Some people are willing to spend a lot of money to get a white, shiny smile and make great selfies. There are a lot of ways to whiten your teeth, some of which may include chemicals detrimental to them. Luckily, there are natural (and affordable) ways to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are probably the oldest teeth-whitening remedies we know of. You can get instant results by rinsing only with diluted hydrogen peroxide for a couple of seconds.

Still, a better option is to mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and make toothpaste out of it. Add a few drops of three-percent hydrogen peroxide to baking soda and mix it until it turns into a paste. Use it as regular toothpaste. However, this shouldn’t be the only toothpaste that you use constantly. The ingredients are quite abrasive, so use it only between 3 and 5 days and then take a 6-month break.

2. Try Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is the term used for using oil to wash the mouth to remove debris and dirt and to get rid of bacteria. You can’t use it as a substitute for toothpaste and brushing your teeth. However, certain oils can help whiten your teeth over a longer period.

Even though some dentists may consider it an unreliable method, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try it, especially because it doesn’t have any negative effects. After you have brushed your teeth, rinse your mouth with oil of your choice and spit it out. Oils that can be used for this method include sesame oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil.

3. Make Strawberry Paste

As strawberries contain malic acid, which is great for dissolving red wine, tea, and coffee stains on your teeth, they can be a powerful addition to your teeth-whitening methods.

Mashup two strawberries and add one teaspoon of baking soda. Take a kids’ toothbrush because it will reach the space between the teeth better. Rub the mix using the toothbrush and do it for 5-7 minutes. After you have rinsed, check whether there are any strawberry seeds between your teeth.

Don’t go overboard with using this method because too much malic acid may lead to teeth erosion, which will have the opposite effect – it will make your teeth more prone to staining. Avoid using this toothpaste every day.

4. Regular Oral Hygiene

To prevent tooth yellowing, you need to maintain regular oral hygiene, too. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, which will protect the enamel, thus preventing tooth staining. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and make sure you also brush the gums and the backs of your teeth. Maybe you have heard that some people oppose to using fluoride toothpaste. However, dentists still recommend it and state fluoride is safe and beneficial for dental health.

In case some of your teeth are beyond help, this is when you should consult your dentist about other options. As many dentists use high-quality dental prosthetics and materials like the ones available in Pindan Dental Laboratory, you will definitely get the best possible alternative for having a bright smile.

5. Rinse With Apple Cider Vinegar

This natural product has been used for centuries as a disinfectant and a cleaning product. The main ingredient in it is acetic acid, responsible for killing bacteria in your mouth. Not only does it disinfect your mouth but it whitens your teeth as well.

Even though the research has shown that apple cider vinegar can bleach your teeth, you shouldn’t use it too often because it could soften your teeth. The acetic acid could erode your enamel, so limit the amount and frequency of its use on your teeth. Dilute it with water and rinse your mouth with it after several minutes of swishing it, then rinse your mouth once more with plain water.

6. Dietary Choices

First of all, you should avoid drinking too much red wine, coffee, and soda. If possible, drink them out of a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth and brush your teeth after consuming the said beverages. Smoking and chewing tobacco will also lead to teeth stains.

You should also limit your sugar intake because sugar increases the growth of bacteria in your mouth leading to plaque and gingivitis.

Finally, prevent eroding of the enamel by eating more calcium-rich food, including milk, cheese, and broccoli. Eroded enamel is more prone to staining, so let your diet strengthen the enamel. Natural ways of whitening teeth take time but it’s always better to try to improve things naturally. If that doesn’t work out, consult your dentist.