An evidence-based guide for how to whiten teeth at home: Get a brighter, whiter smile, sans dentist chair (2024)

They say the eyes are the window to the soul. However, you can make a strong case that the teeth actually are. Hear us out: You flash your chompers when you’re happy and grit them when you’re mad. People see them when you’re talking. You want to show off a bright, pristine appearance. However, age, dietary and other lifestyle habits, and medical conditions can turn those pearly whites into anything but. The good news: You can hit refresh and whiten teeth at home. That news is even better when you consider that professional teeth whitening can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 on average.

Contents

  • What causes discolored teeth?
  • Can yellow teeth become white again?
  • Tips for how to whiten teeth at home
  • Ways to avoid tooth discoloration in the first place

Skip the dentist’s office chair and whiten your teeth in the comfort of your bathroom. Here are the top tips on how to whiten teeth at home.

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What causes discolored teeth?

Some reasons why teeth go from white to yellow, spotted, or brown are controllable. Others aren’t. These reasons include:

  • Drinks: Coffee, tea, dark sodas like co*ke, and red wine are all common culprits.
  • Food: Starches like pasta and potatoes can also trigger stains.
  • Tobacco use: Add this to your reasons to nix tobacco use this year — Smoking or chewing tobaccocauses tooth discoloration.
  • Dental hygiene: Things happen, but consistently skipping brushing and flossing and annual or bi-annual dental appointments add up to stained teeth.
  • In-office medical treatments: Tooth discoloration is one possible side effect of treatments like head and neck radiation and chemotherapy.
  • Medications: Childhood use of some medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can affect enamel formation and cause tooth discoloration. Antihistamines like Benadryl may also discolor teeth.
  • Aging: As you rack up the birthday candles, your outer layer of tooth enamel begins to wear away. This makes the yellow dentin, a yellowish tissue that comprises most of your teeth, more apparent.
  • Genetics: A whiter and thicker enamel may or may not be part of your DNA.
  • Fluoride: When your tooth enamel is developing as a child, getting too much fluoride, such as in tap water, can lead to fluorosis, which presents as white spots on the teeth.

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Can yellow teeth become white again?

Yes, but it’ll take a bit of TLC. Yellow teeth can become white again, and other are tons of remedies on the market. It may be as simple as changing toothpaste, followed by some dietary tweaks, such as reducing coffee and red wine. (Sorry.) Other people may need to undergo teeth whitening in a dentist’s office, but over-the-counter products have also gotten better over the years and are worth a try as a first-line effort. Though you may not love the dentist, they can give you more tips catered to your unique smile.

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Tips for how to whiten teeth at home

From natural approaches to OTC teeth whitening kits, here are some ways to get a brighter smile at home.

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Consume enough calcium

One natural teeth whitening tip is to be sure to consume enough calcium. Calcium can protect against enamel erosion that can trigger discoloration, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Dairy products like cow’s milk are an obvious calcium source. Spinach, sardines, and dark, leafy vegetables are other options.

Find a toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has long been lauded for its ability to help clean wounds. It may also be beneficial as a toothpaste ingredient. A 2020 study found that toothpaste containing higher amounts of the natural bleaching agent helped people achieve whiter teeth in 12 weeks. It may cause some tooth sensitivity, though. If you notice sensitivity when brushing with toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide, you may want to cease use. If you’re prone to tooth sensitivity, talk to your dentist before trying these toothpaste options.

Try toothpaste with baking soda

Baking soda is generally considered less irritating than hydrogen peroxide. Research indicates that consistently brushing with toothpaste containing baking soda will help reduce discoloration over time. Brushing with pure baking soda has not been proven to whiten teeth, and in fact might be too abrasive to use every time you brush.

Choose an over-the-counter teeth whitening kit

Pharmacies and other big-box retailers typically stock several teeth whitening kit options. These usually include special toothpaste and strips to use for a short period to help whiten teeth. They may be particularly helpful when you need a quick fix before a big day, such as a wedding. You may want to give them a test run beforehand to ensure they don’t cause irritation. Your dentist is a good resource for helping you find one right for you.

Practice good dental hygiene

One of the simplest ways to whiten teeth and keep them that way is to go back to basics. The ADA recommends brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled brush for two minutes at a time. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles are clearly damaged from fraying. Even a basic toothpaste without whitening benefits listed on the label will do — look for the ADA seal signaling that it’s been approved by the association, a respected source for clinical guidelines.

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Ways to avoid tooth discoloration in the first place

It’s great that modern science and medicine have allowed us to learn and create ways to reduce some tooth discoloration. However, like many aspects of medicine, prevention is the best course. Here are a few ways to minimize your tooth discoloration risk:

  • Quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Since tobacco stains teeth, avoiding it altogether can nix this risk factor. The rest of your body, including your lungs, will thank you. The CDC has resources for people looking to kick the habit.
  • Limit coffee and red wine. You don’t have to stop consuming these beverages altogether, but moderation is key. One glass of wine with dinner every once in a while or a cup of coffee daily is probably fine. Just avoid going overboard.
  • Limit sugar. Sugar is a leading cause of cavities, and sugary beverages like dark sodas also cause discoloration. Put foods and drinks high in sugar on your “sometimes” list.

