Do you feel embarrassed every time you laugh? Are you afraid to let yourself smile? When you aren't happy with your teeth, it can be difficult to relax and be yourself. That's why doing what you can, to have whiter teeth is so important. Here are some suggestions on how to get your teeth sparkling.

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.

If you over use teeth whitening products, especially extremely powerful ones, you could be doing serious harm to your teeth. You should always consult with your dentist before going through such a procedure and make sure it's safe for you to do so. If your dentist says it's too soon or you've done it too many times – listen to him!

Try not to drink water that contains fluoride or using any toothpaste that contains it. Contrary to the popular belief that it is good for your teeth it has been shown to have a staining effect! Other countries have all together banned the use of it in their water because of dangers.

Make sure that you brush your teeth and floss daily after every meal. Flossing and brushing prevents the buildup of unwanted plaque which also discolors your teeth. Plaque is something you want to avoid at all costs and carrying floss with you can greatly help. Focusing on your teeth can assist in preventing discoloration and damage, keeping you healthy for the long term.

If you're looking for a cheap way to whiten your teeth, try baking soda. Baking soda is an active ingredient in many whitening toothpastes, and has been used as a natural tooth whitener for centuries. Just mix the baking soda with salt and brush it onto your teeth. Let it sit for several minutes, then rinse it off thoroughly.

There are a variety of home ingredients that you can use to get your smile looking a little whiter. You can try using lemon juice or baking soda to help get a cleaner smile. Many home ingredients have been proven to give you a whiter smile with little effort.

You don't need to be ashamed of the way your teeth look any longer. As you start applying the advice in this article, you'll start seeing a different right away, and the effects will only grow greater with time. Soon, nothing will be able to stop you from laughing and smiling away.