Do you need to whiten your teeth? People who drink a lot of coffee and tea, as well as smokers, often find that their teeth develop stains and discolorations. You will find the best whitening tips for you in this article and find out what method will work best for you if stains pop up.

Rinse your month with water after drinking coffee, tea, cola or red wine. These substances are notorious for staining teeth and the stains can be very difficult to remove. Rinsing with water will wash away any residue left on your teeth preventing the substances from having prolonged contacted with your teeth and causing stains.

Rinse out your mouth with one percent hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide strips are expensive to buy and harsh on your teeth. Keep the peroxide in your mouth for at least a minute and make sure you do not swallow an excessive amount of the solution. Follow up by brushing your teeth.

Using a home whitening remedy may not be the best idea when trying to whiten your teeth. If you are thinking about using home products, such as lemon, ash, or baking soda, you may want to reconsider. Using these home remedies can damage your teeth in the long run.

Determine why your teeth are discolored before starting any whitening treatment. A trip to your dentist should answer this question. Knowing the cause of your discolored teeth will give you the best treatment options for your specific problems and therefore you will also get the best results too.

Avoid drinking coffee, tea, cola, and wine unless you are drinking water with them or immediately afterward. These dark liquids have been shown to permanently stain and discolor teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water afterward can reduce these effects, as can brushing your teeth after your morning coffee, as it removes the staining chemicals from your mouth.

Whitening products can make your teeth more sensitive. This may be a temporary thing, but it is still quite painful. Discontinue use of the whitening product to avoid permanent damage. The dentist might recommend a whitening treatment that is better for you and doesn't cause that reaction.

Whether your teeth have discolorations or you are just hoping to lighten your teeth a few shades, this article is filled with valuable information that can help you reach your goals. If you adhere to this advice, you can have bright, shiny teeth.