White teeth are not only pleasant to look at, but they are also associated with youth and success. If you want to whiten your teeth or keep your teeth white, there are a few rules you should abide by.

1. Brush Your Teeth

Brush your teeth for at least two minutes after each meal, and use a whitening toothpaste. This won't miraculously turn your teeth whiter, but it will eliminate the surface stains if used on a regular basis. Change your toothbrush after two or three months of usage.

2. Use Teeth Whitener

If your teeth are no longer pearly-white, you can use commercial whitening products or consult your dentist for a professional whitening system. If choosing at-home products, make sure that the concentration of the bleach--carbamide peroxide--is at least 10 percent.

3. Avoid Staining Drinks

Avoid drinks that stain your teeth such as coffee, cola, black tea, red wine or other artificially colored cocktails. If you choose to drink, rinse immediately after having a drink. If you are used to sipping tea or coffee while working, kick this habit or replace your drink with a glass of water.

4. Don't Smoke

Smoking and nicotine are known to darken teeth over time. Quit smoking to benefit your health and your teeth. As an added bonus, you'll also have fresh breath.

For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy, visit our Dental Health forum.

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