It is entirely normal for our teeth to lose their color and stain as we age. While there is nothing we can do to stop this process altogether, there are many ways to maintain their pearly white color. But, doing this professionally or at the dentist’s office can be very expensive. In this article, we discuss 4 ways to whiten your teeth at home.

1. Baking soda
One of the most common ways to whiten your teeth at home is baking soda. Baking soda contains tons of natural whitening properties that make it perfect for the job. It’s also a common ingredient found in many kinds of toothpaste. Aside from its whitening properties, baking soda is also an alkaline substance, which helps reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This can also prevent staining and uplift your oral health. To try it, all you need to do is brush your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and water. It is important to note that baking soda is not an overnight remedy and will not whiten your teeth after one use. Constant use will show results over a period.

2. Whitening toothpaste
Another way to whiten your teeth at home is to purchase a good whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste can help eliminate surface-level stains and improve the color of your teeth by almost one shade. They contain mild abrasives and gentle polishing agents that can enhance the color of your teeth. The only downside to this product is that it will not give you the same results as a prescription-strength whitening product prescribed by the dentist. This is because most over-the-counter whitening toothpastes do not contain bleach. Instead, they contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that can lighten the color of your teeth. Whitening toothpaste can cost anywhere between $1 to $20 based on the brand.

3. Whitening strips or gel
If you’re not a fan of whitening toothpaste but still want to whiten your teeth at home with ease, you can try a whitening gel. Whitening gels typically have a clear form and a made from peroxide. They can be applied to a brush then used on the teeth, but instructions can differ based on the strength of peroxide in the gel. Individuals can see results within a few days, but courses of gels can last up to 10 to 14 days. You can also opt for whitening strips. These options for teeth whitening at home can be slightly expensive compared to the other options on this list, but they are also super effective.

4. Oil pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian remedy used to reduce bacteria in the mouth and improve oral hygiene. It involves washing your mouth with oil to remove plaque build-up, which in turn reduces staining. The oil needs to be swished around from side to side and between the teeth for at least 15 minutes. Typically, sunflower or sesame oil is used for oil pulling, but individuals can use any oil. Another popular option is coconut oil.