Winter White: How to Brighten Your Teeth at Home

* 6 ways to whiten your teeth without a dentist
* Find the right method that fits your schedule
* Some options can double as maintenance for professional lightening
If you’ve noticed your smile could use a pick-me-up, but despair over what your dentist quotes you for an in-office whitening, there’s hope. The same teeth whitening technology that’ll cost a bundle there is readily available with a scroll and click through popular shopping sites like Amazon.
While these whitening kits are available in lesser concentrations that what you’d find professionally, the results are absolutely noticable and can last up to a year. If getting rid of a few surface stains is what you’re after, we’ve also included tried-and-true methods like baking soda and activated charcoal that are as simple as brushing your teeth.
Here, we’ve included 6 ways to whiten your teeth at home, saving you the time, money and – let’s face it – the agony of an afternoon in the dentist chair.
1. Baking Soda
If this method sounds a bit old-fashioned, well, there’s a reason: It’s a tried-and-true method for lightening teeth through abrasion that’s tough enough on surface stains, but not so intense as to damage tooth enamel. Just dip your toothbrush in a bit of the powder and brush normally.

2. At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Using blue-light technology and a hydrogen peroxide gel, these kits utilize the same technology dentists use, but at lower concentrations safe for home. Ideal for removing deeper tooth discoloration.

3. Use Coconut Oil After Brushing Your Teeth
Swishing your mouth with coconut oil after brushing, also known as oil pulling. The idea is the oil picks up bacteria and teeth-yellowing tartar and you spit everything out for a brighter smile over time.

4. Whitening Pens
These portable pens make whitening on the go easy – just twist up the whitening solution and brush on to teeth. Aura Glow’s formula doesn’t require spitting or rinsing, so you can truly whiten anywhere discreetly. It’s also a great tool to carry for touch-ups if you’ve spent a bundle on professional whitening.

5. LED Light Whitening Kit
This teeth whitening LED light amplifies the power of the whitening gel break down stains on and whiten faster. Five powerful LED bulbs are included in this kit, along with trays and gels for top and bottom teeth.

6. Activated Charcoal Powder
If your teeth are prone to sensitivity, skip the peroxide formulas and use an activated charcoal powder on your toothbrush. It’ll detoxify and clear up stains while being gentle on teeth and gums.

Activated Coconut Charcoal: Whiten Your Teeth the Natural Way