Since one of the first things that people notice about you is your smile, having clean white teeth is very important. If you have recently noticed that your teeth aren't as white as they previously were, then you will be pleased to learn that there are many things you can do at home to achieve a whiter smile. To this end, here are some tips for whitening your smile at home:

Tip: Brush and Floss Your Teeth Multiple Times per Day

While you already know that you need to brush and floss your teeth each morning and evening, what you may not realize is that your teeth will be whiter if you brush and floss after each time you eat food. The discoloration on your teeth is caused by a buildup of plaque. By brushing after every meal, you will remove plaque-causing particles before they have the ability to adhere to the surface of your teeth. 

Tip: Chew Sugarless Gum When You Can't Brush After Eating

For those times where you are eating on the run and are not able to stop and properly brush your teeth, you should carry sugarless gum in your bag or pockets. As you chew gum, it removes all of the small food particles from the surface of your teeth and the spaces between them. You should not choose a gum that has sugar in it because the sugar will adhere to your teeth and defeat the gum's purpose.

Tip: Brush Weekly with a Mixture of Salt and Baking Soda

To remove stains from your teeth, you should brush your teeth once each week with a mixture of salt and baking soda. Since this mixture is abrasive, you should not use it more than once each week. Simply mix equal parts of table salt and baking soda in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over your toothbrush that has some toothpaste on it. Brush your teeth as normal and the added salt and baking soda will scrub against the stains on the enamel of your teeth. You will notice a difference immediately in the way your teeth feel. 

Tip: Seek the Assistance of a Cosmetic Dentist

Finally, if you have tried each of the tips above and your teeth are still not white enough, then you should seek the assistance of a cosmetic dentist in your local area. Offices like Family 1st Dental have many different products they can use to whiten your teeth.