7 natural ways to whiten teeth and prevent stains at home (2024)

  • To whiten teeth, it's most important to brush and floss regularly, and limit staining behaviors.

  • Avoid natural teeth whitening methods that lack evidence, like oil pulling or charcoal.

  • It's also worth asking your dentist about the best at-home and in-office teeth whitening treatments for you.

  • Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.

It is possible to whiten your teeth at home, and you may not even need to buy a whitening kit from your dentist or drugstore.

There are many common natural methods to whiten teeth and also prevent them from getting stained in the first place. But not all of them are backed by research, even if popular.

Here's what science says about the most effective ways to whiten your teeth naturally.

Note: If you'd like to explore more options and learn about the best over-the-counter teeth whitening products, see our complete teeth whitening guide.

1. Brush your teeth

"The best methods for natural whitening are everyday habits such as brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes," says Onika Patel, DDS, a dentist at Minted Dental.

Your teeth pick up food and bacteria when you eat, so brushing it away prevents the bacteria from forming plaque and yellowing your teeth, says Ronald Perry, DMD, a professor in the School of Dental Medicine at Tufts University.

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can be difficult to remove once it hardens, and as it builds up can make your teeth appear yellow.

2. Floss

Just like brushing, floss helps get the food out from between your teeth, which can make them look dull and yellowish.

Related Article Module: 4 reasons why you should always floss before you brush, according to dentists

"Cleaning between the teeth at least once a day can help stop hardened buildup from settling on the teeth and causing stains," Patel says.

The best time to floss is after you have eaten to remove food from between your teeth.

3. Try baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is the active bleaching agent in many whitening products from the dentist's office and the drugstore. Baking soda and peroxide are also common ingredients in whitening toothpaste.

In a 2012 randomized clinical trial of 146 people, whitening toothpaste that contained baking soda and peroxide was effective at removing stains from tooth enamel. However, Perry notes that baking soda can be quite abrasive, so you should be careful about using it.

Related Article Module: Does baking soda whiten teeth? It can, but toothpaste is a better option - here's why

Patel recommends the use of whitening toothpaste with the American Dental Association seal to ensure it is tested to be effective and not too abrasive.

"These toothpastes help maintain a white smile but often may not give you a drastic shade improvement," she says.

4. Avoid oil pulling

Oil pulling is a traditional remedy that originated in India. It involves swishing a tablespoon of oil around in your mouth for at least 20 minutes to remove bacteria.

However, there is no clinical evidence oil pulling works to whiten teeth. Patel says she does not recommend it for whitening because there is no clinical evidence that shows its effectiveness and may cause gastrointestinal upset in some people.

Important: There's also no evidence for other popular teeth whitening remedies, like using charcoal to brush your teeth. Stick to dentist-approved methods to whiten teeth effectively.

5. Eat more fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are typically healthy choices for your teeth - it's always better to eat an apple instead of a sticky or sugary snack.

Fruits also contain enzymes that some say help whiten teeth. Certain fruit enzymes, such as papain from papaya and bromelain from pineapple, may hold promise as peroxide-free whitening treatments, but clinical trials are needed to prove their effectiveness.

Patel notes that some acidic fruits, like lemons, can wear away at your teeth and cause yellowing over time. Try to stay away from more acidic fruits and vegetables for whiter teeth.

6. Drink more water

Drinking water is good for your teeth, especially when you replace sugary beverages such as soda with water.

Water also cleans your mouth. After having soda or a candy bar, swishing water around your mouth will help get rid of some of the acid and bacteria, Perry says.

7. Go to the dentist

Going to the dentist regularly is key to make sure there are no issues happening in your teeth such as cavities or cracks.

A dentist can also help you decide on the best method for whitening your teeth, be it a natural method, over the counter, or in-office procedure.

Why are my teeth yellow?

To prevent the need for extreme whitening, you should avoid the causes of yellow teeth in the first place. It's common for the following lifestyle behaviors to stain your teeth:

  • Smoking

  • Drinking coffee, tea, or wine

  • Failing to brush and floss regularly

Your teeth may also be yellowish or gray due to genetic factors, medications, or injury. In that case, bleaching may not help get your teeth whiter.

