Little things can make the difference between pearly-white teeth and not-so-pearly-white teeth—like when you brush, how you brush, and the foods you eat (it's not as obvious as you'd think!). I asked Emanuel Layliev, a dentist in New York City and the director of the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, about the things you can do every day to get whiter teeth.

You can brush away stains. But sometimes, you have to act quickly. "It's possible to brush away superficial stains," says Layliev. "By brushing at least twice a day, you can remove some stains before they're fully absorbed. Coffee and red wine are the worst culprits. If you can't brush immediately after drinking them, at least swish water around in your mouth to help prevent stains."

Some foods cause stains that are even harder to remove. Believe it or not, dark, sticky foods that you eat hot are the worst culprits. "Tooth enamel is porous, and [those foods] work their way down into teeth, where you can't simply scrub them away," Layliev explains. "Barbecue sauce is dark, hot, and sticky, so it's a triple whammy."

Electronic toothbrushes aren't a marketing gimmick. "The sonic waves created by an electric toothbrush are more effective at cleaning teeth than a manual toothbrush, and they can reach difficult areas, like the back of the mouth and in between teeth," says Layliev, adding that it's important not to press down too hard (that can cause sensitivity and harm your gums). "What matters most is that you brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep plaque from forming. Manual toothbrushes can be effective, too."


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