Having a perfect smile is a key factor to improving confidence. Having a bright smile is, however, difficult for some people due to age, poor oral hygiene, or dietary choices. Not to mention, getting a professional tooth cleaning may be expensive. With these DIY methods, you can whiten your teeth at home safely:

1. Use baking soda

Baking soda is a natural whitening agent, and for that reason, many toothpaste manufacturers use it in their product. Baking soda acts as an abrasive to remove light stains present on teeth. It also creates an unconducive environment in your mouth that prohibits the growth of bacteria.

This method requires you to brush with baking soda or toothpaste that contain the ingredient. Some scientific studies have found that toothpaste with baking soda is better for teeth with yellow stains than toothpaste without the element. To use the DIY method, you should mix baking soda and water, then brush using the paste. The remedy works best when done at least three times a week.

2. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

These two ingredients are standard methods of DIY whitening. To use this method, you should use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to form a paste then brush with the paste. You should also use a small amount of baking soda in comparison to hydrogen peroxide. After brushing, rinse properly to ensure there are no traces of the mixture in your mouth.

However, due to the abrasive nature of both ingredients, you should use this paste with concern. Most dentists recommend using the paste for about two to four weeks then waiting for a couple of months. This is because the mixture can degrade your teeth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.

Note that you can add peppermint to the mixture to make it taste better. Peppermint also works to curb bad breath.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is also useful in removing teeth stains, especially those caused by coffee and smoking. A tip when using ACV is to use it regularly for best results. However, you should brush lightly and use it in small amounts to avoid damaging your tooth enamel. Also, you should brush with regular toothpaste after using ACV to remove any traces left.

Another way to use ACV is to rub it on your teeth and leave it one for a minute then use water or hydrogen peroxide for a good rinse. For more information, contact your dentist about teeth whitening.