According to the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Dentistry, around 74 million Americans don’t have dental insurance.

Missing dental appointments can lead to many dental health issues. One thing you might be struggling with if you haven’t visited the dentist is stained teeth.

The good thing is that there are many ways to whiten your teeth from home before considering professional treatment. This guide will discuss some DIY treatments you can try. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Oil Pulling Can Whiten Your Teeth

If you want to learn how to whiten teeth at home, you should consider oil pulling. Oil pulling is a great way to improve your oral health too. It helps remove bacteria, toxins, and plaque from your mouth.

During your nighttime routine, you can grab a spoonful of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for five minutes every day. As you get used to the process, you can increase your daily time gradually until you reach 20 minutes.

You can also use sesame seed or sunflower oil if you prefer. If you have trouble swishing the oil around in your mouth for that long, you can try adding some coconut oil to your toothbrush and gently brushing your teeth.

2. Good Oral Hygiene Will Help

Practicing good oral hygiene habits is a simple way to whiten your teeth without having to spend a lot of money. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day or after every meal. You should brush for a minimum of two minutes each time.

Don’t forget to floss every night. Flossing will get rid of any excess bacteria your brush can’t reach. It will reduce the amount of plaque buildup in your mouth and keep your teeth looking bright.

You should also practice tongue scraping every morning. Bacteria tends to stay on your tongue even after brushing. Tongue scraping will improve your overall oral health.

3. A Well Balanced Diet Is Key

If you want to learn how to whiten teeth naturally, you should try adjusting your diet. A well-balanced diet is a key to a healthy body and smile.

Eating certain foods can help whiten your teeth and reduce the amount of corrosion. Foods high in fiber often require more chewing, and this process can help reduce the plaque in your mouth. The increased production of saliva is a natural way to clean and whiten your teeth.

Increase the amount of pineapple and papaya in your diet. These fruits contain bromelain. This enzyme is anti-inflammatory and can help remove stains from your teeth as well.

Vegetables high in water can help remove bacteria and plaque from your mouth too. Try eating more celery or carrots throughout the day.

4. Try Baking Soda

Baking soda is another product you probably already have in your pantry. Baking soda has an alkaline pH which can help remove stains from your teeth.

Mix some baking soda with water and use the paste to brush your teeth. This will help kill bacteria in your mouth as well.

Since baking soda can be abrasive, try not to overuse the product, especially if you have sensitive teeth. You can also consider switching to a toothpaste made with baking soda.

5. Activated Charcoal Can Whiten Teeth Too

If you want to know how to make your teeth white in another way, you can try using activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a natural product used to remove toxins and stains.

You can buy the powder and use water to create a paste or purchase a toothpaste made using activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is another abrasive so use it with caution.

The abrasiveness of the product can deteriorate your enamel and increase your risk of developing other dental health issues.

6. You Can Also Try Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching product that also kills bacteria and helps prevent cavities. A high concentration of hydrogen peroxide can strip the enamel from your teeth and cause sensitivity but diluting it into your mouthwash makes it safe to use.

There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products made with hydrogen peroxide. If you choose one of these products, make sure it only contains about 1% of hydrogen peroxide, so it isn’t too abrasive for your teeth.

7. Use Banana Peels

Avoid food waste and whiten your teeth at the same time using banana peels. Save your banana peels after making a smoothie, wash, and clean them.

Take out a peel at night and rub the inside part of it against your teeth for about two minutes. The potassium and magnesium in the peel are natural stain removers.

8. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another natural tooth whitening product you can use at home. Dilute apple cider vinegar with some water and use it as a mouth wash in the evening.

You can also create a paste using baking soda and apple cider vinegar to brush your teeth and remove surface stains. Apple cider vinegar is an acid that can lead to tooth decay, so don’t use this teeth whitening method every day.

9. Get Professional Teeth Cleaning

While at-home treatments can help, the best way to whiten teeth is by going to a professional. Reach out to a dental health professional in your area to choose from a variety of teeth whitening options.

Your dental health professional will work to customize a procedure that works for you.

Whiten Your Teeth Using These Methods

If you want to whiten your teeth at home, you can go the natural route by trying oil pulling or using banana peels. You can also consider getting a professional teeth whitening treatment for better results.

Check out some of the other health blogs on our site for more oral health tips.