16 Simple Ways To Get White Teeth Overnight

Yellow or stained teeth are not only visually unappealing but may also make you feel self-conscious and interfere with your confidence. While cosmetic dentists can use strips or whitening fluids to remove stains from your teeth, the procedures are often expensive and may take multiple appointments. An alternative is to look for ways to get white teeth overnight using effective home remedies.

Home remedies for teeth whitening are popular as, unlike dental procedures, they pose little to no risk of weakening or damaging your natural teeth. Additionally, they are inexpensive and do not require insurance or burning a hole in your pocket to be effective. They use ingredients already in your kitchen or cupboard and work best with a consistent oral care routine that includes daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash to maintain a naturally whiter smile over time.

As Charlie Chaplin said, “You will find that life is still worthwhile if you just smile.” So, let’s check out some of the most effective home remedies for teeth whitening in this article. Keep reading and you may find something that’ll help you get back your pretty pearls back.

Trivia

The practice of teeth whitening started around 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used white vinegar and pumice stone to prepare the whitening paste.

How To Get White Teeth Naturally Overnight

If you want to brighten your smile without harsh chemicals or expensive treatments, you are in the right place! While you may not be able to get sparkling white teeth naturally overnight, there are some ingredients that can help remove stains from your teeth, making them look better immediately. Yes, simple ingredients like apple cider vinegar and banana peels may give you a noticeably whiter, healthier smile. This section includes all you need to know about these natural methods to help your teeth shine, without the need for professional whitening products.

Top Ways to Get White Teeth Overnight

Here are the top teeth whitening methods you can try.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar For White Teeth

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• A cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the vinegar to the water and mix well.
2. Gargle with this water before brushing your teeth.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times in a week in the mornings.

Why This Works

This is one of the most popular ways to get white teeth overnight. Apple cider vinegar contains mild acids that can remove the yellow stains from your teeth and make them whiter with usage (1).

A study published in the Cureus journal evaluated the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar compared to manual toothbrushing (without toothpaste) in reducing dental plaque and gum inflammation in children. The study found that when used consistently for  months, ACV showed significant improvements in plaque and gum health, outperforming manual brushing, which showed initial improvement but worsened later. These findings suggest that ACV may help improve oral health effectively when used consistently (2).

2. Baking Soda And Lime Juice For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon lime/lemon juice
• Toothbrush

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the baking soda and lemon juice.
2. With the toothbrush, apply this paste on your teeth.
3. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes and then rinse your mouth with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice a week initially, and then use it once in 7-10 days.

Why This Works

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a common ingredient found in nearly every kitchen. It is mildly abrasive in nature, hence using baking soda to whiten your teeth can help eradicate surface stains. It is also alkaline in nature and helps reduce acidity inside the mouth (3). Lemon juice is slightly acidic in nature and may help to remove teeth discoloration. It is also a natural antiseptic agent (4).

Caution

Make sure you do not keep it on the teeth for long.

3. Banana Peel To Whiten Teeth

You Will Need

Banana peel

What You Have To Do

1. Cut the banana peel into small pieces.
2. Take a piece and rub the inside of it on your teeth. Rub gently all over your teeth for a minute or two.
3. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once every day or every alternate day till you get whiter teeth.

Why This Works

Banana peels are believed to help with teeth whitening, as they contain minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. These minerals can be absorbed into the enamel and potentially reduce surface stains, making teeth appear whiter (5).

4. Coconut Oil To Whiten Teeth

You Will Need

Organic coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Rub some coconut oil on your teeth with your fingers. Ensure you do not swallow it.
2. Rinse with adequate water and follow with brushing.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every day in the morning.

Why This Works

You may find this somewhat odd as coconut oil pulling is mostly known to be beneficial for skin and hair health. The lauric acidⁱ  A saturated medium-chain fatty acid found in many plants, animal fats and oils, including coconut oil and palm kernel oil. present in coconut oil eliminates the plaque-causing bacteria in the teeth (6). This helps reduce the buildup of plaque, promoting a cleaner, brighter smile over time. It also helps in keeping your breath fresh. Now, with this easy fix, you won’t need expensive tooth-whitening gel on your teeth anymore.

