How to Whiten Your Teeth in 1 Day [Using 19 Tricks] (2024)

A dazzling white smile is hard to forget, but keeping your pearly whites “pearly” often requires more than your dentist’s recommendation of brushing twice a day. In fact, according to Popular Science, more than $11 billion dollars is spent on teeth whitening products every single year. While a significant amount goes to in-office solutions provided by the dentist, more and more individuals are opting for at-home options that provide same-day results without the hefty price tag.

You may be surprised to learn just how many teeth whitening products may be lying around your home as we speak. From cooking oils to fruit peels and scrubs, it may be possible to reduce and even reverse the yellowing of your teeth with affordable, convenient solutions.

Why Your Teeth Turn Yellow

Even the most ardent tooth brusher can find themselves looking in the mirror to see a less than white smile reflecting back, so what exactly are they doing wrong? Absolutely nothing, most likely. Over time, it’s almost inevitable for discoloration to occur. Age and certain lifestyle factors, such as nicotine use and tea drinking can all have a deleterious effect on the brilliance of your smile. In truth, yellowing of the teeth can happen for a number of reasons, both intrinsic and extrinsic, according to Live Science.

Intrinsic stains are those that result from the discoloration of the dentin, or interior of the tooth. Caused most often by antibiotics and other medications commonly administered to children as well as acne medications and even chemotherapy, these stains are difficult to remove. According to WebMD, even fluoride treatments, which are routinely used as a means of strengthening the enamel of the teeth and preventing cavities, can lead to discoloration when used in excess.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that if the item can stain your clothing, it can stain your teeth as well[/perfectpullquote]

Extrinsic stains are another matter and result from yellowing caused typically by lifestyle choices and habits, such as smoking and drinking coffee, wine, and other beverages. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that if the item can stain your clothing, it can stain your teeth as well. Fortunately, since these stains are impacting only the exterior enamel of the tooth, they are typically easier to remove.

Tip: Try Coconut Oil

If you’re looking to whiten your teeth in one day, you should consider the age-old concept of oil pulling.The technique has been around for a millennia and involves the use of oil as a means of promoting whiter teeth and improved overall dental health.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]coconut oil can be used to whiten teeth as well as prevent the development of germs[/perfectpullquote]

Believed by some to be a helpful cleaner as well as an antimicrobial agent, according to the NIH, many have turned to coconut oil as a means of whitening teeth as well as preventing the development of germs.

There are many benefits of coconut oil. Aside from whitening teeth, coconut oil may be able to:

Reduce the occurrence of gingivitis

Kill bacteria known to cause cavities

Decrease symptoms of oral thrush

Combat bad breath

To properly utilize coconut oil, the following steps should be followed in careful detail:

Place 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth

Swish for between 10-20 minutes

Spit into the trash or toilet (not the sink, as coconut oil solidifies and could block the pipes)

Tip: Use Baking Soda

Another tool that you can employ to whiten your teeth in one day is the ubiquitous baking soda. According to studies by NCBI, baking soda has been shown to help remove plaque as well as unsightly discoloration due to its dual nature as both an abrasive and alkaline substance.

To Use:

Baking soda is typically incorporated with a liquid in order to form a paste that can be brushed on the teeth in a way similar to regular toothpaste. There are a number of ways to use baking soda such as with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide as well as with plain tap water.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]baking soda does tend to be quite abrasive, so it requires the use of a more neutral additive such as water[/perfectpullquote]

Similarly, there is some back and forth between dentists as to what liquid serves as the best solvent. Since baking soda does tend to be quite abrasive, many argue that frequent baking soda treatments require the use of a more neutral additive such as water.

Regardless of which liquid you choose, the procedure to follow remains largely the same:

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of solvent

Stir into a paste

Brush for a maximum of one to two minutes

Rinse your mouth thoroughly and make sure to wash your toothbrush

Tip: Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Used by many as an affordable and helpful means of whitening teeth, hydrogen peroxide is not to be underestimated. Along with offering brightening and and whitening capabilities, hydrogen peroxide also acts as an antimicrobial agent, helping to fight germs that might otherwise lead to gingivitis and other ailments. Studies by NCBI have shown that hydrogen peroxide is effective at whitening teeth.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Along with offering brightening and and whitening capabilities, hydrogen peroxide also acts as an antimicrobial agent[/perfectpullquote]

There a number of ways to incorporate hydrogen peroxide into your dental hygiene routine. Perhaps some of the most notable uses include:

Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Rinse

Tip: Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has become quite a craze lately, with many boasting its ability to cure digestive ailments, lower blood sugar, and promote healthy and clear skin. But did you know that it may be able to eliminate pesky tooth discoloration as well?

