There’s a popular idiom that states you’re not completely dressed until you wear a smile. But having yellow teeth and finding it difficult to reverse the condition makes many conscious of their smile. However, there are several strategies that can help you whiten your teeth at home—including DIY teeth whitening and talking to your dentist about the costs of implants and dentures to help revive your white smile—and significantly slow the speed of yellowing that is common as age advances.

Tops ways to whiten teeth at home:

1. Brush your teeth with baking soda
Baking soda has teeth whitening properties and is naturally abrasive. This helps in effectively rubbing off the stains from the tooth surface while also fighting plaque and tooth decay-causing bacteria. Baking soda gently polishes away the stains without harming the enamel and is very safe to use.

2. Use hydrogen peroxide
This is a mild bleach that prevents plaque buildup and fights bacteria to remove statins. Get optimal results by mixing it with baking soda. However, hydrogen peroxide should be used in moderation since it can cause tooth sensitivity.

3. Coconut oil pulling
Coconut oil has natural plaque removal properties, and it gently removes harmful bacteria from your mouth. You can apply coconut oil all over your teeth to effectively remove the yellowish plaque. Swishing two tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth for 15 to 30 minutes is also an excellent remedy to eliminate yellow teeth. However, take care not to let the oil reach the back of your throat, and don’t swallow it. You can also mix it with your toothpaste, and its antimicrobial properties protect the gums and teeth.

4. Lemon or orange peels
The citrus content in fruits like oranges and lemon have excellent abrasion properties to remove yellowish stains from your teeth. They whiten the teeth naturally, so use these peels on your teeth and keep them for 15 minutes. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water for desired results.

5. Activated charcoal
Charcoal removes pigments and stains from your teeth due to its highly absorbent properties. Use activated charcoal on your toothbrush and gently brush your gums and teeth to prevent hurt due to abrasion. Don’t brush aggressively, and make sure to spit out the content completely. Mix activated charcoal with water to make mouthwash and swish for a couple of minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water.

6. Consume fruits and vegetables with high water content
Chewing raw fruits and vegetables that have a significant amount of water increases saliva production. This helps in cleansing your teeth and gums of plaque and bacteria that cause yellowing of the teeth. Eating them after meals helps in removing food particles stuck between your teeth. They also help in eliminating harmful acids.

7. Turmeric powder
Mix a teaspoon of turmeric in water in a small cup and make a paste. Take your toothbrush and dip it into the mixture and paste for at least two minutes. Turmeric has excellent medicinal properties that eliminate stains from the teeth surface and whitens teeth thoroughly.

8. Salt with baking soda
Add half a teaspoon of salt and baking soda in a small cup of water to make a paste. Brush your teeth with this paste for a couple of minutes daily. This powerful combination gently removes stains and bacteria from your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening, as well as dentures and dental implants can help make your smile brighter and more confident. Talk to your dental care provider today about denture costs and dental implants costs. Many dental offices offer dental implant financing and inexpensive dentures for patients.