5. Orange Oil For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops orange essential oil
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush

What You Have To Do

1. Put the orange oil on your toothbrush and then put toothpaste on it.
2. Brush your teeth as usual.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every morning for a week or so.

Why This Works

Orange essential oil is prepared from the rind of the fruit. It contains a natural compound called d-limonene that may help break down and remove surface stains on teeth (7), (8).

A study published in the American Journal of Dentistry investigated the effectiveness of a toothpaste containing 5% d-limonene in removing and inhibiting natural smoking stains on teeth, comparing its performance with tea stains. The trial involved 408 subjects, divided into four groups, each using a different toothpaste formulation. The results showed that a toothpaste combining 5% d-limonene with a Perlite whitening formulation significantly reduced smoking stains. Additionally, 5% d-limonene alone in a negative formulation showed benefits for inhibiting smoking stains, but not for removing long-standing stains. However, no significant advantage of d-limonene was observed for tea stain removal or inhibition (8).

6. Sesame Oil For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

1 tablespoon sesame oil

What You Have To Do

1. Swish the oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Make sure you do this on an empty stomach. Do not ingest the oil.
2. Swish it around slowly.
3. After 20 minutes, spit the oil out and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. You can add a pinch of Himalayan salt to this water if you like.
4. Brush as usual.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once in the morning.

Why This Works

Oil pulling using sesame oil is one of the most popular ways to get white teeth overnight. The oil is rich in antioxidants that help minimize free radical damage to oral tissues (9). While this may not help with pre-existing stains, swishing with sesame oil may help prevent dental plaque, reduce stains, and help maintain your oral health.

7. Charcoal To Whiten Teeth

You Will Need

• Powdered activated charcoal
• Toothbrush

What You Have To Do

1. Wet the toothbrush and dip it in the charcoal.
2. Brush your teeth with this using gentle circular motions for two minutes.
3. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this remedy once or twice a week.

Why This Works

Activated charcoal is known to absorb impurities that may help whiten teeth effectively and quickly. It is also useful to prevent cavities and maintain teeth and gum health (10).

8. Gargling With Peroxide To Whiten Teeth

You Will Need

• 1 cup 2-3.5% hydrogen peroxide
• 1 cup distilled water

What You Have To Do

1. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water.
2. Gargle with this solution for 30-40 seconds and spit it out.
3. Rinse your mouth with plain water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice a week.

Why This Work

As it is a bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide is an excellent remedy for whitening teeth at home. However, use it at a low concentration and sparingly, otherwise, it may damage your teeth (11). Dentists use higher concentrations of this in commercial teeth whitening treatments.

Caution

Do not ingest the solution. Also, do not use it on a daily basis.

Tina Engeo, a Youtuber, talked about her experience of using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening for 4 days in a row. She said, “I do feel that it got whiter and my teeth are pretty white to begin with (i).”

9. Salt And Lemon For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the lemon juice and salt.
2. Use this mixture as a toothpaste. Brush as usual.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice a week.

Why This Works

The natural bleaching quality of lemon juice removes yellow stains from the teeth, and the salt acts as a gentle exfoliant (4). It scrubs away the stains that have built up on the teeth.

A study published in the Online Journal of Dentistry & Oral Health evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of a toothpaste containing lemon and salt. Over six weeks, 76% of participants experienced improved oral hygiene. The toothpaste significantly reduced yellow stains and debris buildup thanks to the ingredients’ abrasive, acidic, and cleansing properties (4).

10. Turmeric For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Toothbrush

What You Have To Do

1. Sprinkle some turmeric powder on your toothbrush and brush your teeth.
2. Leave the turmeric paste on for 2-3 minutes and then rinse your mouth thoroughly.
3. Brush with your regular toothpaste after this.

