How to Whiten Teeth with Natural Methods

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson Medically reviewed by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: July 29, 2024 Approved

Looking in the mirror and seeing yellow or discolored teeth can be a bummer. However, staining is normal since many foods discolor teeth and plaque can make your teeth look slightly yellow. Fortunately, you can get a whiter smile by changing some of your dental hygiene habits. Avoid wasting your time on unproven natural remedies and focus on preventing stains in the first place. You can also ask your dentist about natural whitening treatments that they offer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Trying Home Whitening Remedies

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1
Brush your teeth with a baking soda and peroxide mixture to remove stains.^{[1]
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Go to source} For a cheap whitening treatment, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts baking soda in a bowl.^{[2]
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Research source} Then, scrub the paste against your teeth for 2 minutes before you rinse your mouth with water.^{[3]
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- Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are both shown to be effective natural ingredients that whiten your teeth.^{[4]
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2
Don't swish coconut oil in your mouth since it isn't proven to whiten teeth. Swishing oil along with spices is known as oil pulling. Although some people claim that this lifts surface stains, it isn't an effectively proven whitener so save the coconut oil for your next baking project!^{[5]
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- Swishing certain spices, such as turmeric, can actually stain your teeth.
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3
Use activated charcoal products with caution. You've probably heard about lots of activated charcoal products, such as powders, pastes, and whitening strips, that claim to whiten teeth naturally. More research is needed to support these claims, but you could try an activated charcoal product to see if you notice whitening effects or ask your dentist what they recommend.^{[6]
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- Dentists are concerned that activated charcoal might be too abrasive for your teeth and gums, which could actually cause damage.^{[7]
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4
Avoid rubbing acidic ingredients against your teeth. You've probably seen natural remedies which tell you to mix acidic and abrasive ingredients before scrubbing the mixture on your teeth. Unfortunately, acidic ingredients wear away your teeth's enamel, which protects the teeth from cavities. Skip any home remedy that recommends rubbing these ingredients on your teeth:^{[8]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Lemon juice
- Orange juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Pineapple juice
- Mango juice

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Caring For Your Teeth

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Use a mouthwash rinse 2 times a day before you brush your teeth. Choose a mouthwash that lists hydrogen peroxide as an ingredient and swish it in your mouth for 1 full minute. Then, spit out the mouthwash and brush your teeth.^{[9]
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- Stick with the mouthwash for several weeks before you notice whiter teeth.
2
Choose a natural toothpaste if you want to avoid artificial ingredients. Because everyone's idea of what "natural" is can be different, read ingredients on the label to avoid products that contain things you don't want, such as artificial flavors, fragrances, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives, or make your own toothpaste.^{[10]
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- Look for a toothpaste that contains baking soda. This natural ingredient is proven to remove stains and whiten teeth.
- If you're buying toothpaste, ensure that the package says it's ADA (American Dental Association) approved.
3
Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day to remove surface stains. Squeeze the toothpaste onto your toothbrush and gently scrub your teeth using circular motions. Take time to brush the sides and top of your teeth to remove plaque. If this sticky substance builds up on your teeth, it can make your teeth look yellow and cause bacteria to thrive. Then, rinse your mouth with water.^{[11]
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Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3 months so the bristles effectively loosen plaque.^{[12]
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- Bacteria can grow on your tongue, so don't forget to brush your tongue after you finish brushing your teeth.^{[13]
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4
Floss your teeth once a day to prevent plaque buildup between your teeth. Buy any type of floss you like, whitening or not, and floss between each tooth at least 1 time a day. Flossing removes hard-to-reach plaque that makes your teeth look yellow.^{[14]
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- Since floss can be made from different materials, try a few different types to find out which kind you prefer.
5
Cut back on drinking liquids that stain your teeth. Your morning coffee, afternoon tea, and evening red wine might all be staining your teeth. The good news is that by limiting beverages that stain, it will be easier to clean and whiten your teeth naturally.^{[15]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Try drinking these liquids through a straw so you're not coating your teeth with them. You may need to let hot liquids cool down a little before you do this.
- There's no need to rush to the sink after you drink a staining beverage. Because the acid in coffee, tea, and wine softens your enamel temporarily, you should wait 1 hour before you brush your teeth.^{[16]
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6
Quit smoking to prevent nicotine from staining your teeth. Smoking just a few cigarettes a day can turn your teeth yellow. If you smoke even more, your teeth may become brown or black, so take steps to quit.^{[17]
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Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}^{[18]
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Go to source} If you're struggling to drop the habit, join a local support group or try smoking cessation programs. These programs can help you kick the habit and protect your teeth.
- You should also avoid chewing tobacco since it stains your teeth and contains abrasive ingredients that wear down your enamel.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Professional Dental Care

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Get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. You probably know that regular teeth cleaning is important. The hygienist thoroughly cleans your teeth while the dentist checks X-rays for cavities. Removing tough plaque buildup helps your teeth look whiter and the visit also gives you a chance to ask your dentist about natural whitening methods.^{[19]
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Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- Depending on the health of your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you get more frequent cleanings. For example, you might need to come in for check-ups every 6 months.
2
Ask your dentist to recommend natural home whitening treatments. You might feel overwhelmed by the number of home whitening kits that are available. Your dentist can recommend one that's effective and safe to use. Keep in mind that any home whitening kit you use should have the ADA seal of approval on the package.^{[20]
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- It's especially important to ask your dentist's advice if you have sensitive gums since many home whitening kits can irritate your teeth or gums.^{[21]
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Schedule whitening at your dentist's office if you want noticeably whiter teeth. Your dentist will polish your teeth and apply a whitening solution before brightening your teeth with UV light. To whiten your teeth, you'll need about 4 short whitening sessions.^{[22]
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Harvard Medical School
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- If you want clinically white teeth at home, ask your dentist to create a whitening tray that you press against your teeth and wear overnight. Although it takes about 2 weeks, your teeth will stay white for 2 years.^{[23]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I make my teeth whiter naturally?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoridated toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes each time you do it and don't forget to floss. See your dentist at least twice a year to get your teeth professionally cleaned. That's it! There are no magic tricks when it comes to taking care of your teeth!

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While you may have heard that rubbing mashed strawberries on your teeth whitens them, studies have shown that this isn't effective. Save the strawberries for eating and try a whitening toothpaste instead!^{[24]
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Warnings

Do not use abrasive or acidic ingredients on your teeth, since these can remove your teeth's protective enamel.^{[25]
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