Home Teeth Whitening: What Actually Works — And What Can Damage Your Teeth

actually safer and more realistic.

Why Teeth Become Yellow or Stained

Teeth can look darker for many reasons, including:

  • Coffee and tea
  • Tobacco
  • Red wine
  • Certain foods and spices
  • Plaque buildup
  • Natural aging
  • Thinning enamel
  • Some medications
  • Dental trauma

Not all discoloration is on the surface. That matters because surface stains may respond to whitening products, while deeper discoloration may require professional treatment.

1. Baking Soda Can Remove Some Surface Stains

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which means it can help scrub away some surface staining.

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