Nobody wants yellow teeth or stains on their teeth. Yellowed or stained teeth may be due to a number of things. Stains can occur from the foods that you eat or drink, from not taking care of your teeth properly, or from poor habits such as smoking or other tobacco use. Help get rid of those stains and brighten your teeth by changing those bad habits, taking better care of your teeth, and doing some at-home teeth whitening treatments. Read on for some teeth whitening treatments and tooth brightening tips you can do at home.

Charcoal Capsules

Activated charcoal pills opened and mixed with water to create a paste can help whiten your teeth. Put the charcoal paste on your teeth and allow it to sit for 2 minutes (don't swallow the charcoal). Rinse your mouth out and then brush your teeth as you normally would. The activated charcoal is going to stain your toothbrush and could get messy, so be sure to keep your charcoal toothbrush separate from your regular toothpaste toothbrush.

Coconut Oil

Oil pulling is a way to whiten teeth as well. Take about a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for about 3 minutes. Spit out the coconut oil in a garbage can (not down the sink as it may clog your sink), then rinse your mouth out with salt water. Repeat the steps for 4 days, then back off to only a few days per week. If your teeth are beginning to feel sensitive, stop using the coconut oil.

Professional Treatments

Talk to your dentist about a whitening gel or paste you can use at home with a tray or mouth guard. Some dental offices will do whitening procedures in office, or you may be able to take the whitening gel home for whitening treatments at home. Talk to your dentist about this type of whitening treatment either in office or at home.

Different Oral Care Habits

A change in your oral healthcare habits can help brighten your teeth. Quit all tobacco usage as the tobacco can stain your teeth. Caffeine consumption can also stain your teeth, so stop drinking tea, coffee, and soda drinks. Remember to brush your teeth twice per day for at least two minutes. 

Take care of your teeth to keep your teeth bright and free of stains. Talk to your dentist about other tips and teeth whitening tricks for a whiter, brighter smile.