Homemade Remedy for White Teeth

A bright, white smile can significantly change your appearance. Most dental practices offer professional teeth whitening, and teeth whitening kits, strips, polishes and toothpastes line the hygiene aisles of drugstores and superstores everywhere. If you prefer a cheaper and more natural approach, home remedies are available that can lead to whiter teeth and a more dazzling smile.

Home Remedies for Whiter Teeth

• Baking soda is one of the most popular home remedies for white teeth. Mix a bit of baking soda in with your regular toothpaste and scrub it gently over your teeth. You can use a bit of baking soda with warm water several times a day in between your regular brushings for extra whitening. Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to form a paste that will break up stains that are more stubborn. Use your baking soda solution several times a day. You may see results quickly, or it may take several weeks depending on how severe and old the stains are, according to Natural-HomeRemedies.com

  You can also gargle with a solution of warm water and rock salt nightly before brushing to help break down tooth stains and reveal a whiter smile. Use 1 cup of water with 1/2 tsp. rock salt and brush your teeth thoroughly after using the rinse.

  Drop several small droplets of lemon juice on your toothbrush over your regular toothpaste before brushing to help remove stains and whiten your teeth. Make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any lemon juice residue after brushing to prevent damage to your enamel--it's highly acidic. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and table salt to spread over yellow tooth stains. Allow the mixture to settle on your teeth for several minutes before rinsing and brushing thoroughly. Try brushing with apple cider vinegar to break up discoloration before brushing with your regular toothpaste. You can also try rubbing the inside of an orange peel over stains before brushing.

  Make your own teeth whitening strips at home by spreading toothpaste mixed with baking soda over a thin strip of aluminum foil. Mold the foil around your teeth and leave the strip on for an hour. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking while the strip is in place. Rinse and brush your teeth after removing the strip. Repeat this process twice a week until the desired shade is achieved.

  Certain foods trigger saliva production, which can help scrub stains away, especially when combined with other teeth whitening methods, according to WebMD. Try snacking on celery, carrots, pears or apples to get saliva flowing. Chewing sugarless gum will also increase saliva.