Bright, white teeth are the stuff of dreams. We’re all chasing this dream endlessly, but only a few of us achieve that dazzling smile of pearly whites. Eating and drinking habits often come in the way for the majority of us, with coffee being the biggest obstacle. That, however, doesn’t mean avid coffee drinkers and people with similar habits must shell out thousands of dollars at a dental facility for teeth whitening.

Literally everyone—and we mean it—can fight teeth discoloration with some simple home remedies. We’ve listed some of the top ways to whiten teeth at home, which have delivered notable results over time.

1. Use baking soda
You might have already heard it, but baking soda is one of the best home remedies to fix teeth discoloration. Its abrasive nature makes it great for getting rid of food stains, and it also helps kill bacteria that might have entered your mouth.
The simplest way to use it is to take a tablespoon of baking soda and work it into a paste by adding some water. Then, brush it over your teeth. You can also use it in combination with hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural bleaching agent with similar properties. You can combine the two and brush the paste over your teeth consistently for noticeable results.

2. Try oil pulling
While there’s no evidence to suggest that oil pulling works, people who’ve done it have been generally pleased with the results. One of the top ways to whiten teeth at home, this method involves swishing any type of oil, like coconut or sunflower oil, in your mouth for 10-15 minutes.
The oil helps remove toxins from the teeth and also kills any embedded bacteria. You can pick any oil, although coconut oil is the most popular choice because it comes with multiple health benefits that aren’t limited to the teeth.

3. Rub fruit skin
Banana, orange, and lemon peels are often used for teeth whitening. People who’ve been using this at-home remedy for an extended duration have noticed an improvement in their oral health. Banana skin, for instance, can help exfoliate external stains due to the consumption of certain foods and drinks.
Lemon and orange peels have citric acid, which is known to whiten teeth. Fruit skins also have a host of vitamins that are crucial for oral health. You can simply rub a piece of fruit skin over your teeth for two minutes, and then wash your mouth thoroughly.

4. Eat right
A diet packed with fruits and vegetables also benefits your teeth along with your overall health and well-being. Calcium is among the most important nutrients as it helps keep your teeth strong and prevents bacteria from deteriorating your oral health.
Eating fibrous foods is another top remedy to whiten teeth at home. These foods assist in removing plaque and exfoliate food and drink stains on your teeth. Pineapples and strawberries are also beneficial, as they contain bromelain, an enzyme that removes stains and whitens teeth.