We all want brighter, whiter teeth, and whitening toothpastes really can whiten even quite discoloured teeth over time – or in a single session using the more potent whitening pastes. The problem is that whitening toothpastes can also cause heightened sensitivity and enamel abrasion; if you do use one long term, it could be rough on your poor gnashers. Do toothpastes for sensitive teeth work?

It is believed that Marvis was first intended for smokers due to its whitening effect and intense Mint flavour. We do not know the brand name origin for certain, although it is likely a combination of the words Marvel + Vis. The word "Marvel" is a Latin word meaning miracle and "Vis" means strength.

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Specifically, fluoride concentration is the biggie. The vast, vast majority of dentists agree that fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay, and NHS guidelines recommend that toothpastes containing 1,350 to 1,500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride will be most effective. That covers most commercial toothpastes, but some natural or organic pastes might not contain any. Then there are some other agents that might be beneficial, including Novamin, which bonds to the surface of the tooth to protect sensitive areas, and Triclosan, which some studies show is an effective antibacterial agent. Arginine or Calcium Carbonate have been shown to have some neutralising effect on plaque acids. But don’t get too caught up with revolutionary new compounds. Provided the fluoride content is high enough, which toothpaste you use is less important than how and how often you use it, not to mention how long and carefully you brush. Are whitening toothpastes worth it? Sensitive toothpastes are designed to be kind to your teeth, and feature ingredients like potassium nitrate that alleviate sensitivity, so you can drink hot or cold beverages without grimacing and yelping. There’s no major side effects, but you may need to build up the desensitizing effects over a period of time. What else should I be aware of? What remains unchanged is the focus on “the pleasure of flavour that turns a daily ritual into a pleasure”. Notes Product manager Laura Cardelli of Marvis, “It is a scent for the mouth, and a stylish icon for the eyes.” Using the original formulas, the brand has now been positioned as a luxury product in its sector.

No. In fact, some toothpastes marketed at children don’t have enough fluoride in them to help stop tooth decay and children that get used to the more fruity tastes of children’s toothpaste often find it hard to move onto the decent, minty-tasting toothpastes that they will need later on. That said, up until six years old, children can use a low-strength toothpaste – as long as it contains at least 1,000ppm fluoride. From seven years old, children can use the same toothpaste as the rest of the family, provided it contains 1,350-1,500 parts per million (ppm) fluoride. READ NEXT: The best electric toothbrushes The best toothpaste to buy 1. Oral B Pro-Expert Professional Protection: The best toothpaste for all-round protection