Your smile is often one of the first things that people tend to notice about you, and it can often make a lasting impact on their impressions of you. If you're interested in a beautiful, confident smile, then consider one of the many options available today for whiter teeth.

For those with sensitive teeth and gums, it is probably better to use 30 minute whitening strips rather than 2 hour strips, which can be more severe. While it is necessary to apply the strips two times a day for 30 minutes over a period of two weeks, they are not as likely to cause gum sensitivity.

Mix baking soda with a small amount of purified water and brush the mixture over your teeth with a tooth brush. Baking soda has long been recognized for its ability to whiten teeth, which is why it is now added to so many toothpastes. This technique is sure to whiten your smile.

When whitening your teeth, you'll find that you get the best results if your teeth are yellowing. You'll get medium grade results if your teeth are brown. If your teeth are grey, you'll get the least results. Keep this in mind when you're shelling out money to whiten your teeth.

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.

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.

Use a straw when drinking highly acidic beverages, such as sodas or citrus juices. Using a straw will help divert the acid away from your teeth, into your mouth, which can keep it from causing damage to your teeth. Gray teeth are often caused by thinning tooth enamel, so protecting your tooth enamel will keep your teeth whiter.

Increase the amount of foods in your diet that clean your teeth. These include high-fiber fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples, celery, and cauliflower. These work to whiten your teeth by scrubbing off plaque as you eat. They also cause your mouth to produce more saliva, which results in healthier enamel and whiter teeth.

If you are using a bleach or bleach alternative in your whitening process, be careful not to over do it. Too much bleaching can be harmful to your teeth. It is also important to know that if used too much you can pass the whitening stage and create a “blue” color to your smile from over-bleaching. Be cautious when using bleaching products.

With time, your teeth can get stained from old age as well as bad diet. To help fight your lifestyle and aging, try a teeth whitening method for a more youthful and healthy appearance.