Insider's takeaway

Overall, the best way to whiten teeth naturally and prevent stains is brushing and flossing regularly to ensure visible plaque doesn't form.

Whitening toothpaste can be a safe way of removing some surface staining on the enamel, but for more drastic whitening results, you may need to consult a dentist for an in-office or at-home treatment.

The 7 best flossing alternatives, according to dentistsThe 4 best teeth whitening kits for a brighter smile and minimal irritation6 reasons why your teeth may be hurting7 bad habits you should stop right now to save your teeth, according to dentists

Read the original article on Insider

7 natural ways to whiten teeth and prevent stains at home (2024)

FAQs

What home remedy whitens stained teeth? ›

Experiment to find a solution that works for you.
  1. Brushing your teeth. ...
  2. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. ...
  3. Coconut oil pulling. ...
  4. Apple cider vinegar. ...
  5. Lemon, orange, or banana peels. ...
  6. Activated charcoal. ...
  7. Eating fruits and vegetables with a higher water content.

How to get teeth super white? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

How to remove brown stains from teeth naturally? ›

Baking soda is a popular home remedy for stained teeth. To use this method, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water. Rub the paste onto your teeth and let it sit for two minutes before rinsing. You can also try using hydrogen peroxide.

What whitens teeth really fast? ›

In-office whitening procedures like Zoom Advanced Power whitening can see immediate results because dentists use a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with a "light source directly on the teeth to break up all the molecules that cause staining and discoloration," he explains.

Does apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›

Due to it's high acidity, ACV is not recommended for teeth whitening. If you use it, it is best to dilute it and ensure you are rinsing your teeth afterward. There are better alternatives for teeth whitening, including the use of teeth whitening strips, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda.

How do you get badly stains off your teeth white? ›

Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash.

Some also include bleaching agents to remove deep-set stains, too. Your teeth should become gradually whiter as the products lift off stains bit by bit, day by day.

What removes stains from teeth? ›

Some remedies include whitening toothpaste, activated charcoal whitening, whitening strips, apple cider vinegar, and good ol' fashion baking soda. Many people swear by fruits like pineapples and apples.

How to remove black stains from teeth? ›

Method 1: Use a brush to dip baking soda and brush directly on the tooth surface for 2 minutes; Method 2: Mix a little baking soda with lemon juice to form a paste, then use it to brush your teeth as usual. After a few minutes, you can see the effect, your teeth are much brighter and cleaner.

What is the cheapest way to whiten your teeth? ›

Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

How do Americans get their teeth so white? ›

There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types. They are essentially thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the surface of your teeth.

What is the best tooth stain remover? ›

Toothpaste brands such as Crest3D and Colgate Max White are exceptionally good at removing stains that are not too deep. The brushing technique matters and the proven way is to brush up and down as well as with a sideways motion.

Can I reverse brown spots on my teeth? ›

Many over-the-counter products can eliminate tooth discoloration. A person will usually see results after 1–2 weeks, though there is no guarantee. Some over-the-counter options include: whitening mouthwashes and rinses containing hydrogen peroxide.

How to remove tar stains from teeth? ›

Brush and floss after smoking.

This is to quickly remove tar and chemicals that can become embedded into the enamel, causing stains. Use anti-tar mouthwash, which is made especially for smokers. Use it regularly along with whitening toothpaste to sustain lighter teeth.

How to get rid of yellow teeth overnight? ›

No treatment can whiten teeth overnight, but some options are faster than others. Natural or over-the-counter treatment may take longer than treatments at the dentist's office. Even in the latter case, whitening is likely to require several treatment sessions of several hours each.

How to get white teeth in 1 day with baking soda? ›

To try this method, mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Brush your teeth with the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse with water. Make sure you use hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% or less.

How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results. If you're looking for a quick fix, other options are available, such as professional teeth whitening in the Colony, TX, or take-home kits.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 6006

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.