Best Natural Teeth Whitening

Most teeth whitening products contain harsh chemicals. While they can effectively remove stains and lighten yellow teeth, they can also irritate your gums and cause tooth sensitivity.There are gentler and more natural ways to whiten teeth without the harsh chemicals or side effects. At NewMouth, our dental experts are here to help you explore safer options for a brighter smile.

We gathered 9 home remedies that may work for your teeth and handpicked 3 natural teeth whitening products that actually work. You can use a combination of these methods to achieve the results you want.

9 Ways to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth At Home

Here are some home remedies you can try for whiter teeth:

1. Swish Oil in Your Mouth

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where you swish oil around your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. It’s supposed to give you a healthier and brighter-looking smile by removing plaque and bacteria in your mouth.

Coconut oil is a popular choice because of its pleasant taste and health benefits. Early studies show that oil pulling with coconut oil reduces plaque formation and prevents gingivitis, which can happen from bacterial buildup.

Besides improving your dental hygiene, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce gum inflammation and promote oral health.

2. Brush with Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is a natural and mild abrasive that’s been proven effective at removing surface stains and lightening teeth. 

It also has antibacterial properties and can neutralize acids in your mouth. This may help prevent enamel erosion and cavity formation.

You can mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste or mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush it on your teeth for 2 minutes.

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent used by many dentists in professional treatments. It enhances the whitening effects of baking soda but may cause sensitive teeth and gum irritation in high concentrations.

Baking soda can also damage the enamel when used excessively. So try not to overuse it and stick with low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends 10% hydrogen peroxide or lower for safe at-home teeth whitening.

3. Rub Fruit Peels on Your Teeth

Fruit peels contain acids and enzymes that are believed to remove teeth stains. Here are some examples of what you can use:

• Banana peel ⁠— Contains bromelain and salicylic acid which may help break down teeth stains and give the appearance of lighter teeth. It’s also rich in potassium, magnesium, and manganese—minerals that can be absorbed by your teeth and make them appear lighter in color.
• Orange peel — Contains citric acid, vitamin C, pectin, d-limonene, and soluble fiber which are thought to naturally whiten teeth.
• Ripe strawberry peel — It contains more malic acid than citric acid, which is gentler and acts as an exfoliant that removes teeth stains.
• Lemon peel — It’s loaded with citric acid, a natural bleaching agent with antibacterial properties, which may help prevent plaque.

Most people just rub the insides of the peel on their teeth for several minutes. But you can also create a paste by mixing baking soda with orange or lemon juice, mashed bananas, or ripe strawberries.

Gently brush the natural whitening toothpaste on your teeth for 2 minutes using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with water afterward.

If you do try this method, use it sparingly—such as once every 1 to 2 months. Fruits can be highly acidic and erode the enamel, increasing your risk for sensitive teeth and tooth decay.

4. Eat Whole Fruits and Vegetables

Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, carrots, brussels sprouts, celery, and broccoli are high in fiber. The fiber found in these foods can act as a mild abrasive and scrub away plaque.

Some fruits also contain enzymes that can whiten teeth and promote good oral health. Here are a few examples:

• Pineapples, oranges, and unripe papayas contain proteolytic enzymes such as papain and bromelain. These enzymes can remove surface stains and prevent plaque buildup. Based on clinical studies, they can also lighten teeth.
• Ripe strawberries, watermelon, and apples are rich in malic acid, which naturally whitens the enamel. It also increases saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away food and bacteria.
• Kiwifruit contains actinidin which can help remove surface stains.

5. Include Dairy in Your Diet

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in lactic acid, which has been shown to lighten discolored teeth. Lactic acid also increases saliva production, reducing bacteria and preventing halitosis (bad breath).

If your diet allows it, you should also eat dairy foods because they’re rich in calcium. Calcium fortifies the enamel and strengthens teeth—making them less prone to acid damage, teeth stains, yellowing, and cavities.

But if you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or follow other diets that restrict the intake of dairy, you can still get calcium from plant-based foods such as:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Soy products
• Legumes
• Beans
• Nuts

6. Snack on Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are naturally crunchy and rich in fiber. Eating them may help buff away stains on your enamel and make your teeth look whiter.

Consider snacking on a handful of cashews, walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds once in a while to remove teeth stains and plaque before they develop into harden into tartar.

