If you've heard bad things about teeth whitening, such as: it's painful, or takes too much time and money, then you should throw away any misconceptions that you have. Because if you do it properly, whitening your teeth is easier and faster than you might think. This article will guide you through it with several simple tips and methods.

Using baking soda is one of the oldest and best ways to whiten your teeth. Take your baking soda in a small container and mix it with water to make a paste type solution. Use it to brush your teeth and then follow up and rinse with peroxide and brush with toothpaste!

Before you attempt to whiten your teeth you should contact your dentist if you have any cavities or gum disease that needs to be treated. You have to take extra precautions when you whiten your teeth. Your dentist can tell you if it is okay to go with a teeth whitening regime and which will work best given your dental profile.

Heavy smoking can in fact damage and stain your teeth. It helps to cut down on the amount of cigarettes you smoke each day or eliminate them out of your life completely. People who smoke have a harder time keeping their teeth clean than those who don't.

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.

Watch for tooth sensitivity when using tooth whitening products. Many of these products can irritate the gums or cause your teeth to become unusually sensitive to cold. If you notice these effects becoming troublesome, stop using the product. You may not tolerate it well, and it could even be damaging your teeth.

Brushing your teeth after each meal you eat is a great way to keep your teeth white. Lots of foods and drinks contain staining properties. Therefore, immediately cleaning your teeth after consuming meals will prevent stain from sticking on them. Coffee is a particularly bad example of a staining drink.

You'll be amazed at how great you'll feel about yourself after getting a gorgeous smile through teeth whitening. Not only will you get a huge boost in self confidence, you'll be able to enjoy life without being held back by an embarrassing smile. Apply these tips to get a great set of clean, white teeth.