Teeth that aren't white enough can be a big problem for a person. Not only does your appearance and your smile suffer, but it can also cause self-esteem and self-confidence issues in even the most confident people. If your teeth aren't as white as you'd like, read on to find out how to improve your appearance and improve your life!

If you're a pregnant or lactating mother, you should not undergo any teeth whitening procedure. It can have many negative effects on the baby. Before having your teeth whitened, you should consult with your dentist and let them know up front if you're pregnant or lactating. They'll be able to say for sure whether it's a danger to the baby or not.

Try to avoid water with fluoride added in or toothpaste that incorporates fluoride. Recent reports have shown that fluoride can stain and discolor teeth. If you only have access to water in your home with fluoride added to it, either look for a filter or consider drinking your water from bottles as long as it is without fluoride as well.

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.

You can use fruit to naturally whiten your teeth. Specific fruits like oranges can really whiten a smile. Try crushing up strawberries, and make a paste out of them. Leave this paste on your teeth approximately five minutes. This method is an excellent one for whitening teeth. Avoid acidic lemon juice, which can ruin enamel, and peroxide, which can cause gum irritation.

Once you eliminate the stains on your teeth with a teeth whitening treatment, you do not have to repeat the process too often. Really if you do not consume a lot of coffee, smoke or drink large amounts of wine, you may only have to touch up the whiteness as little as once a year.

Regular toothpastes and whitening pastes are surprisingly similar. Don't waste money on something that will not provide the teeth whitening it promises. You'll just throw valuable money away.

If you experience new or increased tooth sensitivity while using a whitening product, discontinue use immediately. Because significant damage could be occurring to your teeth, at that point it is wise to consult with a dentist. Go see your dentist and discuss all the best treatment options.

Floss your teeth. You should floss thoroughly at least twice a day. Flossing removes food and helps to fight the build-up of plaque. Most people do not bother to floss at all. Neglecting to do so can damage your teeth. To keep them looking their best, remember to floss.

Now that you know what to do to improve your self-image and supercharge your appearance with a winning smile, don't hesitate! Apply these teeth whitening tips in your life today and watch your life change for the better as your teeth begin to have a healthy sparkle. Enjoy!