There are many substances that can cause stains and discoloration to your teeth. They may leave you longing for a whiter, shinier smile. There are a lot of options out there for teeth whitening to get you the smile you've always wanted. You can have the smile you deserve by following some simple suggestions.

You should keep in mind that teeth whitening only works for your real, natural teeth. It will not work on any crowns, veneers, implants, or fillings you have in your mouth. So if you have a lot of these, it may not be worth the expense of trying to whiten your teeth.

Keep your mouth healthy and brush and floss at least two times every day. Floss after every meal that you eat if you can. You can buy small disposable hand held flossers that make it easy and discreet. After every time you floss make sure that you rinse out your mouth.

Practice preventative maintenance on your teeth by using a gum massager. You want to target the area under the gum flap where the plaque begins to build up. Plaque is a major contributor to discolored teeth. When the plaque begins to build on your teeth, stains can adhere to the surface easier.

Be careful with excessive whitening of your teeth. If you have repeatedly whitened your teeth, you may be causing irreparable damage to the teeth. You should avoid using powerful whitening products repeatedly. If you are not receiving the results from the whitening, consult your dentist to find other ways to whiten.

To have a white smile, make sure you avoid drinking water or using toothpastes that contain fluoride. It has been reported that fluoride may aid in discoloring and permanently staining your teeth. Many countries have actually banned fluoride from their drinking water due to this very reason. To stay on the safe side, avoid fluoride at all costs for a healthy and white smile.

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.

You can be on the road to a fantastic smile today by selecting which of these guidelines are best suited to you and your situation. Take control of your smile and give yourself the treat of whiter teeth today. Others are certain to notice the confidence you exude when you smile showing your whiter teeth.