Smiling woman holding a Colgate teeth whitening pen

The Best Home Remedy for Teeth Whitening That Works

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Are you looking for a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth at home? These simple, affordable methods can give you great results in just a few minutes.

Even if you do not see any cavities and brush regularly, teeth can become stained due to the food and beverages we eat and drink daily. Fortunately, home remedies will help whiten your teeth at home with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet.

Best home remedies for teeth whitening

Here is a list of effective treatments you can try to achieve spotlessly clean teeth at home.

Woman using the Colgate Optic White O2 teeth whitening pen

Using Colgate’s Active Oxygen whitening technology

Colgate has released Optic White O2 Whitening Toothpaste with enamel-safe active oxygen whitening technology. Its pioneering Active Oxygen whitening technology is unlike most whitening toothpaste that just whitens the surface of the teeth. Its active oxygen formula gets absorbed into the enamel to whiten from the inside out, giving whiter teeth in just 3 days.* 

Optic White O2 active oxygen formula whiten teeth by releasing millions of warm, ultra-fine active oxygen bubbles as you brush. It lightens micro stains and gently whitens teeth Inside and out . You will also notice there's a warming sensation as you cleanse your teeth, which means it is working.

It is also a daily anticavity fluoride toothpaste that provides whitening and daily oral care. Apart from that, Optic White O2 Whitening Toothpaste is also vegan and gluten-free.

Try oil pulling

If you are looking to get rid of toxins and whiter teeth, look no further than an oil pull! This ancient healing technique is claimed to "pull" bacteria (responsible for bad breath, gum diseases, and tooth decay) from your mouth. It may also help by moisturizing gums for improved oral health. 

The method is simple as all you need to do 

  • Swish coconut oil in your mouth for about 5 to 20 minutes and then spit it out.  

Make sure you do not swallow the oil during this process because it can upset your stomach.

 

Baking soda as teeth whitening home remedy

Brush off the stains with Baking Soda

Baking soda is another ingredient in many home remedies to make teeth white and is readily available in most kitchens. It is an inexpensive and easy home remedy for teeth whitening. 

To use this home remedy:

  • Add a few drops of water to baking soda until you form a paste. 

  • Apply the mixture to the toothbrush bristles and brush as usual for about two minutes. 

  • Leave for another minute before rinsing off thoroughly and patting dry with a clean towel or paper tissue.  

Using activated charcoal to whiten teeth

Activated charcoal is excellent at absorbing surface stains on your teeth that are causing yellowing! To clean your teeth at home with this home remedy, 

  • Simply wet your toothbrush and dip it into the activated charcoal. 

  • Brush your teeth as you would with any other toothpaste for two minutes before spitting out. 

  • Be sure to rinse well, as activated charcoal can be messy.

Limit this home remedy more than once a week, though, because too much of the activated charcoal could potentially wear down your tooth enamel.

Using hydrogen peroxide’s bleaching effect

Hydrogen peroxide, an ingredient commonly used by dental practitioners, can also be used to lighten your teeth over time. It is also an effective home remedy for removing plaque and surface stains.

To use hydrogen peroxide as a home remedy for teeth whitening, 

  • Mix it with water until you have a 50-50 solution. 

  • Dip your toothbrush into the mixture and brush your teeth for two minutes before spitting it out (be sure to rinse well). 

You can do this home remedy up to twice a day, but we recommend only doing it once a day to avoid potential damage to your tooth enamel. One of the easiest ways to do this with a teeth whitening pen.

 

Smiling woman holding a small cup of mouthwash

Teeth Whitening Pen

A teeth whitening pen uses a hydrogen peroxide-based serum or gel to improve the shade of the teeth. The process is simple and easy, and you can get rid of stains in hard-to-reach places with these fantastic new products. Just paint the whitening gel/film onto each tooth and let it do its thing over the specified amount of time. Furthermore, teeth whitening pens have the advantage of reaching every nook and corner of your mouth.

If you are looking for a hassle free and effective teeth whitening pen, we recommend you to try Colgate Optic White O2 Whitening Pen. 

The Colgate Optic White O2 Teeth Whitening Pen enables quick, easy, no-mess and precision application of the whitening serum to your teeth. Within seconds, the serum forms a smudge-proof, concentrated layer of active oxygen which absorbs into teeth, starting the whitening process. It is designed to be enamel-safe, with an active whitening ingredient that you can use daily. 

Use the whitening pen at night after brushing your teeth with Colgate Optic White O2 toothpaste and right before going to bed. In the morning, brush your teeth as usual. You will enjoy 3 shade whiter teeth* while you sleep!

*3 shades whiter in 3 weeks, based on a clinical study with once a day application, vs brushing alone. Individual results may vary.

Strawberry and baking soda paste

There are more natural and refreshing, even sweet ways to make your teeth whiter. This home remedy is a great way to remove plaque build-up on your teeth as well as surface stains. Strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C, which helps to lighten teeth over time, while the baking soda gently scrubs away any unwanted blemishes. 

All you need to do is: 

  • Make a few strawberries and mix them with baking soda until you have a thick paste. 

  • Apply to your toothbrush and brush as usual for two minutes before spitting out 

  • Make sure to rinse well.

You can also use this home remedy once a week or every other week. 

Maintain excellent oral hygiene

Bacteria, and plaque build-up can cause tooth decay and gum disease, leading to teeth yellowing. Regular brushing and flossing can go a long way in preventing this.

To brush your teeth correctly, 

  • Use Optic White O2 Whitening Toothpaste on your toothbrush. 

  • While brushing, be sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth (including the insides) for at least two minutes. 

  • Spit out the toothpaste after brushing and rinse your mouth with water.

Best home remedies for teeth whitening

Here is a list of effective treatments you can try to achieve spotlessly clean teeth at home.

To floss your teeth, 

  • use a piece of dental floss (about 18 inches long). 

  • Wrap one end around the middle finger on one hand and wrap the other end around the thumb on the same hand. 

  • Gently insert the floss between your teeth (being careful not to damage your gums) and move the floss up and down against each tooth surface.

To avoid damaging your gums, use a clean part of the string every time you move the floss between teeth. Be sure to spit out any excess saliva from flossing as well!