Over time, teeth can become discolored or yellowish. This discoloration is often caused by what we eat or drink. Certain types of diets can lead to teeth discoloration. Furthermore, plaque buildup will also lead to yellowing teeth. But your teeth don’t have to stay that way. Teeth whitening will brighten your smile once again.
Investing in teeth whitening services is one way to whiten your teeth, but it isn’t the only way. There are some easy-to-use methods to whiten your teeth at home in as little as one day. Read on to find out how you can get back your gleaming white smile in just a short amount of time.
First, What Not to Use: Activated Charcoal
This method of teeth whitening uses activated charcoal to pull stains off of your teeth, but it’s not recommended. Activated charcoal essentially binds to the stains and pulls them off. However, the problem with charcoal is that it’s abrasive, and it can bind to important minerals that are also on your teeth—nutrients your teeth need to be healthy. There are plenty of other safer options out there that can take the place of whitening this way.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural teeth whitener, which is why it is an active ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste. This mildly abrasive ingredient works best to scrub away stains in the front of the teeth as it mixes with saliva.
Baking soda can be mixed with another liquid to form a paste that can be applied to the surface of the teeth. For instance, if you mix baking soda with water to make a paste, you can leave the paste on for a few minutes and see a visibly whiter smile. If you use lemon juice instead of water, it only needs to be applied for one minute before rinsing it off.
Studies have found that baking soda and toothpaste with baking soda are more effective at removing plaque and stains from teeth than ones without baking soda as an ingredient. Additionally, the higher the concentration of baking soda, the whiter your teeth. But baking soda isn’t just effective for whitening teeth. Another added benefit is that its alkaline properties can inhibit bacteria growth in the mouth for both a whiter and healthier smile.
Apple Cider Vinegar
For hundreds of years, apple cider vinegar has been used as a disinfectant to rid the mouth of bad bacteria. But it has also been shown to do more than that. Apple cider vinegar can also bleach and whiten the teeth. But because of its strong acidity, it has also been known to erode the enamel of the teeth. Therefore, it is not recommended for everyday use. When using apple cider vinegar to whiten teeth, only use it occasionally. Mix it with water, swish it around, spit it out, and then rinse again with water afterward.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Much like apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide can whiten, but it should be used carefully and only in small doses. Using a strong concentration can irritate gums, lead to tooth staining, or cause tooth sensitivity. But highly diluted hydrogen peroxide can work wonders at whitening your teeth. A 1.5% to 3% solution is recommended for best results.
These home remedies can whiten teeth in no time, but for the most effective and long-lasting results, you will want to talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening procedures.
FAQs
Hydrogen Peroxide
Can a dentist whiten teeth in one day? ›
Thankfully, professional, in-office teeth whitening often produces immediate results, which means the teeth will appear much whiter and brighter after one session. However, with store-bought products, the results may not work in just one day.
How to make teeth white in one day? ›
Instructions
- Gargle 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil for 10-15 minutes.
- Swish the oil in your mouth back and forth to pull the bacteria off your teeth.
- Spit out the coconut oil and rinse your mouth with water.
- You can also choose to brush your teeth if you don't like the taste of the oil to sit in your mouth.
Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
- Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
Generally, in-office whitening procedures can yield noticeable results after a single session lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. However, some patients may opt for additional sessions for more dramatic effects.
How to get rid of yellow teeth overnight? ›
No treatment can whiten teeth overnight, but some options are faster than others. Natural or over-the-counter treatment may take longer than treatments at the dentist's office. Even in the latter case, whitening is likely to require several treatment sessions of several hours each.
What is the fastest teeth whitening method? ›
For most people, Zoom! laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available.
How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
How can I get 100% white teeth? ›
The 12 Best (and Safest) Ways to Whiten Teeth
- Use whitening toothpaste+
- Switch to an electric toothbrush.
- Get a professional tooth whitening treatment.
- Get a custom whitening gel tray.
- Apply whitening strips.
- Use baking soda toothpaste.
- Try oil pulling.
- Practice good oral hygiene.
If you want to know how to whiten yellow teeth, the most effective option is an in-office whitening treatment with your dentist. In-office whitening treatments have become very popular because you can see results in a single visit or a few visits. The effects last longer than any product you find on the shelves.
Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels:
To perform this “trick,” take a banana, orange, or lemon peel and gently rub it on your teeth. Keep rubbing it for about 2 minutes, then thoroughly wash your mouth and brush your teeth. The peels of these fruits contain citric acid, which theoretically helps in teeth whitening.
Is it worth getting your teeth whitened at the dentist? ›
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
How do people get their teeth so white? ›
The most common approach dentists use for brightening teeth is professional teeth whitening. It entails bleaching teeth enamel to remove surface and intrinsic stains.
How fast can a dentist whiten your teeth? ›
Most of the time, we can complete in-office teeth whitening within an hour or two. In some cases, the patient may need a follow-up treatment. It is also important for a patient to understand the process of whitening teeth and why a professional whitening is much more effective than at-home remedies.
How long does it take for dentist teeth whitening to work? ›
Depending on the level of your staining and the type of whitening procedure you have done, you may be able to see results in about a week or two. To reach your desired whiteness, it may take about three weeks to a month. To maintain the shade, you will need to go for touch-up treatments or use prescribed home kits.
How long does it take to whiten your teeth with trays from the dentist? ›
In regards to how long trays need to be worn, patients should expect to wear them until the teeth have reached the right shade of white. In some cases, it can take a few weeks or for serious stains, it can take up to a year.
