There are many ways to get a brighter, whiter smile without having to visit the dentist’s office. From whitening toothpaste to strips to laser whitening machines, you’re sure to find something that will suit your lifestyle and work wonders to give you a beautiful smile.
Let’s face it: teeth whitening is big business. In 2021, Americans spent approximately $316 million on teeth-whitening, and that doesn’t include visits to the dentist’s office. By 2026, that number is estimated to jump to almost $450 million!
Why do our teeth look discolored?
First, let’s get to the root of the problem and check out why our teeth start to look discolored in the first place. One of the main causes is poor hygiene, which leads to plaque and tartar buildup that can cause discoloration. The sooner the buildup is removed, the less chance of causing real damage.
Other key causes of discolored teeth include smoking, certain foods (turmeric or curry), drinks (tea, coffee, or drinks especially acidic or high in sugar), and genetics (some people have family issues with yellow teeth). Another cause, and one that is hard to avoid, is Dentin, which occurs when the enamel is thin, and the Dentin underneath shows through, causing the teeth to look yellow.
Unfortunately, even some medications and antibiotics can cause tooth discoloration. If you find that this is happening to you, it might be time to have a conversation with your prescribing doctor to see if other options won’t negatively affect your smile.
If you’ve found that your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, you can find ways to resolve your tooth discoloration that doesn’t involve a pricy visit to the dentist. However, some of the methods you’ve heard of to whiten teeth naturally don’t work. To break down your options and see what works and what doesn’t work, we’ve checked out 6 potential ways to naturally whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home.
6 Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common ingredient when it comes to getting whiter teeth. That’s because it’s a mild abrasive that scrubs away stains without harming the enamel on your teeth (assuming you don’t scrub too hard). If you checked out the oral care aisle at your local store, you’d see the phrase ‘baking soda’ more often than not. If you want to try a natural at-home method, you can use a DIY baking soda paste.
While you might see some improvement, there’s a good chance you’ll get better results by switching to toothpaste with sodium bicarbonate. Keep in mind it’ll take time to see the change, so don’t expect magic overnight.
2. Whitening toothpaste, strips, washes, and gels
The oral care section at the store is definitely not lacking when it comes to taking care of your teeth. There’s an option for every possible tooth or gum malady you can imagine, and whitening seems to be the most popular variety. While many toothpaste varieties offer a miraculous transformation from discolored to white, not all are created equal. Based on our research, the top choices include Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste Gel and Tom’s Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste. Both serve double duty for keeping your teeth and gums healthy while giving them the whitening treatment.
Whitening strips are another popular item for getting a brighter smile. The ever-popular Crest Whitestrips mastered the concept years ago and still work well to whiten our teeth. Another popular option is Lumineux non-toxic Whitening Strips, which are highly rated and work to lift stains while not affecting the enamel. Both are easy to use and can brighten your teeth in as little as two weeks.
Finally, there are a number of gels and whitening washes on the market to consider. The level of effectiveness and ease of use vary from one product to the next, so it’s best to check with your dentist if they have a suggestion on which will work best without damaging your teeth.
3. Lemon peels or lemon juice
Lemon peels contain a lot of the vitamins necessary to keep your teeth healthy, as well as citric acid, which works almost as a bleaching agent. Therefore, it’s no surprise they would be considered a whitening method. If you choose this route, use it sparingly because it can be abrasive on your tooth enamel.
If you want to use lemon peels to whiten your teeth, there are a few methods you can try. The first step is to slice the peel into strips and dry them out. Once they’re dry, grind the peel down, add a little water to the peel, and stir to thicken. Once you have a bit more of a paste consistency, put some on your toothbrush and brush for 2-3 minutes. Rinse with water.
Another method involves peeling the lemon and then rubbing the outside of the peel on your teeth, carefully avoiding your gums. It’s that simple, but again, this method, in either form, should be used sparingly.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in teeth-whitening products. It has so many other uses – from bleaching hair to disinfecting wounds – that it’s already found in most homes and is a quick and convenient option. However, as with many of these methods, use this option sparingly to avoid damaging your teeth or breaking down the enamel.
If you elect to use this route, a good concentration of Hydrogen peroxide is 3%. Start by dipping a cotton ball or swab in the peroxide. Rub it all over your teeth, working carefully not to miss any spots (nobody wants polka-dot teeth!). Leave the peroxide on your teeth for roughly 30-60 seconds, then finish by brushing them.
5. Oil Pulling
If you’ve heard the term Ayurvedic medicine, you might be familiar with its various practices. It’s a system of healing that originated in India, and the term means ‘knowledge of living’ or ‘science of longevity.’ Oil pulling is a form of Ayurvedic medicine, and it involves swishing a tablespoon of oil around in your mouth for up to 20 minutes to “pull out” bacteria. The type of oil you choose is up to you, but common types include sesame, coconut, or olive oil. Coconut oil is probably the most popular because it has a pleasant taste and offers the added benefit of reducing inflammation because it’s high in lauric acid.
If you want to try oil pulling, start with 1 tablespoon of the preferred oil in your mouth. Work to ‘pull’ the oil through your teeth for up to 20 minutes – comparable to how you’d use mouthwash. It’ll remove plaque-causing bacteria, leave your mouth cleaner, and potentially whiten your teeth.
6. Stop It Before it Starts
We’re going to go with the obvious to finish our list and simply point out that avoiding things that can discolor your teeth will, in fact, give you whiter teeth. That means skipping coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, tobacco, or sugary fruit juices, just to name a few. Now, if you’re like me, getting rid of coffee and red wine is a non-starter, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still take steps to diminish their effects on my teeth.
If you are going to eat or drink things that will discolor your teeth, take steps to avoid their effects. Brush after your morning coffee, not before, and drink water with your wine to wash it away from your teeth. Integrating water into a cocktail hour is already a good idea, so it’s just one more reason to take care of yourself.
Conclusion
If you want a whiter, brighter smile, you can do it at home with everyday household items or easy-to-find products at the store. If you aren’t sure which method to use – or especially if you have sensitive or weak teeth—check with your dentist before trying any new teeth-whitening process.
Whiten Teeth at Home:
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