Whitening your teeth doesn't have to be expensive. Just follow DIY teeth whitening tricks to save money. Learn 5 surprising tips to whiten your teeth now.

Doing the lips-closed smile in all pictures because of your yellowish teeth? We've all been there.

Whitening doesn't have to be expensive! Just follow these DIY teeth whitening tricks to save money and grow your smile confidence. Keep reading for five surprising tips on how to whiten your teeth at home.

1. Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are the ultimate DIY plaque-fighting team. Mix a little bit of baking soda with a little bit of hydrogen peroxide (and a tiny bit of water on top) into a paste. Use that as your toothpaste a few times per week.

Be sure not to swallow this mixture! It won't taste very good, so you probably won't be tempted to, but be sure to avoid it just in case.

Don't use it every day because it's so strong; a couples times a week will do. You'll see a difference in your discoloration in no time.

2. Banana Peel

Rubbing a banana peel on your teeth works wonders for some people! This is a controversial one because some experimenters didn't see any results. But plenty of others have seen their teeth whiten in just a few weeks!

You won't know which one you are until you try! Good news is, there's no health downside to trying out the banana peel method. Bananas are loaded with potassium and other healthy minerals, so you're only doing yourself good.

Simply open a banana, use the inside of the fresh peel, and rub it on your teeth. Do this at least three times a week consistently for best results. Then eat the banana for good measure!

3. Activated Charcoal

Charcoal may look like the last thing that could whiten your teeth. It's gritty and black, of all colors!

But activated charcoal actually contains ingredients that prevent plaque. That means less yellowing! It has other health benefits too, so some people put it in their smoothies or drinks.

Don't worry, you don't have to eat it if you don't want to. You can buy activated charcoal at the store, add water, and brush your teeth with it. You may look crazy while you're doing it, but you won't regret it.

4. Apples

This one doesn't require rubbing or brushing anything on your teeth. It just requires you to eat!

Apples contain natural acidity that fights plaque and even cleans your mouth, in a way. An apple a day is good for keeping the doctor away, but it's also good for keeping the yellow at bay.

They're healthy for your teeth, mouth, and body. It's really a win-win! Start eating one apple each day now and you're sure to see a difference in your smile soon.

5. Orange Peels

Just like banana peels, orange peels contain great ingredients that strengthen your teeth. Before bed, open an orange and use the inside of the peel to rub all over your teeth.

Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which you transfer onto your teeth via the peel. That gorgeous vitamin C works on your teeth while you sleep to whiten and strengthen!

Want to know more facts about teeth that'll help you out in the smile department? Check out toothsy.com for teeth cleaning info.

DIY Teeth Whitening Works!

Want pearly white teeth and a show-stopping smile? You don't have to spend a fortune on strips, mouthwashes, and dental treatments.

Any of these hacks will bring your DIY teeth whitening to a new level. You'll have compliments coming at you left and right! While you're at it, check out our other articles about health and beauty.