Having whiter teeth is the goal of many, especially those who smoke, drink coffee, dark sodas or red wine as these products tend to turn teeth yellow or dull gray over time. For most people, white teeth are an indication of good health and youth. But there are many home whitening products available for you to use that can help reduce yellowing and maybe brighten teeth.
Home Teeth Whitening Products

Before buying a home whitening kit, research products to choose one that is right for your teeth and the shade of white you want to achieve. Home teeth whitening products include teeth whitening gels, strips, whitening toothpaste, teeth whitening pens and whitening trays.

Home whitening products will remove most of the yellow or gray from your teeth to make them appear whiter. If you have healthy teeth and gums, you should consider using a home whitening product as the peroxide and other ingredients should not cause much tooth sensitivity. If you suffer from bleeding gums, gum disease or other issue with your teeth, using one of these products may cause severe discomfort. Discontinue using if discomfort occurs.

Depending on how easily your teeth stain, home whitening may keep your teeth white for several months.

Touch-Up Products

In addition to home teeth whitening products, you can use products in between that will help you remove new stains. These products are available as whitening strips or whitening pens. When used in between whitening products, you may notice whiter teeth for longer periods of time.

Baking Soda and Other Home Teeth Whitening Tips

Baking soda when used with toothpaste may help whiten teeth. You can buy toothpaste with baking soda included or you can sprinkle baking soda on toothpaste before brushing. It may take a while to see results, but some people have reported whiter teeth and the removal of small stains.

Other ways to whiten teeth include:

• Eat strawberries, celery, carrots to whiten and clean teeth
• Use a mouthwash with whitening ingredients
• Floss regularly

Results may vary depending on how discolored your teeth are and the level of whiteness you want to achieve.

Whitening Tricks

The following tricks can help give you the appearance of whiter teeth or prevent new stains without using a whitening product:

• Women should use a red lipstick or lip gloss to make teeth appear whiter.
• Chew gum after eating to prevent new stains from appearing
• Avoid drinking red wine (switch to white wine)
• Reduce consumption of coffee, soda and other drinks with artificial colors

Home teeth whitening tips only help reduce or prevent surface stains on the teeth. If you want deep whitening, you will have to visit your dentist to use professional teeth whitening equipment.