Teeth whitening uses restorative techniques to make teeth return to their normally white color. Teeth whitening can be done at home with over-the-counter items or natural methods. Whitening can also be done by a dental professional. To choose the whitening method that is right for you, use the tips in the following article.

Try not to use over-the-counter whitening products without first consulting with your dentist. A lot of the times, these products' harsh chemicals can actually damage your teeth, far from the intended benefits. Your dentist will be able to help you determine if your tooth enamel is strong enough for OTC treatments.

Make regular appointments to have your teeth cleaned by a dentist. You need to schedule these appointments at least once a year. The discoloration on your teeth may not be caused by actual staining but simply by plaque build-up, which is difficult to remove without the professional tools your dentist has.

When you are going through a teeth whitening process, you may experience sensitivity. Sensitivity during the whitening is very common. The sensitivity should disappear within a day or two after the process is over. If you have continued sensitivity, you should consult with your dentist about the problem that you are having.

If you have gum disease or cavities that are untreated, you should consider going to the dentist before you begin whitening your teeth. When you are whitening your teeth, be careful when you are doing it. Your dentist can help you find the strategy that is the most effective and safe for you to use.

When you are whitening your teeth, remember that there are limitations to what it can do. If you have had extensive dental treatments like caps, bridges or crowns, these will not be whitened by the treatment that you are using. You will have to have this work replaced to match your new whiter smile.

Avoid drinking coffee, tea, cola, and wine unless you are drinking water with them or immediately afterward. These dark liquids have been shown to permanently stain and discolor teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water afterward can reduce these effects, as can brushing your teeth after your morning coffee, as it removes the staining chemicals from your mouth.

As stated at the beginning for this article, teeth whitening makes teeth white again by using restorative techniques. This is done by at home methods that use either, over-the-counter or natural items, or by a dental professional. If you remember the tips from this article, then you can choose a teeth whitening method that is right for you.