Try a whitening product, such as a: whitening toothpaste, whitening tray, whitening strip, or whitening pen. You can also get your teeth whitened at the dentist's office. Consider a home remedy, such as hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. Last, keep your teeth white by quitting smoking and drinking too much black tea or coffee.

Whitening toothpaste
1. Use whitening toothpaste if you're on a tight budget. A tube of whitening toothpaste typically costs less than $10 at the drugstore or local supermarket.

2. Look for a toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. ADA-approved whitening toothpastes use abrasive particles to polish teeth along with chemicals that bind to stains and remove them. Studies have proven that these toothpastes are no harder on your enamel than other toothpastes.

3. Look for an ingredient called blue covarine in your whitening toothpaste. Blue covarine binds to your teeth and creates an optical illusion that makes them appear less yellow.

4. Brush twice per day. You should see some results within two to four weeks. For increased effectiveness, follow up with whitening mouthwash.



Whitening trays
1. Choose a kit that fits your budget. You can get store-bought kits for $20 to $50 at your drugstore or supermarket. Store-bought kits contain one-size-fits-all trays that you adjust to mold to your teeth.

2. Brush and floss your teeth. Check to see that your trays are free of moisture.

3. Squeeze a teardrop-sized amount of peroxide gel into the whitening tray. Excess gel in the tray may squeeze out into your mouth and irritate your stomach if you swallow it, or can irritate your gums.

4. Insert the trays. If gel squishes out onto your gums, wipe it off with a paper towel.

5. Wear the trays based on the type of gel you are using. The length of time you wear the trays will depend on which type of gel you use. There are some tips and tricks you can use with each gel to enhance their whitening abilities.

6. Remove the trays and brush your teeth again. If you're having some problems with sensitivity, use toothpaste that is specially designed for sensitive teeth or use a sensitivity gel.

7. Clean your trays with a cotton swab and some cold running water. Store the trays in their holders so that they can air dry. Then, store your remaining gel in a cool, dry place.

8. Wait for results. You'll see your teeth start to look whiter in 1 to 2 weeks.

Whitening strips
1. Brush your teeth and floss them. Flossing ensures that the gel whitens between your teeth.

2. Remove the whitening strips from the package. You'll probably pay $35 for whitening strips at a drugstore or supermarket.

3. Double-check the ingredients. Avoid whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide. This chemical, which is the same chemical used to sterilize swimming pools, can cause significant damage to your enamel. It can also be toxic if mixed with your saliva and swallowed.

4. Apply the strips to your teeth. Follow the directions on the package, but most strips can be used for 30 minutes twice per day. Some strips dissolve on contact with saliva and will disappear. Others, you will have to remove and discard.

5. Rinse your mouth to remove any of the remaining gel.