Are you looking to spruce up your smile without shelling out big bucks on over-the-counter teeth whitening kits that may cause dental sensitivity? There are actually a number of natural at-home treatments you can use to whiten your teeth.

Still, it is important to remember that your diet and hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, play crucial roles in maintaining a white, bright smile. Here are some solutions you can consider to whiten your teeth and feel more confident about showing them off:

Bring on the Baking Soda

You may already have this item in your pantry or refrigerator. Did you know that it could be a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth?

Many commercial whitening toothpastes contain baking soda, so it makes sense that you could use this white powder straight out of the box to help rid your teeth of discoloration or stains. Even so, you should not use this at-home treatment daily, because baking soda is abrasive and can wear away your tooth enamel if used to frequently.

To whiten with baking soda, simply dip the moistened bristles of your toothbrush into the powder and brush.

Snack Smart

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is great for your body, but munching on fibrous foods, such as apples, carrots, and broccoli, can also clean bacteria from your tooth enamel.

Much like baking soda, crunchy and fibrous fruits and vegetables work as abrasive agents that can help scrape plaque and other bacterial residue from the surface of your teeth.

Oil Up

You may not think of using something like oil to achieve a whiter smile, but you may want to give it a try. People have been using oil pulling, a traditional Ayurvedic oral treatment, for centuries, and for good reason.

It turns out that using oil as a mouth rinse can actually help to release plaque and other particles from in between your teeth. It may also help dislodge oil-based stains that are trapped in the pores of your teeth. Try swishing with coconut or sunflower oil, preferably before you eat your morning meal. This solution is also said to help cleanse your entire body of harmful toxins.

Some at-home treatments may be able to help you get the smile you have always wanted. However, if you would like to have your teeth professionally whitened, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in your area today.

To learn more, contact a dentist like Timothy D Calkins DDS.