get back on the books as soon as possible, i don't fancy alot of dental work.

Thanks again for that.