Wondering how to whiten teeth naturally without spending a ton on fancy kits or harsh treatments? You’re definitely not the only one. We all want a brighter smile, but we don’t always know where to start. The good news? There are simple, everyday things you can do that actually help—and most of them don’t involve anything super weird or expensive. If you need a periodontist in Utah, we have offices in Salt Lake City and South Jordan and offer competitive pricing! Our offices are conveniently located near Bountiful, West Valley, Herriman, Sandy, Draper, and Lehi.
Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth
Natural remedies for whitening teeth can be a great option if you’re looking for something gentler than strips or bleach trays. While they typically work, they require consistency and patience—don’t expect instant results. Unlike chemical whiteners, which can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, natural options are much less likely to lead to discomfort or damage with regular use. Here’s a list of natural remedies we think actually whiten your smile
1. Brush with baking soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that helps scrub away surface stains without damaging enamel. It also helps neutralize acids in your mouth. Use it a couple of times a week by mixing a small amount with water to make a paste.
2. Eat more crunchy fruits and veggies
Raw fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery naturally scrub your teeth while you chew. They also boost saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
3. Use a strawberry and baking soda mix
Some celebrities swear by this trick. Mash one ripe strawberry and mix with baking soda to create a natural paste. The malic acid in strawberries may help lift surface stains. Use it occasionally and follow up with brushing.
4. Brush after drinking coffee, tea, or soda
If you love dark drinks, brush your teeth after enjoying them to help prevent staining. Give it about 30 minutes if you can, then brush as usual to remove residue.
5. Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse
Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, then swish for about 30 seconds. This can help gently lift surface stains and reduce bacteria. Just use it occasionally, not every day.
6. Use activated charcoal (sparingly)
Activated charcoal powder can bind to plaque and surface stains. Wet your toothbrush, dip it in the powder, and gently brush for a minute or two. Rinse thoroughly and follow with regular brushing.
7. Keep up with daily brushing and flossing
Nothing beats good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss once daily to keep your teeth clean, healthy, and naturally white.
8. Drink more water throughout the day
Staying hydrated helps produce saliva, which is your mouth’s natural way of cleaning itself. Water also helps rinse away food and acids.
Does Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth?
So, does coconut oil actually whiten teeth? Kind of—but not in the way most people expect. Coconut oil isn’t going to bleach your teeth or give instant results like a whitening strip might. But it can help your smile look a little brighter over time by reducing plaque and bacteria, which can dull your teeth.
The process is called oil pulling, and it’s been around for centuries. Swishing can help break down buildup on your teeth and along your gums. That buildup often makes teeth look yellow, so getting rid of it can make them appear cleaner and slightly whiter. It’s not a quick fix, but if you’re consistent with it, it can be a nice, natural boost to your oral routine.
Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?
Baking soda has been a go-to for cleaner, brighter teeth for decades—and for good reason. But you don’t have to DIY it with a box from the pantry.
Many toothpastes now include baking soda as an ingredient, giving you the benefits without the mess. These formulas are designed to be safe for daily use and often combine baking soda with other stain-fighting ingredients. If you’re not into the idea of brushing with straight powder, using one of these toothpastes is an easy way to add baking soda to your routine without any extra steps.
Foods to Eat
Some foods naturally support a whiter smile by helping your body maintain strong, healthy enamel. Dairy products like cheese and yogurt are packed with calcium and phosphorus. These minerals help rebuild enamel and protect against erosion, which keeps your teeth looking brighter. Hard cheeses can also trigger saliva production, which helps wash away particles that lead to stains.
Pineapple contains bromelain, a natural enzyme that may help break down plaque and surface stains. It’s also mildly acidic, which can help remove buildup—just don’t overdo it. Strawberries have malic acid, which may brighten teeth naturally when eaten in moderation. Leafy greens like kale and spinach contain minerals that form a protective film on enamel, shielding teeth from stains.
Nuts and seeds are another great choice. Their crunchiness helps clean teeth as you chew, and they’re full of healthy minerals. Eating these kinds of foods regularly, along with drinking plenty of water, supports a naturally whiter and healthier smile.
Foods To Avoid
There are certain foods and drinks that are known for causing stains, especially if you consume them often. Coffee, tea, red wine, and cola are some of the most common culprits. They contain dark pigments and acids that stick to your enamel and cause discoloration over time. If you can’t give them up, using a straw and rinsing with water afterward can help.
Dark sauces like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and balsamic vinegar can also leave stains behind. They’re acidic and deeply colored, which makes them more likely to darken your teeth—especially if your enamel is already worn down. Even healthy foods like blueberries and blackberries can have the same effect because of their strong natural pigments. After eating them, a quick rinse or brush can help prevent long-term staining.
Sugary and acidic foods may not stain directly, but they can wear down enamel, making teeth look more yellow. Things like candy, soda, and citrus weaken enamel and expose the yellow underneath. While you don’t need to cut these foods out completely, being aware of how often you eat them—and following up with good oral care—can help keep your teeth looking brighter.
What Causes Teeth to be Yellow Or Brown
Teeth can turn yellow or brown for several scientific reasons beyond just surface stains. One of the main causes is enamel erosion. Enamel is the thin, white outer layer that protects your teeth. As it wears down—due to age, genetics, or acid exposure—the yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible.
Other factors include internal changes in the tooth. Certain medications, like tetracycline antibiotics, can cause discoloration during tooth development. Trauma to a tooth can also damage the inner tissue, leading to a darker shade over time. In some cases, too much fluoride during early childhood can result in fluorosis, which causes white or brown patches to form on the teeth.
Unproven Methods
Here’s a quick breakdown of some popular but unproven teeth whitening methods. Some people swear by them, but there’s little to no science backing them up:
- Lemon juice and baking soda – Acidic lemon juice can erode enamel. Not a safe or proven whitening combo.
- Apple cider vinegar – Believed to whiten teeth, but it’s very acidic and can damage enamel with regular use.
- Banana peels – Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on teeth is trendy, but there’s no real evidence it does anything.
- Turmeric paste – Despite its bright yellow color, some use it hoping for whitening results. No proof it works.
- Coconut charcoal – Popular online, but there’s not enough research to support long-term safety or real whitening effects.
The Guide On How To Whiten Teeth Naturally Conclusion
There are a lot of natural tips and tricks out there for keeping your teeth looking their best, but not everything works the same for everyone. The key is sticking with habits that support a healthy mouth and being smart about what you put on your teeth. If you’re hoping to improve your smile or just have questions about your oral health, and you’re in the South Jordan or Salt Lake City area, come see us at Utah Periodontal Specialists. We’re here to help you find what works best for your teeth.
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