Smile! Budget buys to naturally whiten your teeth at home

A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear, apparently.

Unless your teeth are more yellow than pearly white. As a coffee-drinking; red-wine loving; time-poor mum, I am always on the lookout for quick and easy ways to whiten my teeth. Here are five inexpensive and natural remedies to try at home...   1. Turmeric This yellow spice has the ability to stain just about everything in sight, but it can also help to remove stains from teeth. Simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric with water to form a paste, then brush teeth. For the best results, this method can be used consistently for up to a week.   2. Activated charcoal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kymRy5U8300 This super-absorbent material absorbs bacteria, toxins and staining from teeth, making them whiter as a result.   3. Coconut oil and baking soda This method begins with 20-30 minutes of oil pulling. Then, once you have rinsed your mouth with water, use your toothbrush to gently brush your teeth with pure baking soda. Find out more about this method from Health Extremist.   4. Banana peels Rub the inside of a banana peel on your top and bottom teeth for about a minute each, then leave for around 10 minutes before brushing with a dry toothbrush. Doing this a few times a week apparently significantly lightens teeth.   5. Virgin olive oil and apple cider Combine a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a large bowl, then dip your toothbrush and brush teeth. Keep dipping and brushing until all the solution has been used.