![1. Go On a White-Teeth Diet](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/6-teeth-whitening-tips.jpg)
1. Go On a White-Teeth Diet
What goes into your mouth shows up on your teeth. So if you’re drinking a lot of red wine or black tea, or smoking cigarettes, expect the results to show up as not-so-pearly whites. Other culprits include colas, gravies and dark juices. The bottom line: if it’s dark before you put it in your mouth, it will probably stain your teeth. Step one: brush your teeth immediately after having foods that stain. Step two: regularly use a good bleaching agent from your dentist. Step three: be conscious of tooth-staining foods and drinks, and have them only when a toothbrush is around. If not, have an apple for dessert.
![2. Hum While Brushing Your Teeth](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/hum-while-brushing-your-teeth.jpg)
2. Hum While Brushing Your Teeth
You should give yourself at least two minutes to fully brush your teeth: That’s how long it takes to sweep all of the bacteria-packed plaque off of your pearly whites. Use your watch or keep a timer in the bathroom and set it for two minutes. Or find a tune that lasts about that long and hum it to the end!
![3. Grip Your Toothbrush Like a Pencil](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/are-you-holding-your-toothbrush-properly.jpg)
3. Grip Your Toothbrush Like a Pencil
Does your toothbrush look as if it’s been used to clean the car? If so, you’re probably brushing too hard. Contrary to what some scrub-happy people think, brushing with force is not the best way to remove plaque. The best way is to place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and gently move it in a circular motion, rather than a back-and-forth motion. Grip the toothbrush like a pencil so you won’t scrub too hard.
![4. Drink a Cup of Tea Every Day](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drink-tea-for-whiter-teeth.jpg)
4. Drink a Cup of Tea Every Day
Flavonoids and other ingredients in tea seem to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth, and also block the production of a type of sugar that contributes to cavities. Tea also contains high amounts of fluoride.
Check out more Health Benefits of Tea!
![5. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/replace-your-toothbrush-regularly.jpg)
5. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Throw away your toothbrush or change the head of your electric toothbrush every two to three months. Otherwise, you’re just transferring bacteria to your mouth.
![6. Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/opt-for-alcohol-free-mouthwash.jpg)
6. Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Most over-the-counter mouthwashes have too much alcohol, which can dry out the tissues in your mouth, making them more susceptible to bacteria. Some studies even suggest a link between mouthwashes containing alcohol to and an increased risk of oral cancer. To be safe, be a teetotaller when it comes to choosing a mouthwash.
Check out more healthy beauty tips!
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