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]it’s acidity serves to break down the plaque on your teeth and remove yellow stains from the enamel[/perfectpullquote]

According to WebMD, apple cider vinegar contains a number of helpful compounds, including probiotics, magnesium, potassium, and acetic acid which work in tandem to kill germs and promote the growth of healthy bacteria. More specifically to tooth whitening, it’s acidity serves to break down the plaque on your teeth and remove yellow stains from the enamel.

There are a couple of ways in which you can utilize apple cider vinegar to quickly whiten your teeth in one day:

Apple Cider Vinegar Rub

Dip your finger in apple cider vinegar

Rub on teeth directly for one minute

Rinse your mouth out with water or a hydrogen peroxide rinse

Apple Cider Vinegar and Water Rinse

Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water

Swish around the mouth for 2-3 minutes

Rinse mouth out with water

Tip: Use Fruits and Vegetables

While certain beverages and foods are responsible for causing discoloration, others may be able to help us eliminate them. Fruits and vegetables are nutrition powerhouses, but the breadth of their benefits may extend even further than increased nutrients and slimmer waistlines.

There are a number of fruits and vegetables that have been linked with teeth whitening abilities. According to EatingWell, the following are some of the most noteworthy:

Strawberries: the malic acid in this berry serves as an astringent which can help scrub away tooth discoloration

Apples: contain both malic acid as well as a high water content which serves to boost saliva production and naturally cleanse teeth

Celery: the fibrous texture and high water content of this low-calorie veggie helps to scrub away discoloration and stains

Pineapples: if you’re wondering how to whiten your teeth in 1 day, this tropical fruit may have increased efficacy due to bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple that can break down plaque and whiten teeth

Tip: Use Turmeric

Next time you’re in need of a natural tooth-whitening solution, take a peek in your spice cabinet and see if you have any turmeric on hand. Along with offering a range of other health benefits, turmeric may be able to help whiten discolored teeth and prevent the occurrence of gingivitis, says the NIH. Not only this, but turmeric’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties have made it useful as a means of reducing dental pain and swelling as well.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]some individuals have reported that turmeric is able to quickly whiten your teeth in one day[/perfectpullquote]

Some individuals have reported that turmeric is able to quickly whiten your teeth in one day. The use of turmeric can be implemented in a number of ways, including the following:

Brush with Turmeric Powder

Dip your electric toothbrush in turmeric powder

Brush all over your teeth

Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes

Rinse your mouth and brush with regular toothpaste

Turmeric and Coconut Oil Toothpaste

Combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with a dash of turmeric

Stir to make a paste

Brush your teeth with the paste and allow to sit for 5 minutes

Rinse thoroughly

Tip: Use Activated Charcoal

Yet another potential way to quickly whiten your teeth in one day is through the use of highly absorbent activated charcoal. One teaspoon of this product has an astounding 10,000 square feet of surface area, making it incredibly absorbent and able to pull stains and bacteria from the teeth and mouth. Able to quickly bind with toxins, activated charcoal is also routinely kept on hand as means of potentially easing symptoms due to food poisoning or ingestion of toxic chemicals, cleaning products, etc.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]One teaspoon of this product has an astounding 10,000 square feet of surface area[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

While believed to be safe when ingested, activated charcoal is quite abrasive, meaning that it should be applied carefully so as not to erode your teeth’s enamel. According to an article in Best Health Mag, activated charcoal can be used by:

Mixing activated charcoal (about 1-2 capsules worth) with water

Form a paste

Gently brushing your teeth or dab on the teeth

Allowing to sit for 3 minutes

Rinsing thoroughly

Tip: Use Epsom Salt

Next time you’re drawing yourself a bath with epsom salt, consider this. Some information suggests that when combined with either water or hydrogen peroxide, epsom salt, which is composed of magnesium sulfate, may be highly useful when looking to whiten your teeth. Not only this, but an article in GreenRadar states that brushing with an epsom salt solution may also prove helpful at preventing the occurrence of periodontal disease.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]when combined with either water or hydrogen peroxide, epsom salt, may be highly useful when looking to whiten your teeth[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

Brushing your teeth with a paste of epsom salt is simple to do, and can be achieved by:

