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While tooth-whitening kits are readily available at most pharmacies, many natural remedies can also help remove stains and protect tooth enamel. Share on PinterestAtolas/Stocksy How to whiten teeth naturallyThe following strategies may help whiten teeth: 1 Making dietary changes Eliminating foods that mark the teeth can prevent further staining. Foods and beverages that contain tannins, such as wine and tea, can stain the teeth. Coffee, dark sodas, and juices can also stain them. Acidic foods can make the teeth look yellow by wearing down the enamel. People who are concerned about the color of their teeth should avoid the excessive consumption of citrus, coffee, and soda. Alternatively, they should always brush their teeth after having them. Dentists generally recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing the teeth. Acids can weaken the enamel, so brushing too soon can cause damage. Quitting smoking or tobacco products can reduce the risk of nicotine stains. It can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can damage the enamel and cause oral health issues. 2 Trying oil pulling Oil pulling is the term for washing the mouth with oil to remove dirt, bacteria, and debris. It is not a substitute for regular brushing or flossing, but some research suggests that washing the mouth with certain oils may help to whiten the teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) considers oil pulling to be unconventional dentistry, stating, “there are no reliable scientific studies to show that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth, or improves oral health and well-being.” However, to try this method, rinse the mouth with oil for about 20 minutes after brushing, then spit it out. Oils suitable for oil pulling include:coconut oilsunflower oilsesame oil 3 Brushing with baking soda Baking soda can gently polish away stains on the surface of the teeth. Some people worry that baking soda is too harsh and may grind away enamel, but research from 2017 found it to be a safe way to remove stains. Baking soda may also help to fight bacteria, which suggests that it may be able to reduce plaque and prevent tooth decay. 4 Using hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth. For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally. Hydrogen peroxide may increase tooth sensitivity, so it is not suitable for long-term use or for people who already have sensitive teeth. 5 Whitening with fruit Papain and bromelain, which are enzymes that occur in papayas and pineapples respectively, may both help to whiten teeth. A 2020 study found that tooth bleaching gels containing bromelain or papain have substantial clinical potential to whiten teeth. However, more research is necessary to determine whether or not these enzymes are effective. The ADA does not recommend rubbing your teeth directly with pieces of fruit, as the acid in the fruit can actually make the color of teeth worse. 6 Chewing high fiber foods Chewing certain high fiber vegetables and legumes can help neutralize the acid in the mouth and protect the enamel on the teeth. Beans or leafy greens like spinach trigger the mouth to produce more saliva, which helps clean the mouth from acid. Why teeth turn yellow Teeth turn yellow for two reasons: Enamel thinning The outer layer of teeth consists of enamel, which is colored almost white and protects the deeper tooth structures. Beneath the enamel is a layer of tissue called dentin, which is yellow-brown. When the enamel layer thins or wears away, the dentin shows through more so teeth begin to look darker. Acidic foods, gum disease, and aging can wear down tooth enamel. Some people also have enamel that is naturally thinner. Stains Specific foods and beverages, such as coffee, can stain the teeth. Some foods that stain the teeth may also wear down the enamel, increasing the yellowing. Other sources of stains include smoking and tobacco products, and some medications. Whitening methods that do not work Natural teeth-whitening strategies that may harm the teeth include using:lemonsorangesapple cider vinegaractivated charcoal How to prevent tooth stains Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the most important thing that a person can do to prevent and reduce tooth yellowing. Regular brushing and flossing can protect the enamel, prevent gum decay, and help remove stains. Good oral hygiene includes:Brushing the teeth at least twice a day. A person should be sure to also clean around the gums and the backs of the teeth.Using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride can fight and even reverse tooth decay. Though some people oppose using fluoride, dentists believe that fluoride is safe and beneficial for teeth.Flossing to remove plaque between the teeth. Frequently asked questions The following are answers to common questions about tooth whitening. What other things can cause tooth discoloration Certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications may cause the teeth to become darker. Cancer treatments may also have this effect. In addition, children exposed to certain antibiotics at a young age may experience tooth discoloration as adults. How do I whiten teeth overnight No treatment can whiten teeth overnight, but some options are faster than others. Natural or over-the-counter treatment may take longer than treatments at the dentist’s office. Even in the latter case, whitening is likely to require several treatment sessions of several hours each. What do dentists use to whiten teeth Dentists most commonly use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth. Learn more about hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening. Outlook Few people have naturally white teeth, as teeth tend to yellow with age. However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups can help to keep teeth bright. Yellow teeth are not usually the sign of a health problem, but a dentist can check for enamel loss and tooth decay. Natural remedies can help people whiten their teeth at home. A dentist can also offer professional teeth whitening. Last medically reviewed on July 18, 2022DentistryCosmetic Medicine / Plastic SurgeryComplementary Medicine / Alternative MedicineCat 1oralhealth 14 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Cruickshank, D. (n.d.). Are electric toothbrushes better than manual brushes?https://www.mouthpower.org/toothbrushes/are-electric-toothbrushes-better-than-manual-brushes/Fluoride in water. (n.d.).https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/fluoride-in-waterForbes-Haley C, et al. (2016). Establishing the Effect of Brushing and a Day's Diet on Tooth Tissue Loss in Vitro. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806935/Kalliath, C., et al. (2018). Comparison between the effect of commercially available chemical teeth whitening paste and teeth whitening paste containing ingredients of herbal origin on human enamel.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6369603/Kumar, A., et al. (2014). Which groups of drugs cause tooth discoloration? An updated review.http://oasisdiscussions.ca/2014/05/28/td-2/Li, Y. (2017). Stain removal and whitening by baking soda dentifrice: A review of literature. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002817717308115Natural teeth whitening: Fact vs. fiction. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/natural-teeth-whiteningOil pulling. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oil-pullingPerry, R. (2016). What causes discolored teeth and is there any way to cure or prevent staining?https://now.tufts.edu/2016/03/18/what-causes-discolored-teeth-and-there-any-way-cure-or-prevent-stainingRibeiro, J.S., et al. (2020). Novel in-office peroxide-free tooth-whitening gels: bleaching effectiveness, enamel surface alterations, and cell viability.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66733-zRipari, F., et al. (2020). The role of coconut oil in treating patients affected by plaque-induced gingivitis: a pilot study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7535963/Vano, M., et al. (2015). Tooth bleaching with hydrogen peroxide and nano-hydroxyapatite: A 9-month follow-up randomized clinical trial.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/idh.12123Whitening. (2016).https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/whiteningWhitening: 5 things to know about getting a brighter smile. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/whiteningFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Jennifer Archibald, DDS — By Zawn Villines — Updated on July 18, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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