Nothing boosts your confidence like a compliment on your white, bright smile. As such, the opposite also rings true: having yellowing teeth can totally lower your self-esteem. Long-term smokers, dedicated coffee consumers, wine-o’s, sweet-teeth extraordinaries, soda drinkers, etc. all understand the negative consequences of certain substances can have on the color of their teeth. Luckily, there are some inexpensive ways to reverse the coloring effects of tooth decay.

Here are a few easy ways to whiten those chompers with everyday things you can find in your home:

1. Hydrogen peroxide

First things first – NEVER swallow hydrogen peroxide. Setting that aside, making a rinse to brighten your smile is easy. Simply pour a mixture into a cup of half-water, half-hydrogen peroxide. Once thoroughly stirred, take a sip of the mixture and swish around in your mouth for roughly 30-45 seconds. Spite, rinse and repeat up to 5 times daily and, voila! Did we mention this remedy is far cheaper than the whitening strips you can buy at the store?

2. Baking soda

Leave the trusty hydrogen peroxide bottle out for this option, as you will need it along with some baking soda to complete. Simply mix 2 parts soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide to create this low-cost solution. Once combined, you should have a paste similar to your regular toothpaste. 

Tip: be sure to use only twice a week as too much contact with your teeth can damage the enamel irreversibly. 

3. Apple cider vinegar

Without a doubt, apple cider vinegar (ACV), diluted in a glass of water, can better your health if used daily. These benefits include ridding your body of harmful bacteria, lowering your blood sugar, reducing fat and even lowering your risk of cancer. However, there has long been a debate over what ACV does to your teeth. Although controversy has existed for years, the majority of studies show that ACV absolutely does whiten your teeth. On a daily basis, those who either gargled ACV or brushed directly on their teeth showed the unique ability to battle plaque and ultimately contribute to tooth and gum health. 

4. Oil pulling

Nothing kills the mood like bad breath. Oil can combat stinky breath (halitosis) head on, while also working to whiten your teeth and prevent gum disease like gingivitis. Although more timely than other teeth whitening solutions, oil pulling is a simple process: put a teaspoon of oil in your mouth and swish around for roughly 15 minutes. Afterward, spit out the substance and immediately brush your teeth. It’s as easy as that.