Having white teeth makes a huge difference on your smile, so what are some tips? This guide explains 6 teeth whitening tips everyone should know.

Are your teeth looking a little yellow? Almost 90 percent of orthodontic patients ask for tooth whitening options from their doctors, so you're not alone.

But, what are the safest and best ways to get and maintain white teeth? Read on for the top teeth whitening tips.

1. Maintain Good Dental Hygiene Habits

To get your teeth as white as possible and keep them that way, you need to ensure that you're performing and maintaining good dental hygiene habits. Make sure that you're taking care to brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after every time you eat.

And, be sure that you're brushing properly, and for at least two minutes at a time. Brush your tongue while you're at it, to get rid of any nasty bacteria growing in your mouth.

Flossing often gets neglected, but doing it regularly is an important part of keeping your teeth white and healthy.

If you grind your teeth in your sleep, try getting a nightguard or reduce your stress levels to head the problem off at the pass.

2. See a Professional First

If you want to get your teeth as white as possible, you'll want to see a dentist for professional whitening treatments. Teeth whitening, properly done by professionals, is much for effective than drug store treatments.

Your dentist can recommend good options for your teeth whitening needs, depending on your dental history and other medical factors.

You should also talk to your dentist about whitening toothpaste to use between treatments. Some may be more beneficial to your tooth health than others, so their opinion can be very valuable.

3. Eat and Drink Right

Some foods and beverages can cause damage to or stain your teeth. That's why it's important to pay attention to your diet when you're trying to whiten your teeth.

Stay far away from any foods that contain a lot of sugar, which can cause damage to your teeth and cavities. Dark-colored foods generally can stain or damage your teeth. some of the foods you should avoid or limit include the following:

Most dark-colored berries
Curry
Soy sauce, tomato sauce, and other color-rich sauces
Citrus-heavy foods, like tomatoes
Pomegranates
Popsicles and other foods with artificial coloring

Beverages are also a culprit when it comes to discolored teeth. Coffee, dark sodas, black tea, red wine, and other dark beverages can cause your teeth to get stained.

Whenever possible, use a straw when drinking different beverages. And, make sure that you drink as much water as possible. Water can help wash out stains as you eat, and it's beneficial to your health overall.

What to Eat Instead

Some foods are beneficial when you're trying to improve your dental health. Apples, celery, carrots, pears, and other fibrous foods can help exfoliate your teeth and boost your saliva production.

Any food that contains calcium is a great choice for your dental health needs since calcium helps strengthen your teeth and bones. So, chow down on some cheese.

Leafy greens and other iron-heavy foods can be beneficial — just make sure that they don't get stuck in your teeth and distract from the bigger picture!

Most types of nuts contain plenty of beneficial vitamins for your health overall and your tooth health in particular. Look into brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, and the like to get your teeth into tip-top shape.

4. Pay Attention to Your Dental Work

If you have bridges, veneers, or crowns in your mouth, it may be difficult for you to whiten your teeth properly. Your dental work can't be whitened in the same way your teeth can, so they may end up looking a little weird.

If you have dental work, consult with your dentist before you start whitening your teeth so you can see what your options are.

5. Use Natural and Safe Whitening Products

When you're looking to get a bright smile, you should try and use natural whitening products, so that you don't accidentally cause damage to your teeth by using too many chemicals. These teeth whitening options may sound odd, but they're often effective. That's especially true when they're combined with professional care!

Homemade remedies can also help you out with your yellow teeth problem. Gargling apple cider vinegar can reduce tooth discoloration. Sugar-free gum and other strawberry juice can also get your teeth back to being nice and white.

Brushing your teeth with baking soda or with charcoal powder can help you whiten your teeth at home. Try out pulling with coconut oil for a weird, but effective approach to natural whitening.

Even weirder, rubbing your teeth with the peel from a banana or an orange (white side down) for a few minutes before you brush your teeth can also help them get whiter more quickly and stay that way for longer.

6. Don't Smoke or Use Nicotine Products

Smoking cigarettes is terrible for your health as a whole. But, they can also permanently stain and damage your teeth. So, if you currently smoke, quit now.

That goes for other nicotine products as well, which can also cause long-term damage to your teeth. If you're having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor about your options when it comes to nicotine cessation products.