Your smile is the first impression that you give people. You take such pride in the clothes that you wear and the way that you groom yourself, wouldn't it make sense that you want your teeth to match that effort? This article will give you tips on how you can have a whiter smile.

If your teeth have been whitened, you should watch what you eat or drink. Once you have whitened your teeth, they're susceptible to absorbing stains and colors. Because of this, you want to avoid any foods or beverages that have dark pigments once your teeth whitening is completed. Coffee, for example, is a dark beverage with pigments that easily cause stains. These pigments can make your teeth go from white to not-so-white in a hurry, so always exercise caution.

When you want whiter teeth, do not be fooled by the different kinds of toothpastes available. Toothpaste that claims to whiten your teeth is frequently more expensive than normal toothpaste. When trying to remove stains from your teeth, regular toothpaste works just as well and is often cheaper than whitening toothpaste.

Fruit can also help to whiten teeth. A couple examples of such fruits are; strawberries and oranges. You can make a paste from strawberries. Mash them and put them around your teeth for about five minutes. Another excellent way to whiten teeth is to rub an orange peel on them.

Be sure that the teeth whitening trays fit your mouth correctly. If they do not fit well there is a good chance that they are going to cause you problems with your gums. If you notice that your gums are more sensitive or in any pain, stop using the product and see your dentist.

When using over-the-counter teeth whitening products it is important to read and follow the directions very carefully. Don't leave the strips or gel on longer than the instructions dictate, as this could lead to sores and problems in your mouth. Avoid drinking or eating acidic foods or beverages for a couple of hours after treatment.

To make your teeth look their best after a bleaching session, be sure to focus on your gums. Red or irritated gums will distract from your teeth, and may make them look less healthy than they actually are. Try using a gum massager before you have your teeth whitened. It'll make sure part of your smile looks great.

Don't be afraid to change the way your teeth look. Not all bleaching or whitening results will have you looking like you put in fake plastic teeth. If you use the tips that were given to you in this article, you can have a whiter smile that better matches your overall look in no time.