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That “local mom” trying to sell you her secret formulas for weight loss and tooth whitening in Internet ads may need to find a new job. Visa cut off payments to 100 merchants. The culled companies were the fine folks behind the “free sample” negative-option scams that Consumerist has written about extensively in the past.

The Associated Press shares the good news:

“Visa told The Associated Press that about 100 merchants had their payment processing terminated because of chronic complaints since early summer. The scam is so common, the San Francisco payment processor is teaming up with the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau to alert consumers.
Most of the time, the swindlers use Internet ads to lure their customers. The ads often feature unauthorized photos of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Rachel Ray, implying endorsements for supplements like acai berries or teeth whiteners.

Newer variations take advantage of the recession with work-at-home scams, or con people into seeking information about applying for government grants linked to economic stimulus programs.”

The Toughest Test For Teeth Whitening

The make up artists for TV take teeth whitening very seriously. Nothing finishes off a face better than a white smile (besides good skin, but that can be faked). Your teeth don’t have to be as white as pure snow, but they should be as white as your eyes.

Teeth Whitening: The Ultimate Accessory

White teeth are the ultimate accessory. I don’t care what anyone says, nothing looks healthier than a pearly white smile. No glamorous foundation, Dior lipstick or Botox can make such an improvement to one’s appearance. A bright smile makes you appear confident, young and wealthy and even makes your skin look brighter. It can also avert the eye from any so-called ‘imperfections’ that may bother you such as a ‘large nose’ or ‘skinny lips’. A crooked or gap toothed smile looks especially charming when its dazzling white (like Kate Moss and singer Jewel).

I highly recommend whitening your teeth before trying botox and fillers. It is certainly less expensive and invasive and arguably more effective at making you look younger. When you have white teeth, everything about your grooming becomes easier too. You’ll need less bronzing powder, faux tan, and you can wear just a clear lip-gloss or tinted balm and looked polished and fresh. You may find you don’t need those dangly earrings or that smoky eye to distract your audience anymore.

Fair skinned women especially benefit from teeth whitening as it provides contrast with their skin tone.

Teeth Whitening – One Thing You Can Control

Furthermore, it is something we can control. We can make a choice to have a whiter smile. So many of us drink coffee and red wine every day without a thought to what it might be doing to our tooth color. Counteract these habits with thought to your tooth routine. That doesn’t mean scrubbing your gnashers harshly with a firm brush for five minutes in the shower every day. It means being smart about your mouth and taking advantage of the modern products that are now out here on the market by reputable brands. If strapped for cash, there are numerous affordable teeth whitening options.

Whiter Teeth During The Party Season Is Possible

The party season is here and its time to get serious. Cut down on that coffee and red wine and when at a shindig, stick to vodka and gin for drinks. Stay inside to avoid being tempted into a having a cigarette and don’t dunk any Japanese nibbles in the soy sauce. Go to the dentist for a hygiene treatment and check up before you begin your teeth-whitening program.

Tartar – Teeth Whitening Enemy

Tartar can interfere with your whitening so get it all off before hand! Remember that there is a limit to how white your teeth can be. Oral antibiotics taken as a child can cause greyness that can limit your whitening potential. Don’t get obsessive about bleaching and brushing as it can weaken your dentin. Stick to the instructions, be gentle and chat about the best options with your trusted dentist.