The enamel and dentin of our teeth plays the biggest role in color. Certain food and drinks will directly stain the enamel. But over time the two biggest culprits are the nasty food and drink that actually break down the enamel, and weakening enamel as we age. As the enamel breaks down, it reveals the yellow dentin underneath.

Many whitening gels, toothpastes and whitening strips are available in the market to remove the stains and whiten the teeth.crest strips

Apart from seeing a dentist, here are a few tricks you can do at home for whitening your teeth-

6 Tips To Whiten Teeth At Home

1. Prepare your own stain blasting formula
Mix 3 tbsp of baking soda with 2 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide. Use this as a toothpaste. Brush very gently since the baking soda is abrasive. Take care to use hydrogen peroxide which is 3% or less. You can also use lemon juice instead of hydrogen peroxide.

2. Straws are the biggest secretcoffee-web
Use straws to drink coffee or tea, since they tend to stain the teeth. Always use mouthwash or rinse with plain water or brush if possible, immediately after having dark liquids like coffee, tea or other beverages.

3. Apples
Eat crunchy fruits or veggies such as apples, carrots, cucumbers and guavas. They can clean your teeth just like your toothbrush.

4. Strawberry, salt and baking soda scrub
Mash 1-2 strawberries into a pulp. Add a pinch of salt and half tbsp baking soda. Gently scrub your teeth with this mixture. The malic acid present in the berries and the abrasive nature of the scrub can remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. Use this scrub at least twice a week.

5. Coconut oil
Applying a little coconut oil on the teeth daily in the morning for 5-10 minutes and brushing after that can remove the stains and make them whiter.

6. Banana or orange
Gently rub a banana peel or an orange peel on your teeth for 2-3 minutes daily. The minerals in these peels can keep your teeth shinier.

BDST: 1729 HRS, MAY 18, 2015
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor