Whiter teeth will boost your confidence and give you a brighter smile (Photo: Shutterstock)

Stained, yellowing teeth can make you very self-conscious when smiling or talking because people tend to notice these details. 

Teeth often get discolored from food and drinks we consume and lifestyle habits as well.

Although teeth aren’t naturally brilliant white, it always helps to find tips that can at least make them whiter than they were before.

You can choose to find chemical remedies like toothpastes, whitening strips and chemical washes or settle on natural alternatives. Sometimes, chemicals can corrode your teeth causing them to be weak and brittle.

For those reasons and more, it might be time to embrace natural teeth whitening options instead. 

  1. Oil pulling 

This is basically using oil like coconut oil and olive oil to whiten your teeth. It’s a natural dental hack that has been practiced for decades. The only oils that are suitable for this process are olive, coconut and sesame oil. Get one or two tablespoons of oil and gargle it for 15 minutes. Make sure the oil gets to all areas for best results. When you’re done just spit it out and rinse your mouth. This will help remove the bacteria, whiten your teeth and freshen your breath as well. This should be done before brushing.

  1. Baking soda and lemon paste 

This is almost like an exfoliator for your teeth. The acids in the lemon will strip away the stains and the baking soda will scrub them off. Prepare a paste of some baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice then mix it all together and brush your teeth. You’ll get significant results but you should limit how often you use this technique. It can corrode your teeth when practiced excessively. Once or twice a month is enough.

Some foods like coffee can stain your teeth (Photo: Shutterstock)

  1. Baking soda 

Bicarbonate of soda on its own is also a good way for cleaning your teeth. Apply your usual toothpaste on your toothbrush then dip it in some baking soda. Brush and sprinkle some more baking soda as you continue. Remember to brush gently to prevent your teeth from corrosion.

  1. Apple cider vinegar rinse

Vinegar has acidic properties that strip the stains off your teeth. The best way to use it is as a mouth rinse. What you need to do is gargle a small amount of the vinegar for two minutes then spit it out and rinse. Rinsing will neutralize the acids.

  1. Limit teeth staining foods and drinks

Those that are known to stain teeth over time include coffee, wine, dark berries, tea and some fruit juices. Limiting your intake or at least rinsing 30 minutes after and practicing the daily basic oral care will restore the whiteness in your teeth.

  1. Avoid smoking 

Smoking regularly can really affect your teeth. It causes tartar buildup, bad breath, gum problems and stained teeth over time. Those deep stains caused by the cigarettes don’t usually come off easily. Brushing extra hard will only corrode the protective layers on your teeth. The best thing to do is quit this habit altogether and practice good oral care.

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