Toothpastes gently buff out stains from the surface of your teeth
Flossing gets rid of food and bacteria that could harden into plaque, which makes your teeth look dull and darker
Oil Pulling
You swish a tablespoon of oil (such as sesame, coconut, or olive oil) around in your mouth for up to 20 minutes to "pull out" bacteria. A recent study found that using coconut oil could prevent tooth decay
Baking Soda
it's a mild abrasive that scrubs away stains
Apples, Pineapples, Strawberries
Malic acid in apples boosts saliva to wash away acids
Toothpastes with bromelain, a compound in pineapple, help whiten teeth
the citric acid in strawberries can break down enamel
Hydrogen Peroxide
hydrogen peroxide on teeth made a noticeable difference after 2 weeks
the American Dental Association says swishing will probably irritate your gums before it whitens your teeth
Apple Cider Vinegar
Gargle before you brush to help kill bacteria and remove stains, they say. You'll get a whiter smile, they say but sorry, no studies confirm these claims and don't expect apple cider vinegar to brighten your teeth
Watch What You Eat
Foods including dark berries and drinks such as coffee and soda are known offenders, but you don't have to give them up. Enjoy these in moderation, and rinse with water right afterward so there's less chance they'll affect your teeth. (Wait 30 minutes before brushing to protect the enamel.)
Flossing gets rid of food and bacteria that could harden into plaque, which makes your teeth look dull and darker
Oil Pulling
You swish a tablespoon of oil (such as sesame, coconut, or olive oil) around in your mouth for up to 20 minutes to "pull out" bacteria. A recent study found that using coconut oil could prevent tooth decay
Baking Soda
it's a mild abrasive that scrubs away stains
Apples, Pineapples, Strawberries
Malic acid in apples boosts saliva to wash away acids
Toothpastes with bromelain, a compound in pineapple, help whiten teeth
the citric acid in strawberries can break down enamel
Hydrogen Peroxide
hydrogen peroxide on teeth made a noticeable difference after 2 weeks
the American Dental Association says swishing will probably irritate your gums before it whitens your teeth
Apple Cider Vinegar
Gargle before you brush to help kill bacteria and remove stains, they say. You'll get a whiter smile, they say but sorry, no studies confirm these claims and don't expect apple cider vinegar to brighten your teeth
Watch What You Eat
Foods including dark berries and drinks such as coffee and soda are known offenders, but you don't have to give them up. Enjoy these in moderation, and rinse with water right afterward so there's less chance they'll affect your teeth. (Wait 30 minutes before brushing to protect the enamel.)