How to Whiten Teeth: 9 Safe, Effective Ways to a Brighter Smile (2024)

The vast majority of us don’t have teeth that sparkle like Vanna White. Part of this is our lifestyle and hygiene routine but a lot of it also comes down to genetics.

“A lot of people will naturally have white teeth no matter what they ingest,” says Dr. Aragona Giuseppe, GP and Medical Advisor at Prescription Doctor.

Teeth get their whiteness from enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. If your enamel is naturally thin, the deeper tooth structure, called dentin, will start to show through, making your teeth look darker.

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This inner dentin layer may also be stained or discolored. This type of discoloration is what experts call “intrinsic stains.” Then there’s the discoloration that occurs from external factors, called “extrinsic stains.”

“Stains, discoloration and yellowing are caused by pigmented food, drinks, and substances,” says Giuseppe. “Not looking after your teeth and your oral health will also contribute to yellowing.”

Pearly tips

These lifestyle choices can make a big difference in avoiding discoloration:

  • Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
  • Minimize drinking coffee and wine, or drink them out of a straw for less contact with the teeth.
  • Brush twice daily and soon after darkening foods like coffee, wine, berries, and soda.
  • Get regular teeth cleanings every 6 months.
  • Eat plenty of calcium for enamel health.

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In addition to sticking to good dental hygiene, there are measures you can take, from DIY to in-office, to help get the gleam back into your teeth. Though we do want to make clear, there’s no magic bullet when it comes to teeth whitening and results vary from person to person.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any conclusive DIY teeth whitening methods that work for everyone. However, there are a few methods that have been shown to decrease plaque and bacteria, which supports overall dental hygiene and may have a whitening effect.

Keep in mind, these approaches will likely need to be done daily for many weeks to see results.

Oil pulling

The Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling involves swishing oil around your mouth much like you would standard mouthwash. As a whitening method, the idea is that oil pulls out bacteria that can turn into plaque, resulting in the yellowing of the teeth.

One study found 1 to 2 weeks of oil pulling with sesame oil saw a reduction in plaque and bacteria and another found similar results after pulling with coconut oil.

We recommend using coconut oil as the taste will be more tolerable.

How to oil pull

  • Put about a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
  • Swish and swirl the oil around your mouth and over your teeth, ideally for 15 to 20 minutes (if this sounds like an impossibly long time, try watching a show or finding something to clean while you pull).
  • Spit out the oil, then brush your teeth.

Baking soda

Yup, you can brush with straight baking soda. Though, according to research, it works best as a whitener if you add it to toothpaste.

“Baking soda is known to have natural whitening properties, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in a lot of toothpastes,” explains Lead Dentist at SmileDirectClub’s, Dr. Jeffrey Sulitzer, DMD. “It creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which helps prevent bacteria from growing. This remedy will not whiten your teeth overnight, but you may notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth over time.”

How to use baking soda

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a drop or two of water (until it forms a thick paste).
  • Brush as normal.

Apple cider vinegar

The main ingredient in apple cider vinegar, acetic acid, kills bacteria that could cause discoloration.

“However, the acid in vinegar can erode the enamel on your teeth,” says Sulitzer. “So I would proceed with caution on this one. If you do wish to use this method, I would recommend not [doing] it every day and make sure you rinse your mouth with water after.”

How to use apple cider vinegar

  • Combine 1 tablespoon of water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
  • Swish for 1 minute like you would with mouthwash.

DIY methods to stay away from

These popular internet searches for DIY whitening solutions aren’t proven to help and may actually do more harm than good.

  • Scrubs including activated charcoal and Kaolin clay. The ADA warns that non-dentist-approved charcoal powder is too abrasive and may cause enamel erosion.
  • Strawberries. One study linked the mixture of strawberries/baking soda to a decrease in surface hardness of teeth.
  • Fruit peels. The ADA advises against rubbing lemon, orange, and banana peels on your teeth as the high acid content in many fruits can end up hurting your teeth.

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If you like saving money and not putting on pants, you might want to give one of these at-home methods a shot. Just make sure to read the label and tick to the instructions.

“Over-the-counter treatments are a great way to achieve a whiter smile,” says Sulitzer. “You can still achieve similar results [to in-office treatments] in the comfort of your own home.”

Whitening toothpaste

The easiest and most cost effective OTC product is also the easiest to add to your routine: whitening toothpaste. These toothpastes use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or other abrasives like silica to remove surface stains. Note that it can take several weeks to see results.

Effective whitening toothpastes

These toothpastes contain whitening agents that are proven to improve the color of teeth.

  • Colgate Optic White Whitening Toothpaste
  • Tom’s of Maine Luminous White Toothpaste
    • Whitening ingredient: silica
  • Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening
    • Whitening ingredient: baking soda and peroxide (gentle formula for sensitive teeth)

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Strips

One of the most popular options is teeth whitening strips, which you can buy from drug stores and usually cost around $50 to $100. As with the toothpastes, the active ingredient in these types of kits is typically hydrogen peroxide.