Before you do, make sure your teeth are strong enough to handle them. Nuts and seeds are quite tough and can cause your teeth to chip.

7. Apply Activated Charcoal on Your Teeth

Activated charcoal is abrasive and can be used to remove surface stains. It can also bind with plaque and absorb it, effectively whitening your teeth. You can buy it in powder form, or you can crush a tablet.

To create a paste, mix the activated charcoal with some water. Apply it evenly on your teeth with your finger or a soft toothbrush. Leave it on for 2 to 3 minutes then rinse your mouth and brush with regular toothpaste.

Activated charcoal can gradually whiten teeth, but don’t expect drastic changes. It’s also highly abrasive so you should use it sparingly. If you want to try it, charcoal toothpastes may provide a safer option.

8. Avoid Teeth-Staining Food and Habits

Tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars contain nicotine and tar, which can cause teeth to become brown or yellowish. 

Certain foods and drinks may also possess qualities that increase your risk for tooth stains. Here are some examples:

• Coffee and tea — like red wine, these drinks are also rich in tannins which can stick to your teeth and cause discoloration.
• Red wine — contains tannins (dark pigments) which can stain teeth. It’s also acidic and can make your enamel porous and more prone to staining.
• Carbonated beverages — cola and energy drinks are acidic and can break down the enamel, increasing your risk for tooth stains.
• Dark berries and juices — blackberries, blueberries, and pomegranates contain dark pigments that can stain your teeth.
• Turmeric — curry and foods prepared with this spice can cause staining since turmeric has bright yellow pigments.

Sugary foods and drinks may also cause bacteria to thrive, which can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and tooth discoloration.

As a general rule, you want to avoid tobacco and limit your exposure to foods and drinks that are high in sugar or have vibrant and dark pigments.

9. Practice Good Dental Hygiene

The best way to keep your teeth white is to have good oral hygiene and to practice it consistently. Our dental experts recommend the following:

• Flossing before you brush your teeth
• Brushing your teeth at least twice daily or after every meal
• See your dentist every 6 months for dental cleaning

Best Natural Teeth Whiteners of 2024

Most teeth whiteners contain peroxides. Hydrogen and carbamide peroxide are natural bleaches, but they’re often paired with synthetic ingredients.

If you want 100% natural teeth whitening products without artificial ingredients or harsh chemicals, here are our top picks:

Primal Life Teeth Whitening Gel

Best Overall

Real White Teeth Whitening Gel by Primal Life is an excellent way to naturally whiten teeth. It doesn’t contain peroxide or other potentially harmful chemicals. These ingredients were replaced with:

• Olive oil
• Essential oils
• Bentonite clay
• Diatomaceous earth (DE) clay

Its formula gently polishes teeth to remove stains and give you whiter teeth. They can also clean your gums and promote fresher breath.

Lumineux Oral Essentials Teeth Whitening Kit

Best All-In-One Treatment

The Lumineux Whitening Kit gently whitens teeth without causing sensitivity. Its dentist-formulated blend only includes natural ingredients such as coconut oil, sage oil, and lemon peel oil.

All of its ingredients are vegan, enamel-safe, and great for your oral microbiome. It doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), preservatives, sugars, and other toxic ingredients. 

When you purchase the kit, you’ll receive the following:

• 14 natural whitening strips
• Whitening toothpaste (3.75 oz)
• Whitening mouthwash (16 oz)
• Bamboo toothbrush

 

Bite Teeth Whitening Gel 

Best Vegan

Bite’s Teeth Whitening Gel uses a vegan and cruelty-free formula that’s gentle on sensitive teeth. It doesn’t contain alcohol, baking soda, parabens, phthalates, artificial flavors, or synthetic dyes. 

The product’s packaging is 100% plastic-free and made of recyclable glass. You can make a one-time purchase or sign up for a subscription on the Bite website so you won’t have to worry about missing a treatment.

How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally

Home remedies may help remove surface stains. They can also strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to acids and discoloration. 

Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding stain-causing habits and foods are also important for maintaining white teeth. 

But if these don’t work, you can try natural teeth whiteners. These products don’t have harsh chemicals, offering a gentler approach to a brighter smile.

You should see a dentist before trying home remedies and at-home teeth whitening products. Natural ingredients aren’t always good for you—they can harm your teeth when used excessively or improperly.