Many things can cause our teeth to become discolored over time: the foods and drinks we consume, smoking cigarettes, and simply aging means that our teeth will lose their white color over time. The good news is that there are many ways that we can preserve the color (and health) of our teeth— and this can either be done naturally or artificially or both! Here are a few different ways that you can whiten your teeth.

Natural: Good Brushing Habits

Nothing beats good oral hygiene when it comes to naturally whitening and improving the health of your teeth. Dentists recommend that you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, but doing both more often is fine. Mouthwash isn’t a necessary step in basic oral hygiene, but many people choose to use mouthwash for a variety of reasons. Brushing with a fluoride, and anti-cavity toothpaste is good, but some people choose to brush with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.

It’s also important to visit your dentist on a regular basis— twice a year or every six months. Your dentist will give you a professional cleaning and screen for any oral issues.

Artificial: Whitening Treatments

Many people use whitening toothpaste and mouthwash to help whiten their teeth, but some teeth stains may be too deep for these over-the-counter methods. Your dentist can perform a professional whitening, which may include the use of a bleach solution that helps remove stains that are beneath the outer surface of the teeth. 

Unfortunately, teeth whitening treatments aren’t covered by dental insurance so you’ll have to pay for this out of pocket— if you choose this route. The good news is that there are many over-the-counter treatments such as gels, strips, and whitening trays that can do just as good of a job as professional whitening.

Natural: Eating Healthy Foods

The majority of people already know that junk food is bad for your teeth, but did you know that eating healthy food is good for your teeth? Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and celery can help naturally remove plaque from your teeth. Strawberries and pineapples have also been said to have whitening effects on the teeth, and dairy foods supply calcium to strengthen your teeth.

At the same time, you should also try to limit stain-causing foods and beverages, such as berries and coffee. To help prevent stains when consuming these foods, rinse your mouth with water after eating, and wait at least an hour after eating before brushing your teeth.

Artificial: Fake Teeth (That Look Natural)

If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to whiten your teeth, then fake veneers may be a good option for you. These temporary teeth are made to fit your mouth perfectly, and they snap on to give you an instantly perfect smile. You’ll also be able to talk, eat, and drink as you normally would.

This is also a good alternative to traditional veneers, which are permanent and require an orthodontist to apply them. Temporary veneers are also less expensive than traditional veneers, with a full set being half the cost of one veneer!

Natural: Oil Pulling

Another natural way to whiten your teeth is to try oil pulling. This is a process in which you swish an oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or sesame oil in your mouth for at least 15 minutes. This is supposed to remove bacteria, plaque, and other impurities from the teeth and mouth. Coconut oil is said to work (and taste) the best, but unfortunately, there aren’t many studies that support this claim— though there are a few.

Oil pulling is much easier on the enamel of your teeth than other whitening methods, so it’s worth a try. Just keep in mind that coconut oil becomes solid at room temperature, so it’s not a good idea to spit it out in the sink as it can clog your pipes.

Of all of these ways to achieve whiter teeth, brushing and flossing regularly have the biggest impact on the health of your teeth. In fact, it’s not recommended to replace brushing and flossing with any of these methods, but to instead include them in your daily brushing routine. All of these methods can actually be used together or you can try any combination, but daily brushing and flossing should be the foundation of either choice or combination of choices.