Natural Ways to Whiten Your Smile

The best way to keep your pearly whites at their whitest is to brush and floss regularly, and to keep up with those regular dental check-ups.

But if you’re looking for a few non-toxic ways to make your smile sparkle in between visits to the dentist, give these natural whiteners a try.

Baking soda. This common household staple is great for all sorts of things, including whitening your teeth. That’s why it’s also an ingredient in many whitening toothpastes. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, and when you use it to clean your teeth, it can help to gently lift surface stains. It also helps balance the pH of your mouth, making it harder for damaging bacteria to grow. To use on your teeth at home, mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with just enough water (or lemon juice) to make a paste, then brush! Important note: this should not be your primary whitening method, as continued use may be slightly damaging to tooth enamel.

Strawberries. This nutrient-packed fruit does more than add a little sweetness to your yogurt or oatmeal. It can also help whiten and clean your teeth. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C that helps break down plaque, and malic acid that helps to remove teeth stains. Simply smash down a few strawberries to make a pulp, mix with baking soda, and apply to teeth. Brush gently 5 minutes later and rinse (and don’t forget to floss to remove any strawberry seeds).

Apple cider vinegar. Results aren’t instant with this natural teeth whitener, but it can help whiten your smile over time. As a rinse, it can also help fight bad breath and mild mouth infections. To make this natural mouthwash, mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup of water and rinse. Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, it’s also important to remember to brush your teeth immediately after use.