As we mentioned above, Giuseppe cautions it’s important not to exceed recommended usage on the label as this can lead to tooth sensitivity, dental issues, and wearing away of the enamel.

Safe at-home whitening products

To ensure your experience with at-home treatments is as safe as possible, we advise only using whitening products approved by the American Dental Association.

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While it’s definitely more pricey, getting your teeth whitened in-office offers the safest and quickest results.

According to Sulitzer, in-office treatments are more effective because they use a higher level of peroxide.

Zoom and boost whitening methods

Zoom whitening can be done as quickly as 30 minutes using a laser and a 25 percent hydrogen peroxide gel. The Opalescence Boost method also uses a hydrogen peroxide based power bleaching gel but it takes about 1 to 2 hours to perform.

These teeth-whitening methods can last anywhere from 1 to 2 years, depending on your teeth.

Both procedures costs about $500, depending on your dentist and insurance.

Tray whitening

With tray whitening, a mouth guard-looking tray is moulded to fit your mouth by the dentist, explains Giuseppe.

You then take the tray home and use a syringe to fill it with peroxide based bleaching paste, which is placed over your teeth at night for 1 to several hours.

You do this daily for 2 to 4 weeks. “Then, you check back in at the end to ensure the trays worked,” says Giuseppe. Ask your dentist for specific instructions if you choose to whiten this way.

Cost depends on the clinic and how much whitening is purchased. Most run from $400 to $700.

Take-home kits

Finally, there are take-home kits given to you by the dentist. These are ready-made kits of trays that often contain a more concentrated level of bleach than OTC whitening kits.

Expect to see results in 1 to 2 weeks and spend about $150 to $200.

The effectiveness of a teeth whitening method ultimately comes down to what kind of discoloration you have (extrinsic v intrinsic). And the best way to answer that question is to get assessed by a professional.

Remember, no teeth whitening method is a sure thing. But on the bright side, how white your teeth are is a lot less noticeable than you might think.

How to Whiten Teeth: 9 Safe, Effective Ways to a Brighter Smile (2024)

FAQs

How to Whiten Teeth: 9 Safe, Effective Ways to a Brighter Smile? ›

Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

How can I make my smile white fast? ›

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.

What is the safest teeth whitening method? ›

Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

What is the most powerful way to whiten teeth? ›

laser teeth whitening treatment. While this procedure is not the cheapest fix for yellowing, it is the most effective, quickest, and long-lasting procedure.

What makes teeth white in 5 minutes? ›

#1 – Try toothpaste sea salt baking soda and lemon juice

Brush your teeth with this mixture for four to five minutes. You'll see the difference in just one use but don't get too excited. That immediate result is due to the fact that this treatment is POTENT!

Does apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›

Apple cider vinegar as a whitening rinse won't lead to immediately brighter, whiter teeth. Consistent use over time – making sure to dilute to avoid enamel erosion – can eventually lead to a whiter smile. Always be sure to consult a dentist first to make sure it's the best choice.

What is the best DIY way to whiten teeth? ›

Using hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week.

Can salt whiten teeth? ›

Salt acts as a surface abrasive and can definitely make teeth look whiter, but it can really damage your tooth enamel, and unfortunately once your enamel is damaged, it's damaged for life. You may have even heard of some people using charcoal to whiten their teeth.

How do people get their teeth so white? ›

Consistent oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings at Family Dental Care – Crestwood, play a pivotal role in maintaining white teeth. Removing plaque and tartar buildup prevents staining and helps your smile maintain its brilliance.

What is the number 1 recommended teeth whitening? ›

Crest 3DWhitestrips Glamorous White

It's actually the first product to earn the ADA seal in the Home-Use Tooth Bleaching Products category. The strips promise to remove up to 10 years' of stains and yellowing (that's a lot of coffee!).

How can I whiten my teeth in 2 minutes? ›

In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of water. Use a spoon to mix it well until you form a paste. Gently brush your teeth using the baking soda paste for 2-3 minutes.

How can I whiten my teeth overnight? ›

Whitening Strips: Convenience is King (and Queen)

Easy to use, portable, and mess-free, strips are the on-the-go warriors of whitening. Stick them on and drift off to sleep, no trays, no gels, just pure convenience.

How can I whiten my teeth in one day at home? ›

So, you can get baking soda from your local store, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water, then use the paste to brush your teeth. You can repeat this several times a day to get better results. Activated charcoal is another excellent and inexpensive way to whiten your teeth.

How can I whiten my teeth in 10 minutes? ›

Baking soda can be used to effectively whiten teeth in the space of a few minutes! This is due to the fact that baking soda is a mild abrasive which helps to scrub stains from your teeth. To use, wipe your teeth with a dry towel and any remaining saliva. wet your toothbrush and dip it in some baking soda.

What do professionals use to whiten teeth? ›

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.

How long does it take to get a white smile? ›

Teeth should appear whiter in about 10-14 days if used as directed. Using a dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste can work to brighten your smile, but the results may be less noticeable and it can take some time – usually about two to six weeks – if used twice a day. However, this is the most affordable option.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Can yellow teeth be bleached? 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.

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