How Often You Should Do This

The one-time use of this remedy will give you instant results. Repeat after a few days if required.

Why This Works

Do not let the coloring turmeric gives food (and your clothes after an unfortunate spill) scare you from using this remedy. The mild abrasive property of this herb may help remove deep stains from the teeth. A study published in the Brazilian Dental Journal evaluated the effect of various natural ingredients, such as banana peels and turmeric, on tooth color change over 14 and 30 days. While turmeric showed an initial yellowing effect after the first 14 days, it showed an overall decrease in yellowing by the 30th day (12). It also makes your teeth and gums stronger and free of unhealthy microbes (13).

11. Epsom Salt For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

• 1 part Epsom salt
• 1 part water
• Toothbrush

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the Epsom salt and water so that the salt dissolves in the water.
2. Brush your teeth with this.
3. Add some more water to the remaining salt-water solution and gargle with it.
4. Follow it up by gargling with plain water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, contains magnesium. A study published in the Acta Biomaterialia journal found that when the magnesium ions come in contact with your tooth enamel, they cause a process where the tiny crystals in the enamel break down and then rebuild themselves. This makes the crystals smaller and more tightly packed, making your teeth stronger and gives them a whiter look (14).

12. Guava Leaves For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

1-2 guava leaves

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the guava leaves to get a coarse paste.
2. Rub this on your teeth and leave it on for a minute or two.
3. Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth as usual.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every alternate day for a few days.

Why This Works

Guava leaves can be used to treat a variety of dental issues such as plaque, infections, and gum swelling. Its flavonoidsⁱ  A variety of naturally occurring substances found in many fruits and vegetables, often also rich in antioxidants. and phenols remove the oxidative stress caused on the teeth by different microorganisms, which is one of the reasons for the teeth staining (15 ).

13. Neem For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

• 4-5 neem leaves
• 1 ½ cups water

What You Have To Do

1. Boil the neem leaves in warm water for a few minutes. Do not let the water heat up too much.
2. Strain the solution and let it cool down to lukewarm temperature.
3. Gargle with this water before or after brushing your teeth.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every day or every alternate day.

Why This Works

Neem is one of the popular ways to get white teeth overnight. Let us explain why. Neem is a natural astringentⁱ  A substance that causes bodily tissues to contract, often externally used as a lotion or serum to reduce oiliness in the skin. and  soothing agent. It also has natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help fight plague-causing bacteria (16). So, its regular usage may prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. This, in turn, may ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and without any stains.

14. Orange Peel For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

Orange peel

What You Have To Do

1. Rub the inside of the orange peel on your teeth for a minute or two.
2. Brush your teeth as usual with your regular toothpaste.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every alternate day for a week or two to see results.

Why This Works

The acidic content of orange peels may help whiten teeth. The peel also has natural antimicrobial properties that help fight plague-causing bacteria (17). Further, the peel’s slightly abrasive texture may help scrub away plaque, contributing to a brighter smile when used regularly.

15. Strawberries For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

• 1 strawberry
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

What You Have To Do

1. Mash the strawberry and mix it with baking soda.
2. Use a toothbrush or your finger to apply the mixture on your teeth. Leave it on for a few minutes.
3. Rinse off and do another round of brushing with your regular toothpaste.

How Often You Should Do This

This can be done once a week.

Why This Works

Strawberries contain malic acid, a natural compound that helps whiten tooth enamel. This acid gently removes surface stains, giving you a brighter smile. Additionally, malic acid stimulates the production of saliva, beneficial for oral health. Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth, wash away food particles, and provide protection against tooth decay, all of which are essential for oral health (5).

16. Powdered Milk And Toothpaste For Teeth Whitening

You Will Need

• A pinch of powdered milk
• Toothpaste
• A toothbrush

What You Have To Do

1. Take some toothpaste on the toothbrush and sprinkle a pinch of powdered milk on top.
2. Brush your teeth as usual and rinse thoroughly with water.

