Many things can dull and stain your teeth and leave you wanting a brighter, whiter smile. Luckily, there are many options available for getting whiter and brighter teeth. Read on to get the smile you want with some simple tips.

This method is not as harsh on your teeth as whitening strips. Swish the hydrogen peroxide in your mouth, but make sure you do not swallow it. This can be done once or twice a week.

To keep your teeth looking as bright as possible, you will want to cut back on cigarettes, red wine, coffee, etc. If you can't give up your coffee and other drinks known to cause staining, you may want to consider drinking them through a straw, so these beverages don't come in contact with your teeth.

If you have gum disease or untreated cavities in your mouth, be cautious before undergoing any teeth whitening procedures. You could end up damaging your teeth even further or just end up wasting money on a procedure that won't work. You should consult with your dentist before undergoing the procedure.

Buy a tooth whitening product that contains about 15% of the whitening agent. Too little of the whitening chemicals and the product will be ineffective. Too much, and your mouth may become irritated by the harshness of the chemical. Try out a mid-range product; if you tolerate it well and you aren't getting good results, then move to a higher concentration.

When buying whitening toothpastes, bear in mind that they are not increasing the whiteness of the teeth. These toothpastes are designed to break up and dissolve the residue left behind from dark beverages and foods that can stain. They target the stains so that the natural whiteness of your teeth will be uncovered.

Avoid water and toothpaste with fluoride in it. It has been found that it can cause discoloration of the teeth. There are several countries that have banned it from drinking water because it has been connected to disease and symptoms there. If you need to take fluoride, use the capsules.

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.