Written by Medicover Team and Medically
Reviewed by
Dr Prerit Rao
Best Teeth Whitening Home Remedies
A white smile can boost your confidence, but getting your teeth professionally whitened can be expensive and take time. Luckily, there are simple and low-cost ways to whiten your teeth at home. From natural methods to toothpaste to whiten your teeth, you have many options to try.
Before starting, remember that home remedies may take longer to show results and may not work like professional treatments. If you have tooth sensitivity, or irritated gums or other dental issues, talk to a dentist first.
Basics of Teeth Whitening
Various discolouration, including food, drinks, smoking, and aging, can cause teeth discolouration. Whitening works by removing surface stains and changing the intrinsic color of the teeth. While there are many products and procedures available, many people look for teeth whitening at home remedies due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Here are ten popular and easy-to-implement DIY teeth whitening options:
1. Baking Soda and Peroxide Paste
One of the most well-known home remedies for teeth whitening involves mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to create a paste. Apply the paste gently to your teeth using a toothbrush and brush for two minutes before rinsing.
2. Whitening Toothpaste
There are many teeth-whitening toothpastes available, which contain mild scrubbing agents and chemicals designed to remove surface stains. Choose a toothpaste with a seal of approval from dental associations for safety and effectiveness.
3. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an old method where you swish oil, like coconut oil, in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. It helps remove bacteria and keeps your mouth clean. While the whitening effects are anecdotal, many people report a brighter smile after oil pulling.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar can help whiten teeth naturally. Mix it with water and rinse your mouth for a few minutes, then rinse again with clean water. Use it carefully because it is acidic and can harm your tooth enamel if used too much.
5. Fruit Peels
Rubbing the inside of a banana or orange peel on your teeth is believed to help whiten them due to the presence of magnesium, manganese, and potassium in the peels. However, there's limited scientific evidence to support this claim.
6. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can help remove surface stains on teeth. Apply activated charcoal powder to your toothbrush and brush gently. Rinse thoroughly after brushing.
7. Turmeric Paste
Create a paste using turmeric powder and water, and apply it to your teeth. After brushing with the paste, allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but its teeth-whitening effects are not scientifically proven.
8. Lemon or Orange Juice
The citric acid in lemon or orange juice can act as a natural bleach for your teeth. Apply the juice to your teeth with a cotton ball or brush it on, then rinse after a few minutes. Use this method sparingly, as the acid can damage tooth enamel.
9. Strawberries
Strawberries contain malic acid, which may help to remove surface discolouration. Mash a few strawberries, apply the mixture to your teeth, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
10. Dietary Changes
Reducing the intake of stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can help prevent further discolouration. Additionally, increasing the consumption of crunchy fruits and vegetables can help naturally clean your teeth.
Precautions and Considerations
Before trying any home remedy, consider the following precautions:
Always use remedies in moderation to avoid damaging your enamel.
Some remedies may worsen tooth sensitivity or cause gum irritation.
If you have tooth decay, consult your dentist before trying home whitening.
Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth After Whitening
If your teeth feel sensitive after whitening, use tooth sensitivity treatment products like desensitizing toothpaste. They help soothe irritated gums and restore comfort.
Maintaining Your Whiter Smile
After achieving the desired level of whiteness, it's crucial to maintain your smile to prevent future stains.
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth White
Brush twice daily and floss regularly.
Avoid or limit foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.
Use a straw when drinking beverages that may cause stains.
Get routine Dental cleanings and consider using teeth whitening strips if recommended by your dentist.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Professional whitening works best, but home remedies can also help brighten your teeth affordably. Always be careful and check with your dentist if unsure. With time and effort, you can get a whiter smile using easy DIY methods or whitening toothpaste.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, daily use of strong whitening remedies like baking soda, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide can damage enamel. Limit use to 2–3 times a week unless advised by a dentist.
Most natural remedies take 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use to show visible results. The timeframe varies depending on the method and your current tooth color.
The safest remedies include oil pulling and whitening toothpaste approved by dental associations. These are gentle on enamel and suitable for regular use.
Whitening is generally more effective at night after your last meal, so food or drink doesn’t stain your freshly cleaned teeth immediately.
Yes. Vigorous brushing with abrasive substances like baking soda or charcoal can erode enamel and cause sensitivity or gum recession.
Use gentle options like oil pulling or a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Avoid overusing acidic ingredients like lemon juice or abrasive materials like charcoal. Always brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.