Combining equal parts epsom salt and solvent

Stirring well until the salt is dissolved

Brushing teeth with mixture

Rinsing mouth thoroughly with water

Tip: Use Neem

A natural product found within a well-known Indian tree, neem has a variety of uses, including as a natural pesticide and as a means of killing bacteria and cleaning teeth. Due to its healing properties, neem has been used in the hopes of preventing gingivitis, whitening teeth, and reducing the occurrence of cavities according to the NIH. By removing plaque and cleansing the teeth of bacteria, neem is also able to freshen breath.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Due to its healing properties, neem has been used in the hopes of preventing gingivitis, whitening teeth, and reducing the occurrence of cavities[/perfectpullquote]

Ways to Utilize Neem

There are a number of ways in which Neem can be used to quickly whiten your teeth. Some of these include:

Chewing neem leaves

Boiling neem leaves and water and gargling with the mixture

Brushing with neem powder or neem oil

Tip: Use Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Paste

Full of citric acid, lemons may also be a helpful way to quickly whiten your teeth in just a single day. Acting as a natural bleach, lemons can be particularly helpful when combined with baking soda. Together, they form a mildly abrasive paste that may safely and effectively remove stains from your teeth. However, it’s important to note that lemon should not be used often as the acid within can erode enamel if used in excess.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]it’s important to note that lemon should not be used often as the acid within can erode enamel if used in excess[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

In order to maximize benefits and reduce the negative impacts of lemon juice on the enamel of your teeth, it’s imperative to carefully:

Mix baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice

Brush on the teeth for one minute

Rinse thoroughly so as to remove all lemon

Tip: Use Lemon and Salt Rub

If you’re wondering how to quickly whiten your teeth and you’re considering your options, a simple combination of lemon and salt may be the way to go. According to VeryWellHealth, combining the lightening effect of the lemon’s citric acid with the mildly abrasive salt may serve to remove plaque and give your teeth a whiter, brilliant glow. Remember, though, that lemon is high in acid. To make sure that you keep your enamel safe, consider brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste after utilizing a lemon and salt scrub.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]lemon is high in acid. To make sure that you keep your enamel safe, consider brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste after utilizing a lemon and salt scrub[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

All you need to begin is a lemon and a little bit of salt. To properly make and use your rub:

Combine fresh lemon juice with 2 teaspoons of salt

Massage onto your teeth

Let it sit for a minute

Rinse thoroughly

Tip: Use Strawberry and Baking Soda Paste

Strawberries are yet another delicious fruit that also doubles as a way to quickly whiten your teeth. With their high malic acid content, strawberries may be able to help correct discoloration and remove superficial surface stains. When combined with baking soda, which is mildly abrasive, the results may be even more pronounced, says Colgate.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]With their high malic acid content, strawberries may be able to help correct discoloration and remove superficial surface stains[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

First of all, gather your ingredients. You’ll need 1 strawberry and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Then:

Crush berry to form a pulp

Mix with the baking soda

Use a toothbrush to apply

Allow to sit for 5 minutes

Brush with regular toothpaste and rinse

Tip: Use Banana Peel Rub

If you’re considering how to whiten your teeth quickly in just 1 day, you may be surprised to discover that the answer may be closer than you realize. In fact, it may be lying in your fruit bowl as we speak. According to Colgate, banana peels may be able to help whiten teeth due to the rich amount of minerals contained within. There’s certainly no denying that bananas are full of helpful nutrients, including manganese, potassium, and magnesium, that may be able to help clean the teeth and give them a brighter, whiter shine.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]bananas are full of helpful nutrients, including manganese, potassium, and magnesium, that may be able to help clean the teeth and give them a brighter, whiter shine[/perfectpullquote]

Using the Peel

You’ll first want to select a banana that is ripe, but not yet discolored. Once you find a banana that works, you’ll need to:

Peel the banana

Rub the interior portion of the peel on your teeth

Brush your teeth with regular toothpaste

Tip: Use Orange Oil

Essential oils are yet another health craze, with different products being used to combat everything from anxiety to the common cold. One such essential oil has even been shown to help whiten teeth. Due to its acidic nature, orange oil may be able to give your smile that added dash of brilliance. Like with lemon, it’s important to not use orange oil in excess so as to avoid damaging your teeth’s enamel.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Like with lemon, it’s important to not use orange oil in excess so as to avoid damaging your teeth’s enamel[/perfectpullquote]

There are several ways you can utilize orange oil as part of your daily brushing routine. A couple of these include:

