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.

Try not to use over-the-counter whitening products without first consulting with your dentist. A lot of the times, these products' harsh chemicals can actually damage your teeth, far from the intended benefits. Your dentist will be able to help you determine if your tooth enamel is strong enough for OTC treatments.

To make your teeth whitening results last as long as possible, cut back on your consumption of dark drinks like colas and coffee. Since most teeth whitening treatments strip away a layer of your tooth enamel, your teeth are more susceptible than ever to stains, making it more important than ever that you refrain from indulging in common staining culprits like soda, coffee and cigarettes.

Try not to drink water that contains fluoride or using any toothpaste that contains it. Contrary to the popular belief that it is good for your teeth it has been shown to have a staining effect! Other countries have all together banned the use of it in their water because of dangers.

Don't start a teeth whitening treatment before visiting your dentist about any cavities or diseases of the gums. You have to take extra precautions when you whiten your teeth. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health, the viability of whitening in your particular case, and recommend any precautions necessary to help ensure you achieve the whitest smile possible without causing damage or further issues.

To get better results from any natural teeth whitening method, add a little white vinegar! Vinegar is a great way to make baking soda, lemon juice, and other household whitening methods more effective. The vinegar works as a sort of primer for your teeth that will help any whitener to sink in and have a stronger effect.

If you are in dire need of whiter teeth you can try going to your dentist and getting an in office bleaching. While this may be a little more expensive, this technique is proven to whiten your teeth right away. Get the smile you have always wanted with in office bleaching.

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.