Life is better when you are not afraid to smile. The positive energy you give off through smiling will get you positive energy in return from others. However, if you feel self-conscious because your teeth are stained or yellowed, you're hesitant to beam that open smile. Continue reading to get great ideas on how to whiten your teeth.

You should get your teeth cleaned regularly at the dentist as a means of maintaining your white teeth. One of the most effective ways in whitening teeth is to have your teeth cleaned regularly. Be consistent with your cleanings; schedule them at minimum twice per year.

Gels are not terribly expensive and be used to whiten your teeth effectively. You can find these gels in many drug stores, and their price will be much cheaper than if you paid a dentist for teeth whitening. Though if you have teeth that are very badly discolored, you will have the most success if you see your dentist.

Dairy foods should be consumed daily. Yogurt, milk and cheese contain calcium and other minerals that encourage strong, healthy teeth. These minerals also help your enamel to become stronger, making your teeth less likely to become discolored. Therefore, you will have a whiter smile if you include these foods in your diet.

Walnut tree bark is an effective, all-natural teeth whitener. Brush your teeth with the bark to get rid of stains and yellow discoloring on your teeth.

Stay away from coffee and tea if you want to prevent your teeth from staining. They will make the staining worse if you drink them often.

A thin layer of petroleum jelly can protect your brilliant smile. While the taste is not very appealing, it does serve as a barrier that will protect your smile from stains for quite a few hours.

Stay away from cigarettes, wine and coffee. The chemicals found in each of these latch onto your teeth and cause stains. If you must drink these beverages, brush your teeth immediately after you have finished. As an alternative, you can now purchase mini finger brushes that have a mild abrasive on them to clean your teeth when a toothbrush isn't available. Mini brushes work due to their abrasiveness, which brushes stains off your teeth.

Now that you have some new strategies for how you're going to whiten your teeth you should already start feeling positive. Remember that all that you learned here isn't everything there is to know about how to whiten your teeth, so try your best to always seek new knowledge and to apply it whenever possible.