Adding Oil to Your Toothpaste

Add a couple of drops of oil to your toothpaste

Brush as you normally would

Rinse well

Combining Baking Soda and Oil

Combine 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 drop orange oil, and water

Stir to form a paste

Place on teeth and allow to sit for one minute

Rinse thoroughly

Tip: Use Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is yet another oil that may be used during the process of “oil pulling”, a technique used to draw plaque and discoloration away from the teeth, says the NIH. Additionally, when used correctly, sesame oil may be able to assist in preventing gingivitis and bad breath as well.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]sesame oil may be able to assist in preventing gingivitis and bad breath as well[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

To properly “oil pull” with sesame oil, it’s important to follow the steps below:

Place 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in your mouth

Swish for around 20 minutes

Spit into the trash or toilet

Tip: Use Guava Leaves

If you’re thinking about how to quickly whiten your teeth in just 1 day, it may be time to give guava leaves a try. Full of phenols and flavonoids, guava leaves may be able to reduce discoloration as well as alleviate swelling of the gums, infections, and plaque, suggests the NIH.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Full of phenols and flavonoids, guava leaves may be able to reduce discoloration as well as alleviate swelling of the gums, infections, and plaque[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

First, you’ll need to acquire at least 1-2 guava leaves. Make sure to wash them thoroughly prior to using them. Once you have the ingredients, you need to:

Crush the leaves

Rub the resulting paste onto your teeth

Leave it for 1-2 minutes

Rinse and brush your teeth with toothpaste

Tip: Use Orange and Salt Rub

The peel of the orange, which is full of vitamin C, may be an effective means of cleaning stains off of your teeth. When combined with salt, which is mildly abrasive, the peel of an orange can help to cleanse teeth as well as potentially prevent the occurrence of gingivitis and similar issues, says HealthGuidance.org. Not only this, but the peel of an orange is not rich in acid like the juice, which means that there is reduced risk to your enamel.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]the peel of an orange is not rich in acid like the juice, which means that there is reduced risk to your enamel.[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

Orange peels can be used either solo or in combination with salt in order to cleanse teeth. To properly apply:

Take an orange peel (dip in salt, if desired)

Rub the white side of the peel against your teeth

Sit for between 3-5 minutes

Brush your teeth with regular toothpaste

Tip: Use a Whitening Pen

Whitening pens, which are convenient and small enough to keep virtually anywhere, may be an effective means of quickly whitening your teeth in one day. According to Colgate, the main active ingredient in whitening pens is peroxide. When applied, the peroxide breaks down and allows oxygen to seep into the enamel and lighten it.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]the main active ingredient in whitening pens is peroxide[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

Depending upon the whitening pen that you select, the exact instructions may be different. However, for the most part, it’s quite easy to use. Simply:

Make sure your teeth are clean

Use the pen to apply a coat to all teeth

Allow to dry for however long the packaging requires

Relax your lips

Tip: Use 1 Hour Whitening Strips

As an alternative to whitening pens, whitening strips may also be able to offer you the same-day whitening results you’re after. Also composed primarily of peroxide, whitening strips typically utilize a polyethylene plastic that facilitates the attachment of the strip to the teeth. Over the hour, the peroxide within bleaches the teeth and results in a whiter, brighter smile, says Humana.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Over the hour, the peroxide within bleaches the teeth and results in a whiter, brighter smile[/perfectpullquote]

To Use:

While perhaps slightly more “in-depth” than a whitening pen, these strips are nevertheless easy to use and can be done while watching TV or catching up with work, if you wish. Just:

Familiarize yourself with the strips

Apply the strips

Allow to sit for one hour

Remove the strips

Rinse out your mouth

How to Whiten Your Teeth in 1 Day [Using 19 Tricks] (2024)

Why Your Teeth Turn Yellow

Tip: Try Coconut Oil

Tip: Use Baking Soda

Tip: Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Tip: Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Tip: Use Fruits and Vegetables

Tip: Use Turmeric

Tip: Use Activated Charcoal

Tip: Use Epsom Salt

Tip: Use Neem

Tip: Use Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Paste

Tip: Use Lemon and Salt Rub

Tip: Use Strawberry and Baking Soda Paste

Tip: Use Banana Peel Rub

Tip: Use Orange Oil

Tip: Use Sesame Oil

Tip: Use Guava Leaves

Tip: Use Orange and Salt Rub

Tip: Use a Whitening Pen

Tip: Use 1 Hour Whitening Strips

References