As great as at-home teeth whitening is, it is not a replacement for regular dental check-ups. What’s more, your dentist can be a resource for ways you can prevent discoloration and whiten teeth. They can also flag and help you with other issues that may affect your smile and even cause pain, including tooth decay, gum recession and disease, and shifting teeth. Even people who forgo alcohol and brush twice per day will likely encounter some dental issues, particularly because age is a factor for many issues, so don’t skip this step — even if going to the dentist isn’t the most fun activity.

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An evidence-based guide for how to whiten teeth at home: Get a brighter, whiter smile, sans dentist chair (2024)

FAQs

How can I whiten my teeth scientifically proven? ›

The most safest and scientifically proven whitening system, Opalescence™, uses either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as a whitening agent. The active oxygen molecules in the whitening agent can penetrate the enamel of the teeth and react with the discolored molecules that cause tooth discoloration.

What is the best at home teeth whitening method? ›

Baking soda is one common household product that can actually pack some teeth-whitening power, according to the ADA. It's a mild abrasive that can help remove stains from the surface of your teeth. An easy way to try baking soda is buying a toothpaste that contains baking soda as a whitening agent.

How can I whiten my teeth fast at home? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Does Hismile actually work? ›

This works really well. Your teeth need to be stain free and pretty white on their own but worked well to hide that yellow to get from antibiotics, smoking or coffee. I will definitely order again.

Does apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›

While apple cider vinegar may have many benefits, when it comes to your teeth, it can do more harm than good. It's highly acidic and acidic substances can wear down tooth enamel, making you more susceptible to cavities. And there's really no evidence that it whitens teeth.

How to whiten teeth over 60? ›

Swap your regular toothpaste for whitening toothpaste, and you can notice your teeth gradually lighten with prolonged use. Whitening toothpaste typically contains a low-concentrated bleach solution. This helps minimize the appearance of stains on your smile.

What whitens teeth really fast? ›

Zoom in office whitening

Zoom-in-office whitening is the best teeth whitening system out there. It is fast (takes about an hour) and you get great results. This is the one you have probably seen before where the patients are under that blue light and it turns your teeth up to four shades of whiter.

Can I brush my teeth with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? ›

The process of using baking soda to whiten teeth is rather simple. You simply make a paste out of a teaspoon of baking soda and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, and then gently brush your teeth as you would with traditional toothpaste. When you are done, rinse your mouth with water.

What toothpaste actually whitens teeth? ›

Crest 3D White Professional Enamel Protect Toothpaste is our favorite whitening pick from the trusted brand. It has a gentle feeling and a mild mint flavor that isn't overpowering. This toothpaste features hydrated silica to remove stains and sodium fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

What is the cheapest way to whiten your teeth? ›

Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.

Can lemon whiten teeth? ›

Lemon Peel and Juice

Yet another great fruit that works also as a great teeth whitener is lemon. Lemons contain high acid level in the peel, which is a great whitener or even bleaching agent. You can use the lemon in two different ways; use the lemon peel to rub on your teeth or squirt the lemon juice on your teeth.

Does purple toothpaste really whiten teeth? ›

Purple toothpaste doesn't actually whiten yellow teeth or reduce tooth stains. It only gives the illusion of white teeth using color theory. "Its whitening effect is mainly superficial, targeting the appearance of teeth rather than deeply cleaning or bleaching them," said Chen.

Does the purple toothpaste actually work? ›

Purple toothpaste is based on the principle of color theory, where the purple hue is supposed to neutralize yellow stains on teeth. While this might sound scientifically plausible, the reality is it's more of an optical illusion than an oral health solution. The effect is purely cosmetic and extremely temporary.

What are the negative effects of Hismile? ›

Irritation of the gums, mild to significant chemical burns, damage to the enamel and tooth sensitivity. “It infiltrates into the dental structure to remove staining and can cause demineralisation.

Can yellow teeth really be whitened? ›

Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

Can you truly whiten teeth? ›

Tooth whitening can only whiten your existing colour. Always get advice from a dental professional to ensure that you are not in for disappointment. If you fall into this category and really must have whiter teeth then veneers or crowns may be an option, but ensure to discuss this thoroughly with a dental professional.

Is it possible to turn yellow teeth into white? ›

Professional Dental Teeth Whitening Services

Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, which may provide modest improvements over extended use, professional treatments are designed to tackle deep-set stains and discoloration, transforming yellowed teeth into a vibrant, white smile in a shorter period of time.

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