How Often You Should Do This

This can be done once or twice a week.

Why This Works

Research suggests that non-sweetened dairy products may have the potential to act as complementary treatments for oral health (18). Moreover, ancient Romans used goat milk to keep their teeth white (19). While there aren’t enough studies regarding the teeth-whitening properties of powdered milk, anecdotal evidence claims that mixing milk powder with toothpaste may enhance its effects and contribute to strain-free and brighter teeth.

Note: While the above ingredients to get white teeth overnight may be helpful for some individuals, results may vary based on individual health and oral hygiene practices. It is always recommended to consult with a dentist or healthcare professional before beginning any new dental care regimen or using home remedies, especially if you have any pre-existing oral conditions or sensitivities. Also, before you use any new remedy, perform a patch test to avoid adverse reactions like irritation and redness.

So, these were the home remedies for teeth whitening. Most of them might need a few repetitions to show effective results. Do not use more than the recommended amount of the ingredients as the natural acids present in them will damage the tooth enamel on excessive usage. Along with these remedies, some people also recommend using over-the-counter whitening toothpaste. However, there is no evidence that these work well. In fact, they contain abrasive ingredients that may cause the enamel to wear, potentially leading to more yellowing over time. You can also follow some preventive measures to maintain your teeth. Check them out below.

Preventative Tips For Keeping Teeth White

Here are some preventive tips you can follow for maintaining white teeth:

• Brush at least twice a day and for at least two minutes, each time, to remove plaque and food particles.
• Use a mouthwash, especially after you eat, for added protection.
• Limit the consumption of foods and drinks like tea, coffee, and soy sauce that may stain your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after meals to wash away stain-causing particles.
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals to neutralize acids in the mouth and freshen breath.
• Drink water throughout the day to maintain saliva production, which naturally fights bacteria and neutralizes acids in the mouth (20).
• Go for regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings to remove tartar and surface stains.

Let us now look at some other diet and nutrition recommendations that can help in teeth whitening.

What Are The Best Foods That Whiten Teeth?

• Eating citrus fruits like oranges can be advantageous for your health as they are packed with nutrients and antioxidants (21). Their vitamin C content makes them suitable for nearly everyone. However, these fruits contain acids, which can erode the teeth enamel and cause deeply etched teeth stains. This does not mean you should stop eating lemons and oranges. Make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after eating such fruits every time to ensure the acids do not affect your teeth.
• It would be a good idea to include plenty of crunchy vegetables and fruits in your diet. Examples include apple, celery, and carrots. Their abrasive texture will rub the teeth and peel off the yellow coating gradually.
• Taking milk-based products can help balance the pH levels in the mouth. This aids in not providing the right breeding environment for microorganisms. By doing this, the microbes will not be able to secrete harmful chemicals that cause teeth staining (22).

Some foods and drinks need to be kept to a minimum to keep your pearlies white. They are:

• A few foods with dark pigmentation can lead to teeth staining. It is better if you reduce their consumption. Examples are blueberries, soy sauce, and marinara sauce.
• A refreshing morning tea or a cup of hot coffee after work is what most people cherish. However, these beverages and energy drinks lead to teeth staining, and, at times, can even lead to enamel erosion. It may not be possible to avoid such drinks and beverages at all times. However, try not to swish them in your mouth while sipping.
• Use a straw to drink energy drinks and soda so that there is minimum direct contact of these with your teeth.
• You must have heard this already. Quitting smoking not only offers you teeth whitening benefits, but it also helps your lungs and heart. Give up smoking in every form to improve the appearance of your teeth (23 ).

Quick Tip

You may do flossing between your teeth daily. Try cleaning your tongue twice a week to prevent plaque formation. It will help prevent teeth discoloration.

Is It Bad To Get Your Teeth Whitened?

When done the right way, teeth whitening is not bad for your health. The bleaching agents are solely used on your teeth, and the process is carefully administered by a dentist. However, there is some debate regarding the effects of this procedure on the tooth enamel after a number of sittings.

