Try a whitening toothpaste
Believe it or not, there are no “whitening toothpastes” in the strict sense of the word, according to Burhenne. “Toothpaste can really only remove stains, not whiten enamel,” he says. Although it might be hard to find, look for toothpaste with creamy textures and citroxain or activated charcoal, Burhenne says. But don’t over-use activated charcoal products for natural teeth whitening; it’s best to use them in moderation and discuss usage with your dentist. If you need some product inspiration, check out these 14 teeth whitening products dentists use themselves.
Boost your toothpaste with baking soda
If you want to take your normal toothpaste to the next level, try adding a little baking soda to your paste for a natural teeth whitener, says Elliot Zharnitsky, DDS, an orthodontist at Diamond Braces in New York, NY. Research shows that toothpaste with baking soda not only works for stain removal but also removes plaque from teeth more effectively than non-baking soda toothpaste. Here are more toothpastes dentists use for natural teeth whitening.
Opt for whitening trays
If you can afford to get custom teeth whitening trays, it could be worth it. Although this isn’t a natural teeth whitener, it is effective and done by a professional. The doctor takes molds of your teeth, creates trays, and then provides a whitening gel often made with peroxide. People can then brighten their smile in the comfort of their own home, Zharnitsky says. Before you head to your dentist for a tray, make sure you note these 9 things dentists wish you knew about teeth whitening.