Having white teeth is considered to be a cosmetic benefit to the way you look. Since teeth can easily become stained by some of the daily foods or drinks we consume, whitening procedures are often looked at as a way to make your teeth brighter and nicer looking. Here are some of the ways you can try to whiten your own teeth.

Home Remedies

There are several ways you can whiten your teeth within your own home using products you may already have lying around your house. When trying these methods, you may have to wait a little longer to see results since they are not as potent as some of the over-the-counter products you can purchase.

Use a third-cup of baking soda mixed with about a tablespoon of lemon juice in order to make a paste that can be used to brush on your teeth. When using the baking soda method, you will want to limit the use to one minute duration one time a week. This is because the properties of baking soda can lift off some of the enamel on your teeth if overused.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide to lift stains gently off of your teeth. This method is safe as long as you do not drink the product. Swish a splash of peroxide around in your mouth in the same manner that you would mouthwash and spit out when done.

Fruit Methods

The properties in strawberries have been known to be a natural whitening agent. Malic acid will lift stains from your teeth if it is left in place for a few minutes. Mash up the berries into a pulpy consistency and place directly on your teeth. Leave in place up to five minutes and spit the berry mixture out before rinsing with water.

Banana peels also help remove stains from teeth. The potassium in bananas helps to remove surface stains. You can rub the inside of a banana peel directly on your teeth to help whiten them naturally.

Whitening Products

There are several whitening products that can be purchased from your local drug store. They come in a variety of methods including gel trays, toothpastes or whitening strips. Each of these can be tried to whiten the teeth, but you should limit their usage as they can cause sensitivity to your teeth if you overuse them.

Getting your teeth bleached at your dentist's office is another alternative you may wish to look into. This method would remove more stains than the previous methods, leaving your teeth the whitest they can be. See your dentist, such as George S Cochran DDS, for a consultation to make sure you have not suffered from any enamel loss before having the procedure done.