Want a dazzling white smile but don’t want to use products full of dangerous chemicals and unknown ingredients? There are lots of effective, safe ways to naturally whiten teeth at home.
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According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, most people want their smile to be whiter and brighter. It’s no surprise that dental whitening and at-home tooth whitening treatments have become so popular!
But beware; using a commercial dental whitening product come with its own set of problems:
- They are expensive. Tooth whiteners can set you back $15 -$45 for store bought treatments and an average of $250 for in-office treatments.
- They are full of artificial ingredients and man-made chemicals. Tooth whiteners and whitening toothpastes can contain artificial fragrances, artificial flavoring, plastic polymers, sodium laurel sulfate, triclosan, alcohol, hydrated silica, and other ingredients that I do not want in my body!
- They can be irritating to teeth and gums. Commercial tooth whiteners can cause tooth sensitivity or pain, an increase in hot or cold sensitivity, and gum irritation.
How to Naturally Whiten Teeth at Home
Luckily there are lots of home remedies you can use to brighten your smile that are affordable and easy. Learn how to naturally whiten your teeth at home with these 14 effective, all-natural solutions:
1 – Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
What to do: Create a thin paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with hydrogen peroxide in a small dish, use a soft toothbrush to apply the paste to teeth and brush gently for 2 minutes. Rinse and brush with regular toothpaste.
Why this works: Hydrogen peroxide is the bleach used most often in commercial teeth-whitening products, it bleaches stains from teeth to restore their natural, white color. Baking soda is mildly abrasive which helps gently buff away surface stains and thicken the peroxide so it stays on the surface of the tooth longer.
Learn more about whitening teeth with baking soda at How Stuff Works.
2 – Hydrogen Peroxide Swish
What to do: Brush teeth with regular toothpaste. Mix ½ cup of water with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, swish in your mouth for 1 minute. Brush and rinse with water to remove hydrogen peroxide. Repeat daily until you see lighter teeth.
Why this works: The peroxide bleaches stains from teeth to restore their natural, white color.
Learn more about whitening teeth with hydrogen peroxide at Bargain Babe.
3 – Sea Salt and Baking Soda Paste
What to do: Create a thin paste by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with ½ teaspoon of sea salt and a bit of water in a small dish, use a soft toothbrush to apply to teeth and gently brush for 2 minutes. Rinse and brush with regular toothpaste.
Why this works: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and salt are gentle abrasives that remove surface stains from teeth.
Learn more about whitening teeth with sea salt at Underground Health Reporter.
4 – Turmeric Powder Paste
What to do: Create a thin paste by mixing a teaspoon of organic turmeric powder and a bit of water in a small dish, use a soft toothbrush to apply the paste to teeth and gently brush for 2 minutes. Be careful not to spatter, it can stain! Rinse with water then brush with regular toothpaste.
Why this works: Turmeric powder is a gentle abrasive that can removing surface stains to reveal whiter teeth. Turmeric is naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial which makes it a great choice for natural dental care.
Learn more about whitening teeth with turmeric at Mommypotamus.
5 – Activated Charcoal Brush
What to do: Wet toothbrush and sprinkle with food grade activated charcoal powder then brush for 2 minutes. Be careful not to spatter, it can stain! Rinse with water then brush with regular toothpaste.
Why this works: Activated charcoal whitens by absorbing plaque and other tooth-staining substances, leaving your teeth cleaner and brighter.
Learn more about whitening teeth with activated charcoal at Wellness Mama.
6 – Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Paste
What to do: Mixing a teaspoon of lemon juice with enough baking soda to make a thin paste, use a soft toothbrush to apply to teeth and gently brush for 2 minutes. Rinse with water then brush with regular toothpaste to remove all lemon juice.
Why this works: Lemons are high in citric acid which acts as a natural bleach for stains on teeth. Baking soda is mildly abrasive which helps gently buff away surface stains and thicken the lemon juice so it stays on the teeth longer.
Learn more about whitening teeth with lemon juice at Everyday Roots.
7 – Coconut Oil Pulling
What to do: Place a tablespoon of organic coconut oil in your mouth and swish/swirl it around your mouth (the way you’d use a mouthwash) for 5-20 minutes. Rise then sprinkle clean, damp toothbrush with baking soda and brush your teeth. Rinse.
Why this works: Oil pulling is an ancient technique that removes plaque and bacteria exposing whiter, brighter teeth. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and can also help to reduce gum disease. Baking soda is mildly abrasive which helps gently buff away surface stains.
Learn about whitening your teeth with coconut oil pulling at Health Extremist.
8 – Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse And Scrub
What to do: Swirl a mouthful of ACV around your mouth the way you’d use mouthwash for 2 minutes then dip your toothbrush in apple cider vinegar (ACV) and brush to help remove stains. Rinse then brush your teeth with baking soda or toothpaste to remove all ACV.
Why this works: ACV contains acetic acid which helps break down plaque and stains on teeth. It also contains minerals, probiotics, and enzymes which can kill germs and bacteria in your mouth.
Learn about whitening your teeth with apple cider vinegar at Dr Axe.
9 – Baking Soda, Toothpaste, and Hydrogen Peroxide Scrub
What to do: Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of toothpaste and a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. Spread mixture over teeth and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Brush teeth with mixture then rinse thoroughly with water, brush with regular toothpaste or plain baking soda to remove all hydrogen peroxide.
Why this works: The peroxide bleaches stains from teeth to restore their natural, white color. Baking soda is mildly abrasive which helps gently buff away surface stains and the toothpaste helps the mixture adhere to the surface of the tooth.
