From In-Office Treatments to At-Home Alts, Here Are the Top Ways to Whiten Teeth (2025)

Since your smile is one of the first things you present to the world, your teeth can hugely impact your self-esteem. Luckily, the dental industry has created various at-home and in-office treatments for a dazzling, pearly white grin. Heck, there are even home remedies for teeth whitening and teeth whitening hacks for those looking for cheaper and/or more "natural" alternatives.

While many treatments exist, though, the question remains: Which treatments are both safe and effective? To find out, we chatted with a few dentists for their top tips on how to whiten yellow teeth. Keep reading to learn more.

Why Teeth Turn Yellow

Before diving into the best ways to whiten teeth, let’s discuss why your teeth might be discolored to begin with.

“Both genetics and a person’s lifestyle are factors that cause teeth yellowing,” says cosmetic dentist Jon Marashi, DDS. “[Certain] foods and beverages can cause staining if they sit on your teeth and attach to the surface,” he says. “Drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine and eating foods, such as turmeric and other spices and berries, can cause teeth staining. This is what we call extrinsic staining.” Other lifestyle choices and factors that contribute to extrinsic staining include smoking and chewing tobacco as well as taking certain medications.

Then there’s intrinsic staining. “This is the darkening of the inside of the tooth, which makes the overall tooth color darker,” Dr. Marashi says. “This generally happens due to aging.”

Meanwhile, inadequate dental hygiene and certain medical conditions can also discolor teeth. “Poor dental hygiene habits, such as not brushing, flossing, or rinsing enough to remove plaque, can also be the cause of yellowing,” says cosmetic dentist Marc Lowenberg, DDS. “There are also several diseases that can cause discoloration. And for some people, darker teeth can be caused by genetics.”

How Long It Takes for Teeth to Stain

Drinking an occasional glass of wine or missing one night of brushing isn’t going to cause major staining. It’s more accumulative than that.

“The timeline for yellowing caused by poor oral health habits can vary from person to person,” says Beverly Hills-based cosmetic dentist Kevin Sands, DDS.“Factors such as diet, genetics, and overall oral health can influence how quickly yellowing becomes noticeable. In general, though, consistent neglect of oral hygiene practices can lead to noticeable yellowing within a few months to a year.”

To turn back the clock on yellow teeth or to prevent further discoloration from forming, keep reading for the best ways to whiten teeth at home and in office.

Effective At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments

The most popular at-home teeth whitening treatments include brushing with whitening toothpastes, trays, LED whitening kits, and strips.

These whitening products are made with either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. “If you have sensitive teeth, you’ll want to look for a lower percentage of around 6 percent." Dr. Marashi says. "If you don’t have teeth sensitivity, there are options with a higher concentration, up to 15 percent hydrogen peroxide. This will deliver faster results.”

For quicker results, Dr. Sands says to opt for whitening strips or trays over whitening toothpaste. “These products are applied directly to the teeth and left on for a specified amount of time, usually ranging from 30 minutes to overnight,” he says. However, Dr. Lowenberg adds that these products "provide short-term whitening and will never be as effective as in-office whitening due to strips having a much weaker percentage of hydrogen peroxide." Still, for a quick brightening boost before a big event, they come in handy.

While specialty whitening toothpastes, strips, and trays can ramp up the brightness of your teeth, Dr. Lowenberg reminds us that basic home oral-care is key. ​​”Brushing, flossing, rinsing, and a water pick is the best way to have the best at-home hygiene and maintain a healthy, bright smile,” he says. “Doing these steps every day will help to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and the staining and yellowing of our teeth.”

Effective At-Home DIY Teeth Whitening Treatments

If you prefer a more natural approach to teeth whitening and beauty in general, you have a few options.

For starters, you can try trendy oil pulling. “Oil pulling involves swishing coconut oil around in the mouth for several minutes,” Dr. Sands says. “Proponents claim that this can help remove bacteria and surface stains, leading to a brighter smile. However, scientific evidence supporting its whitening effects is limited.”

Another option is to brush with baking soda. “Baking soda is known for its mild abrasive properties that can help scrub away surface stains,” Dr. Sands says. “Mixing a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and brushing gently can potentially lighten teeth over time. However, it's important to use baking soda sparingly, as excessive use can erode tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity.”

You can also brush with charcoal. “You can make a DIY toothpaste by mixing activated charcoal with water or hydrogen peroxide,” Dr. Lowenberg says. “You have to mix it to a thick consistency like toothpaste, and apply it to your teeth with a toothbrush.”

Additionally, if you’re up for it, you can gargle with hydrogen peroxide. “Some people also use hydrogen peroxide as a DIY whitening treatment,” Dr. Sands says, noting that it acts as a bleaching agent. “This involves swishing a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (typically 3 percent) in the mouth or applying it directly to the teeth with a cotton swab. However, it's crucial to follow safety precautions and avoid using concentrations higher than 3 percent, as higher concentrations can cause irritation and damage to the gums and soft tissues.”

Effective In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatments

While plenty of at-home remedies and treatments exist to brighten teeth, all of the dentists we spoke with agree that nothing compares to an in-office treatment. “For a dramatic fix, the quickest way to whiten teeth is through in-office power whitening,” Dr. Lowenberg says. “In-office whitening treatments use the highest concentration of hydrogen peroxide that remains isolated on the teeth, making it the longest-lasting and best method for teeth whitening overall.” Note that because in-office options are more powerful, they can cause discomfort for a day or so post-treatment.

There are a couple of different in-office treatment options available. Dr. Marashi recommends Boost by Ultradent. “The Boost by Ultradent procedure uses a strong peroxide gel, which is applied to your teeth and soaks through the enamel to penetrate and whiten the darker colors inside the tooth,” Dr. Marashi says. “It can lighten your several shades in just one visit.”

Dr. Sands and Dr. Lowenberg, on the other hand, rely on ZOOM! “ZOOM! uses a 35 percent hydrogen peroxide treatment,” Dr. Lowenberg says. “The patient sits under a high-intensity light, which activates the whitening agent to speed up its penetration through the enamel.” And since it uses an LED light instead of a laser, it’s on the gentler side, making it an ideal choice for folks with sensitive teeth.

So now that you know all your options, go forth and start your quest for bight pearly whites.