Having great teeth has become increasingly popular in our modern society. Many of us find ourselves hiding our teeth in photos and feeling self conscience when smiling or laughing. The harsh reality is that discoloration does occur in teeth, sometimes naturally and other times because of habits that we have, such as drinking coffee or smoking. Everyone deserves a pearly white smile, no matter what their circumstances. Brushing your teeth after eating and drinking is a great start, but, unfortunately, is more preventative as opposed to being a reactive solution. Luckily, there are a few more natural ways to whiten your teeth at home.

Together, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide form a natural teeth whitener. After making a paste with these ingredients, brush as normal. Be sure to have a smooth paste, as the grittiness of baking soda can scrub the enamel off of the teeth if used in too high of a concentration. The peroxide acts as an anti-bacterial, cleaning the gums and keeping the entire mouth germ-free.

Apple cider vinegar is also great for in-home teeth whitening, as its acidity works as a heavy-duty stain remover. You can brush with the liquid or use it as a mouthwash. However, consistency is key here, as results will not be detected after a single use. Make sure to rinse your mouth out completely, as the lingering aftertaste of any type of vinegar is less than pleasant.

If you’ve heard of oil pulling, it was probably in the context of aiding in acne treatment. However, coconut oil is also great as a natural teeth whitener. Swish a spoonful of coconut oil around in your mouth for 15 minutes for sparkling teeth and healthy gums.

Finally, one of our most commonplace kitchen items can be used either in combination with any of the above substances or on its own. Lemon juice has near superpowers when it comes to promoting bodily health, and this is no different when teeth are concerned. The acidity acts to strip plaque and other nasty lingerers from the teeth and leaves your mouth feeling super fresh. However, don’t forget to rinse with water after, as the leftover acid can actually break down the enamel if left too long.