Cosmetic teeth whitening procedures provide very good results. However, they are a little costly. One alternative way to whiten your teeth without having to visit a dental clinic is to purchase an at-home teeth whitening kit. It is very easy to use-you don't need any special training. All you have to do is follow the instructions carefully. You can purchase at-home teeth whitening products over-the-counter from dental stores. You can also purchase them from online stores. If you want to go for neither of these, the best option is to go for natural remedies. These are very safe, but provide results only if you follow them consistently.

Here are some practical tips that are very effective:

# Follow a strict oral hygiene regimen:One of leading causes of teeth discoloration is lack of proper oral hygiene. If you don't maintain clean mouth, it becomes a haven for bacterial growth. Bacteria secrete harmful acids that stain and destroy the teeth. The best way to prevent bacterial action is to brush your teeth two times a day. You should use good quality toothpaste, preferably medicated or herbal-based. You should also regularly rinse your teeth with Listerine or other antibacterial solutions.

# Make changes to your habits:Apart from bacterial infections, food habits play an important role in teeth discoloration. Foods such as tea, coffee and wine can stain your teeth. It is best to avoid such foods. If you cannot avoid them completely, you should at least try to rinse your mouth as soon as possible after consuming them.

You should also avoid cigarettes and alcohol. Cigarette smoke contains tar which gets deposited on the teeth and stains them. Alcoholic drinks such as red wines, on the other hand, contain organic stains which get deposited in the pores of the teeth and discolor them.

# Use at-home remedies to whiten your teeth:Here are some simple remedies to whiten your teeth:

•Baking soda:Baking soda is a good teeth whitening agent. It is very mild and so has no side effects.

•Sea salt:Salt is an abrasive agent. You can use it directly on the toothbrush or mix it with your toothpaste. Alternatively, you can also use toothpastes which contain salt.

•Apple cider vinegar:Apple cider vinegar is another good option.

These methods are simple to follow, but provide effective results. Try them consistently and you will get pearly white teeth.