5 Secrets to a Brighter Smile: At-Home Remedies and Affordable Products
Struggling to hide yellowing teeth and dark enamel stains? Brushing twice daily with regular toothpaste won’t cut it if you want to get rid of them! Here, learn how to whiten teeth with these food fixes from cosmetic dentist Lana Rozenberg, DDS. (Plus, we share a few products recommendations for a brighter smile.)
Munch on apples.
Hungry? Snack on apple slices between meals. The fruit’s fibrous pulp acts as a gentle, natural “toothbrush” that removes surface stains, while the act of chewing boosts saliva production to reduce bacteria buildup that can yellow teeth.
Brush with lemon.
Combine one teaspoon of baking soda and two drops of lemon juice, then brush onto teeth twice a week. Lemon’s citric acid breaks down stains on the enamel and baking soda’s mild abrasiveness buffs away plaque and other tooth-dulling buildup.
Use nano-hydroxyapatite.
If you have sensitive teeth and the lemon remedy is too abrasive, try a toothpaste with nano-hydroxyapatite. This ingredient replenishes minerals lost due to whitening and prevents future stains.
Also smart? Using a product with calcium carbonate, which naturally helps remove stains and whiten teeth. For a product we love (that has both!), check out Dr. Jen’s Natural Restoring Toothpaste (Buy from Dr. Jen, $16).
Try dissolvable whitening strips.
Don’t have the time or savings for a professional whitening treatment? Try dissolving whitening strips to get a brighter smile. You won’t have the sticky mess from traditional whitening strips, so, it’s a lot less hassle. We like the Smile Direct Fast Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips (Buy from Smile Direct, $30), because it’s fast and safe (the whitening ingredient is hydrogen peroxide).
Have a pre-drink snack.
Help yourself to an ounce of cheddar cheese after sipping dark drinks like cola, coffee, or red wine. Dentists agree that hard cheeses can help neutralize the acids that cause stains. Plus, their calcium content may help strengthen teeth.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.
