Do These 5 Things To Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

After all, who doesn't want a dazzling smile?

Published April 17, 2026

Ever look at a photo of yourself and realize your smile could use a little brightening? That's what happened to me years ago in a group photo with my friends. I immediately booked an appointment to have my teeth professionally whitened at the dentist's office, but it was a costly procedure. To maintain my bright smile, I also had to purchase a fitted mouth tray and expensive whitening gel. Although this whitening process was a quick fix for my stained teeth, I wanted to find some not-so-pricey alternatives to help me maintain a dazzling grin.

First, I had to find the cause of my teeth discoloration. Much of it was due to aging — our teeth naturally yellow as we age. According to the Cleveland Clinic, "As you grow older, your tooth enamel thins. This exposes more of the underlying dentin, which is yellowish." Their research also explored the causes of the different colors that contribute to tooth discoloration. Brown relates to smoking; purple stains are usually from red wine; gray is due to dental trauma or a dead nerve in the tooth; and black spots indicate tooth decay. White flecks on the teeth may be due to excessive fluoride use during childhood.

Genetics is another cause of tooth discoloration (both of my parents had discoloration in their teeth), as are medications, certain foods and beverages.

If you're not interested in professional teeth whitening, there are plenty of over-the-counter products (toothpastes, gel strips, whitening trays and mouthwashes). Why not consider natural solutions to brighten your teeth? While it's true that results will vary from person to person (and it is a gradual process that may take several weeks before you notice a difference), these five home remedies to whiten your teeth are worth a try:

1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide: Baking soda works as a mild abrasive and, when mixed as a paste with a very low concentration of hydrogen peroxide gel, it can help remove surface stains and reduce bacteria. Mix a small amount of baking soda with an equally small amount of hydrogen peroxide to create a paste. Gently brush your teeth for one to two minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This should only be done once a week to prevent enamel erosion.

2. Coconut Oil Pulling: This ancient technique helps remove plaque and make teeth appear brighter. Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which helps reduce bacteria. Sesame oil is another alternative rich in antioxidants and great for the gums. Gently swish a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes daily (5-10 minutes if you are new to the technique). When you're finished, spit the oil into the trash (not down the sink), then rinse your mouth with plenty of water.

3. Eat More Raw Vegetables: Fibrous vegetables act similarly to toothbrush bristles that scrub away surface stains and plaque. The crunchiness of raw veggies also increases saliva production, which helps reduce bacteria and neutralize harmful acids. The best raw vegetables for whitening teeth include: broccoli (high iron content to protect against acid erosion), carrots and celery (the fibrous texture acts as a natural tooth polisher), onions (the sulfur compounds reduce plaque buildup), cauliflower (helps exfoliate teeth), and leafy greens, such as spinach or kale (the magnesium and calcium create a protective barrier against staining from red wine or coffee). The recommended serving is two to three cups of raw vegetables daily.

4. Activated Charcoal: This grainy powder acts as a mild abrasive for scrubbing away surface stains and toxins on the outer layer of the enamel. However, there are many conflicting opinions on this method since regular or prolonged use can cause tooth sensitivity, gum damage and enamel thinning, revealing a deeper yellow beneath. It is recommended that this method be used cautiously, no more than one or two times a month, by dipping a wet toothbrush into the charcoal powder, brushing gently for one minute, and then rinsing well with water.

5. Strawberry and Baking Soda Scrub: Strawberries contain malic and citric acid, which can help remove surface stains. The fruit helps reduce plaque buildup on the teeth, while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to polish them. When used together, the ingredients create a bleaching effect that makes the teeth appear whiter. Mash one strawberry and mix it with a small amount of baking soda to make a scrub. Apply to the teeth for five minutes, then rinse and thoroughly brush afterwards.

There are other home remedies that involve green tea, banana peels, orange zest, vinegar and lemon juice, but overuse of acidic products can cause enamel erosion over time and must be used with caution (As with any natural teeth-whitening solution, always consult your dentist before trying these methods).

Once you've whitened your teeth, you can maintain their brightness by avoiding smoking, sugary or dark sodas, acidic drinks, and by limiting beverages known to stain teeth, such as coffee and red wine. Be sure to brush your teeth, or at least rinse your mouth, after consuming any foods or drinks that can stain your teeth.

However, nothing works better for maintaining healthy, whiter teeth than using the standard, recommended preventive measures. Consistent brushing (twice daily with fluoride toothpaste), flossing after meals, eating healthier foods, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups at least twice a year are a must.

Marcia Kester Doyle is a Yahoo Life Columnist and the author of Who Stole My Spandex? Life In The Hot Flash Lane. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, The Independent, Stylist, U.S.A. Today/Reviewed, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, AARP, Woman's Day, Country Living, House Beautiful, and many others. You can find her at marciakesterdoyle.com.