Whitening

• Toothpastes, rinses and special strips are available for at home use to help whiten and brighten the appearance of your teeth. Your dentist can also offer you in-office treatments for tooth whitening, according to "Things You Should Know about Teeth," a guide to teeth written by a dentist.
  
  

Preparation

• Surface stains on your teeth can be caused by foods like coffee and red wine or by tobacco use. These surface stains can usually be removed by a professional cleaning from your dentist. If you are thinking of whitening your teeth, beginning with a professional cleaning can ensure you get the best results possible.
  
  

Considerations

• Whitening effects can last between three and seven years. You can help preserve your whiter smile with regular at home brushing and professional cleanings to prevent new stains from forming on your teeth.