Learn more about making a whitening tooth scrub at Colgate.
10 – Homemade Whitening Toothpaste with Essential Oils
What to do: Mix equal parts of organic coconut oil and baking soda with a few drops of peppermint oil, spearmint essential oil, or cinnamon bark oil to create toothpaste. Brush teeth twice a day.
Why this works: Coconut oil and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) are a powerful plaque-removing combination that’s naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. The mint oil gives the mixture an appealing flavor .
Learn more about homemade whitening toothpaste at Family Sponge and Crunchy Betty.
11 – Homemade Whitening Toothpaste with Turmeric
What to do: Mix 1 tablespoons of organic coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder with a few drops of peppermint oil, spearmint essential oil, or cinnamon bark oil to create toothpaste. Brush teeth twice a day.
Why this works: Coconut oil and turmeric powder are a powerful plaque-removing combination that’s naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. The essential oil gives the toothpaste a nice flavor .
Learn more about whitening teeth with homemade turmeric toothpaste at Fit Life.
12 – Lemon or Orange Peel and Salt Rub
What to do: Sprinkle the white side of an orange peel with sea salt then gently rub a small piece onto your teeth for 2 minutes. Rinse then brush with regular toothpaste or baking soda to remove all citrus residue.
Why this work: The white part of a citrus peel naturally contains d-limonene a substance that is used in commercial teeth whitening products. Salt is naturally abrasive and can help remove surface stains.
Learn more about whitening your teeth with citrus peels at Live Strong.
13 – Strawberry and Baking Soda Paste
What to do: Crush and stir a large strawberry with ½ teaspoon of baking soda until smooth and well blended. Spread mixture onto teeth and wait 5 minutes. Rinse then brush with regular toothpaste or baking soda to remove all berry residue.
Why this works: Strawberries contain malic acid which is used in many commercials teeth whitening products to help remove surface stains. Baking soda is a mild abrasive which helps gently buff away discoloration.
Learn more about whitening teeth with strawberries at Health.
14 – Banana Peel Rub
What to do: Gently rub a small piece of the inside of the banana peel of your teeth for two minutes. Rinse then brush with regular toothpaste or baking soda to remove all banana residue.
Why this works: The high level of minerals in the peel (potassium, magnesium, and manganese) are absorbed into the teeth and help to whiten your smile. .
Learn more about whitening teeth with banana peels at Southeast Family Dental.
2 Tips to Naturally Whiten Teeth at Home
- Track Tooth Whitening Progress: Whitening teeth at home will not produce the immediate dramatic results you see in the dentists office. You should take photos to help track your progress.
- What to do: Take a picture of your teeth before and after each whitening treatment. Compare the images to see what works.
- Why: The natural whitening process is gradual, you will be able to see analyze the results more if you compare a before and after picture instead of relying on your memory.
- Tooth Whitening Warnings: If you have any dental issues or dental work you should consult with your dentist before trying any of these home remedies.
- Be Cautious – Naturally whitening teeth at home is safe and effective if done correctly. Use these natural tooth whitening remedies occasionally to avoid damage to the tooth enamel.
- Be Realistic – Some yellowing is natural and is a sign of healthy tooth enamel. You do not want to over-bleach or cause enamel damage.
Disclaimer
Information on Bren Did is provided for educational purposes only and has not be evaluated by the by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should NOT be substituted for the advice of your health care professional. If you rely solely upon this advice you do so at your own risk.
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Chloe
The tried and true baking soda + peroxide – extremely inexpensive and it works! You just have to be dedicated and keep up on it, because it doesn’t work instantly. And don’t do it too often either, I learned that the hard way a long time ago.
Bren
Thanks, Chloe!
Katie
Hi Bren Katie here 😉 Love your blogs. Just wondering is the Hydrogen Peroxide you listed 3% food grade or higher?
Bren
3%
Amelia Haggan
i just thought this was amazing but i did make one change to #9 instead of adding HP i just did Baking Soda and toothpaste the rinsed with water and HP it also worked
Bren
I’m so glad it worked for you, Amelia!
Iliana
Great tips! Thank you. I am wondering if creating a turmeric powder, coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils would be too much. Thanks again!
Bren
I’m not sure, Iliana… let me know if you give it a try!
husein
thanks for this post
it was a very helpful
Bren
Thanks for commenting!
Madison
Hey Bren,
I was curious how often you should do this and what your preferred one that also worked the most
Bren
I prefer the baking soda/peroxide method. People’s teeth differ so you’ll have to decide which method / frequency works best for you!
Javed Kassis
It was a very helpful and informative blog. I have read a few articles about lemon being good for whitening and oral health among other things but it was recommended rinsing your teeth well with water after, as lemon is bad for enamel. I have also read it takes about twenty minutes before food starts to cause cavities.
Bren
Great tip, Javed.
Steve
Hey Bren, thanks for sharing. I was afraid that doing whitening at a dentist would hurt my teeth, so I decided to try out some of these ideas and they are showing results!
Bren
Thanks for commenting, Steve. I’m glad the tips are helping!
Adarsh
Hey Bren, thanks for sharing these effective home remedies for whitening teeth. From the list, I have tried a couple of them and found them useful. The turmeric powder paste is the easiest though and the results are splendid. Appreciate your efforts in putting together this great list. Keep up the good work!
Bren
Thanks for sharing your results, Adarsh! I’m happy to hear the turmeric powder paste is working for you!
Sanjay Kumar
Hi Bren,
What a well-researched post! It was very helpful and informative. Will surely give some of these homemade remedies a try. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post!
Bren
Thanks, Sanjay!