Bleachorexia

Bleachorexia (noun): Obsession with whitening one's teeth

That I found this slang term referenced in an actual dental textbook is both surprising and NOT SURPRISING AT ALL, considering today's celebrity esthetic. Bleachorexics are obsessed with whitening. They impose self-denial of tea, coffee and wine all in the name of whiter teeth.  These are the same patients asking their dentist about achieving a physically impossible shade of whitened teeth.

Are you a closet bleachorexic?

Helpful tip—the teeth should never be whiter than the white part of your eye, called the sclera. If you make them whiter, you risk looking like a cartoon character. Chicklets anyone?

Like plastic surgery and tattoos, whitening can be addictive. Start any whitening process with your target shade in mind. This allows you to avoid obsession and the dreaded Bleachorexic mentally. Have that glass of wine—your  friends can thank me later.