How to whiten teeth at home: 7 effective home methods

A beautiful smile is an excellent business card, as this characteristic conveys confidence and makes it easier to get closer to other people.

However, over the years, some everyday habits end up changing the natural color of the enamel, leaving our teeth stained or yellow.

Dark drinks, such as coffee and cola, inadequate brushing and smoking are some of the main factors that contribute to the darkening of teeth.

If you are feeling bothered by this problem and would like to clear them up, you can try the homemade tricks that we have listed below. Always remember not to abuse these methods, as they are often abrasive and can damage tooth enamel if used in excess:

1. Baking soda and lemon

This is one of the most popular methods to whiten your teeth at home. While these ingredients don’t work very well on their own, the chemical reaction they produce is quite efficient.

In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon. Remove excess saliva and plaque with a cotton swab, then brush your teeth with the mixture. Wait a minute and rinse well.

Tip: don’t leave the mixture on your teeth for more than a minute, as the acid can corrode the enamel and make them very sensitive, and apply it no more than once a week.

2. Strawberry

There is some evidence that strawberries can help whiten teeth because of their acidic content. You can use it in two ways: brushing your teeth with a crushed strawberry or mixing the fruit with your toothpaste.

In both cases, you should rinse your mouth very well after brushing, preferably with water mixed with a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity of the strawberry. Do this procedure once or twice a week.

3. Hydrogen peroxide

The abrasive power of hydrogen peroxide can also help whiten your teeth. For this, mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide volume 10 and a tablespoon of water.

Soak a cotton ball or gauze in this mixture and rub it gently over your teeth. Then, rinse with plenty of water to remove all the product.

4. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate

Make a kind of homemade toothpaste by mixing 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of baking soda.

With a soft toothbrush (the recipe is already quite abrasive on its own), apply the product as you would a regular toothpaste. Rinse until all product is removed and brush your teeth as usual.

Do not use the mixture more than twice a week so as not to damage your tooth enamel.

5. Activated carbon

Activated charcoal is a substance with high absorption capacity, including being able to remove stains from teeth. For this tip, you can buy activated card powder or, if you can’t find it, pills, but you will have to crush them.

Separate some of the charcoal and dip a damp toothbrush into the powder until you get enough to cover all of your teeth. It is recommended to separate a brush only for this purpose.

Make circular motions on your teeth for about two minutes and spit out as much of the charcoal as you can. Then, rinse your mouth several times until the product is completely removed. Brush your teeth normally.

Detail: avoid doing this trick right after ingesting a medication, as activated charcoal can absorb the active substance and reduce its effect.

6. Orange peel

The white part of the orange peel contains a substance called d-limonene, which helps to remove stains from your teeth. The tip is to rub the white part on your teeth, letting it take effect for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing and brushing normally.

You will need to repeat this method several times a week for 15 to 20 days to notice the lightening.

7. Ripe banana peel

Being rich in potassium, magnesium and manganese, bananas can help whiten teeth and remove stains. For the best effect, choose a fruit that is fully ripe.

After peeling the banana, rub the inside of the peel on your teeth for about two minutes and let it work for about 15 minutes. Try not to rest your lips too much on your teeth during this period. Brush your teeth normally.

Repeat the procedure two to three times a week, but no more than that to avoid damaging the enamel. The effect should appear after 15 to 20 days.

Keep in mind that these are home remedies and they won’t give you the same results as a treatment done at a dental clinic, but they can help smooth out a very yellowish appearance.

If you notice any increase in the sensitivity or texture of your teeth, discontinue your home treatment and seek professional advice.