Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the country. It is natural that people want to present a white and shiny smile. While there are commercial products and teeth-whitening services available, you can also try a few home remedies to brighten your smile. Gels, pastes, and kits are the main teeth-whitening products available but home remedies are cheaper and worth a try before you opt for a chemical solution.

Baking soda
Any homemaker knows that baking soda is the go-to ingredient to restore and clean anything that is dirty or stained from an oven to a chopping board. This great ingredient works just as well to clean and brighten teeth. It is even used in whitening toothpaste. With its mildly abrasive action, baking soda can brighten your teeth. It is slower than a professional treatment but just as effective in the long term. It gives an added benefit of reducing the acidity in one’s mouth. To whiten teeth with baking soda make a paste of a teaspoon of soda with water and brush teeth with this paste a few times a week.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy that is a solution to many health issues. It is found to have a bleaching as well as an antibacterial effect on the teeth. However its acid content can also soften and erode the tooth enamel and if using this bleaching method one should use the apple cider vinegar in a diluted form, keep the exposure time to the minimum and rinse well with plain water afterward.

Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide finds its place in most homes either for its bleaching or disinfecting properties. It is the base of many main teeth-whitening products. It has been used in a highly diluted form as a mouthwash but there are no studies on the use of this remedy and its safety and effectiveness.

Lemon juice
Lemon juice is acidic and has bleaching properties. I can be used on teeth to whiten and brighten them. However, its acid content can actually destroy the enamel and damage the teeth.

Sea salt
Brushing with sea salt is a home remedy that has been used to brighten teeth. Using this once might do the trick but repeated use would damage the teeth due to the abrasive action.

Oil pulling
One of the traditional ways to maintain oral hygiene is the practice of oil pulling. In this method, oil is swished around the mouth to cleanse it. Though any oil can be used, the most popular one is coconut oil. It is pleasant to taste and has many other health benefits. The practice of oil pulling removes the bacteria in the mouth. This prevents plaque formation which would otherwise build up and cause the teeth to turn yellow. This method is a time tested one and does not expose teeth to any harsh or harmful chemicals, unlike other main teeth-whitening products.