Having a bright smile is a sign of confidence. However, the yellowing of the teeth, which happens gradually, directly affects your confidence level. It can also lead to oral diseases. There are plenty of teeth whitening products available in the market. But most of them are loaded with chemicals that cause side-effects. While opting for teeth whitening products, it’s important to know what works and what doesn’t.

Here are the top ways to naturally whiten teeth at home:

1. Use sea salt
When applied with cider vinegar, sea salt helps whiten teeth due to the abrasive compounds present in the combination. You can also apply the acid-based sea salt to your toothpaste and brush normally for positive results. However, use this combination moderately since overuse of vinegar with salt can lead to tooth damage or cause increased tooth sensitivity.

2. Brush with baking soda
Baking soda has gentle polishing properties to remove stains from the surface of the teeth. It’s also very effective in fighting plaque-causing bacteria and prevents tooth decay. Baking soda doesn’t bleach your teeth, but its abrasive nature can remove plaque. However, don’t use it too frequently since the abrasive quality of baking soda can damage tooth enamel.

3. Consume apples and pineapples
Apples contain malic acid that boosts saliva production to wash away oral acids that cause plaque. Many kinds of toothpaste contain bromelain, a compound found in pineapples that whiten teeth safely and naturally. While there’s no evidence that fruits help whitening teeth, most fruits have natural acids that help in discoloration of the teeth and give a whiter and glossy finish.

4. Coconut oil pulling
Coconut oil is a natural and safe product that removes bacteria and plaque from the mouth. Choose to swish your mouth with a couple of teaspoons of organic coconut oil. Swish it for 15 to 30 minutes without letting the oil reach your throat. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with water. Brush your teeth in the end for amazing results.

5. Use turmeric
This warm and bitter spice popular for flavoring curry is an exceptional and natural dye that can whiten teeth naturally. Turmeric can turn even extremely yellow teeth to pearly white after using it for a significant time.

6. Use wood ash
Hardwood ash contains potassium hydroxide that can remove stains effectively and promote teeth whitening. However, you should use a tiny percentage of hardwood ash, and that too sparingly. The harsh potassium hydroxide can significantly damage your teeth if frequently used.

7. Add calcium to your diet
Discoloration of the teeth can also be due to enamel-eroding, exposing the dentin below the enamel. This causes yellowing or browning of the teeth. Make sure to include calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and other calcium sources in your diet. This prevents your enamel from eroding and promotes teeth whitening.

8. Charcoal brush
Take a wet toothbrush and mix a small charcoal powder to brush for a couple of minutes. Charcoal is a natural and safe teeth whitening product that stops plaque build-up.