Also, teeth whitening treatment is not a recommended procedure for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Infographic: Top 8 Tips For Sparkling White Teeth

White teeth can give you the confidence to smile wholeheartedly. While there are dental procedures to whiten teeth, these can be expensive or damage your teeth. But with easy-to-follow home remedies, you can flaunt a flawless smile and improve your self-confidence. Check out the infographic below to learn more about how you can get white teeth without the trouble of dental sessions or breaking your budget.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see results from home remedies for teeth whitening?

Anecdotal evidence suggests you may see results from home remedies for teeth whitening in 2-3 weeks. However, this timeline may vary based on factors like your natural tooth color, type of stains, and how often the remedies are applied. Plus, to maintain the whiteness, you may have to continue the treatment or repeat it after a while.

Are yellow teeth permanent?

No. Yellow teeth aren’t permanent and can be whitened. Dr. Bill Dorfman, a cosmetic dentist, says, “Of all the colors that are considered discolored teeth, yellow is typically the easiest to whiten. If you have gray teeth, they won’t whiten very well with either professional or take-home systems. But, yellow teeth tend to be the most easily corrected with either professional in-office tooth whitening or any of the take-home tooth whitening options. So, the answer is ‘No,’ they do not have to be permanent.”

At what age do teeth turn yellow?

Teeth may start to turn yellow during the 20s and 30s. Dr. Dorfman explains, “Teeth are slightly porous and, over your lifetime, will pick up stain. If you smoke or drink a lot of dark liquids like coffee and tea, over your lifetime, your teeth will tend to pick up the pigmentation and stain from these products. So, it’s really dependent on how frequently you expose your teeth to external sources that will stain them. On the other hand, some people’s teeth tend to resist stains more than others, so it’s literally a case-by-case scenario. But, most people tend to notice that their teeth are starting to yellow in their 20s and 30s, and that’s a good time to start using any kind of tooth whitening product.”

What is the safest way to whiten teeth?

Custom-fitted teeth whitening trays are safe and effective for teeth whitening. Baking soda is also considered a safe and natural option for whitening teeth.

Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday?

Smoking or drinking coffee, tea or wine can cause yellow stains on teeth despite regular brushing habits.

Does brushing your teeth 3 times a day make them whiter?

No, regular brushing is not effective against stains. It is effective against oral pathogens and cavity formation.

How do celebrities have such white teeth?

Celebrities may frequently visit dentists, use veneersⁱ  They are tooth-colored, small, designed shells intended to cover the front of the teeth to enhance facial appearance. or regular teeth whitening procedures like teeth polishing to get white teeth.

Do electric toothbrushes make teeth whiter?

Electric toothbrushes can remove yellow stains from teeth and make them appear whiter but they cannot make teeth whiter than their natural color.

Illustration: Simple Ways To Get White Teeth Overnight

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn 3 easy ways to whiten your yellow teeth naturally. Click on this video and start your journey towards a brighter, whiter smile without harsh chemicals or expensive treatments.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Zeel GandhiBAMS

 

Dr. Zeel Gandhi is an Ayurvedic doctor with 7 years of experience and an expert at providing holistic solutions for health problems encompassing Internal medicine, Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition, and formulations.

Read full bio of Dr. Zeel Gandhi

• 
  Dr. Bill DorfmanDDS Dr. Bill Dorfman, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist with nearly four decades of experience. His clients include some of Hollywood's biggest stars, and he has authored two books, The Smile Guide and Billion Dollar Smile. After receiving his dental degree from the University of the Pacific, he completed a two-year residency at a dental hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland.
  
  Dr. Bill Dorfman, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist with nearly four decades of experience. His clients include some of Hollywood's biggest stars, and he has authored two books, The Smile Guide and Billion Dollar Smile. After receiving his dental degree from the University of the Pacific, he completed a two-year residency at a dental hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing.

Read full bio of Kushneet Kukreja

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

Read full bio of Dipti Sharma