With more and more people concerned about physical appearance, teeth whitening is becoming a regular beauty ritual for some people. However, there are some precautions that need to be taken and things to consider before you decide which of the many options is the best for you. This article provides you with some useful advice.

Drinks such as tea and coffee are notorious in ruining and discoloring your teeth. Make sure to keep a bottle of water handy to rinse while you are drinking tea or coffee and afterwards. Drinks such as colas and wine can also stain your teeth. Avoiding or limiting these drinks can improve the whiteness of your smile.

Use a tooth-whitening toothpaste, but don't expect miracles on badly discolored teeth. Tooth whitening toothpaste does not bleach teeth, so it can't remove existing stains. But it does help remove much of the plaque on your teeth, and can remove staining chemicals before they have a chance to discolor those pearly whites.

When using a teeth whitening kit be sure to follow the directions exactly as they are written. Do not think that if you leave it on longer that you are going to see better results. It can irritate your gums and could lead to some really serious problems down the road. The directions are there to be followed.

A great way to whiten your teeth is to use tooth whitening strips. Usually you will use these once or twice a day to both the top and the bottom. Leave it on for the appointed time then take it off. In a few weeks you should be a few shades whiter.

Avoid constant snacking through the day. If you need to have a snack, grab some fresh fruits or vegetables. They are very good for you and are going to cause far less damage to your teeth than many other kinds of junk food would. You should still take the time to rinse well with water when you are done.

For many years people have sworn that baking soda works quite well for teeth whitening. There are now many types of toothpaste that have baking soda right in them so you do not have to mess with making up the paste yourself. The paste is made up with a bit of salt and baking soda and then brushed onto your teeth.

In conclusion, there are plenty of methods you can use to get whiter teeth. Even with proper preventative care, teeth may become discolored as time passes. You can use the information that has been provided to get the white smile you want in the safest manner possible. You should be able to smile with confidence.