Want to whiten teeth naturally? The American Dental Association reported that when people were asked what they would most like to improve about their smile, the top response was whiter teeth. While there is information from the Journal of Evidence-based Dental Practice that professional teeth whitening with bleaching agents makes a difference, many people are looking to natural remedies to achieve a brighter smile. Have a look at our guide on is teeth whitening safe for more info on the impacts of teeth whitening on health.

Experts agree that maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for healthy, clean teeth. Our guide to the best electric toothbrushes makes brushing a breeze, and can upgrade your dental routine. You can also have a look at our guide on how to use an electric toothbrush for more information on how to use an electric toothbrush for the best results.

You’ll hear claims about ways to whiten teeth naturally, though often the evidence is lacking. Even worse, some methods could cause damage. It can be confusing, though help is at hand as we’ve consulted the experts and examined the science behind ways to whiten teeth naturally.

Dr Safa Al-Naher, the director and principal dentist at Serene Dental and Facial Aesthetics, says: “See a dental professional, and don’t take matters into your own hands.” A dentist can offer expert, individualized advice on your options to improve the appearance of your smile.

Plus, did you know that a natural smile is not pearly white but often a shade of yellow? Our teeth consist of three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The middle layer, dentin, is yellow. If the enamel is thin, it can expose the underlying dentin. Find out more in our reference guide: are teeth naturally yellow?

Cut down on foods and drinks that stain teeth

If you’re looking to whiten teeth naturally, you’ll want to understand why teeth become discolored. There are intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect the appearance of teeth, according to the American Dental Association. Intrinsic factors include your age and health conditions, which alter the color of teeth. In this scenario, a dentist would need to prescribe teeth whitening with a bleaching agent to change the color. Yet if there are extrinsic factors or stains on the surface, lifestyle changes can improve the appearance of your teeth.

“Avoid anything with strong colorings, such as tea, coffee, red wine, turmeric, various spices, and tomato sauces,” says Al-Naher. While it’s not realistic to eliminate these, you may want to limit your consumption.