5 Amazing Teeth Whitening Hacks

You recently were going through photos from a photo shoot you did with your friend last weekend; while zooming in on your face you noticed how yellow your teeth look compared to your friend's. Freak out mode? You start to wonder how, why and when did this happen. Did you always have yellow teeth? You start to consider your options since you can’t afford to have your teeth professionally whitened.

We have all been there; a healthy smile can make you feel great and help boost your confidence. Unfortunately, over time, our lifestyle choices, such as certain foods and drinks, or having bad habits, such as smoking can cause our teeth to become discolored. Thankfully, there are alternatives to getting your teeth whitened that won't break your bank. So, before freaking out, read about these 5 amazing teeth whitening hacks to try at home:

1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

• This is a great natural teeth whitener technique you can easily do at home.
• Baking soda cleans as well as whitens.
• Hydrogen peroxide is a useful disinfectant with antiseptic qualities and the ability to bleach teeth.
• Both products can help get your teeth whitened, individually or combined.

Home Remedy: Mix together a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with a small amount of baking soda to make a paste. Place a small amount on your toothbrush as you brush your teeth normally, making sure you get all your teeth, including the back. Spit and rinse your mouth with water. If you want to see instant results, it is recommended you do this 1-2 times a day.

2. Coconut Oil Pulling

• No surprise here, coconut oil always does wonders, and it can do natural wonders on your teeth as well.

Home Remedy: Take a spoonful of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for 5 to 20 minutes. Spit it out and rinse with water. By now you should notice the oil changing to a thin, white consistency. The oil attracts and removes bacteria and dissolves plaque and tartar, making your teeth whiter, healthier and happier.

3. Fruit Peels

• If you already love fruit, great, if not, start stocking up on those fruits! Not only are they great for your health but is also an easy way to whiten teeth without much thought.
• Certain fruit peels such as oranges and lemons will do the trick of whitening your teeth. The vitamin C content in these peels wards off bacteria and helps whiten your teeth.

Home Remedy: Take a fruit peel of an orange or lemon and rub them over your teeth before you go to bed each night. Always rinse well right afterward; you can even use a half cup of hydrogen peroxide and half a cup of water for a good oral mouth rinse.

4. Whitening Strips or LED Whitening Kits

• There are various whitening strips to choose from and they are a cheaper alternative to professionally whitening your teeth. You can find whitening strips at your local convenience store.
• LED whitening kits are the new "it" item; many celebrities are using these kits.
• LED kits are generally safe, as they emit light with a wavelength that falls within the visible light spectrum and is not strong enough to cause harm.

5. Brush Your Teeth After Drinking and Eating

• This may be obvious but it's not always easy to simply brush your teeth after drinking or eating something.
• It’s no secret that some of your favorite foods and drinks can easily stain your teeth, so when you get the chance to brush, then do it!
• Scheduling regular teeth cleaning visits at your local dentist is also a great way to keep your teeth white.

So next time before rushing to your dentist, try these top 5 teeth whitening hacks to get you started with a healthier and whiter smile.