Tooth discoloration has a horrible tendency to sneak up on you. Years of coffee, juice, tea, wine, and even some vegetables – not to mention smoke, medications, and aging – can leave you with yellow or brown stains on your teeth resistant to brushing.

While professional whitening is always an option, inexpensive DIY kits may go a long way toward improving your smile. These come in a variety of formats and often include modest concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.

Home kits are limited to a maximum concentration of 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, whereas dentists may use up to 6%; therefore, the results will not be as impressive as dental therapy. However, they might give a much-needed confidence boost to individuals on a budget.

Crest 3D White Glamorous White Whitestrips

BYRDIE/ PETER ARDITO | Experts recommended looking for teeth whitening products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance

Many people like how well these strips adhere to and detach from their teeth. Their non-slip grip allows the strips to remain in place on our teeth. Each box contains enough strips for two weeks. The strips are intended for daily usage for 30 minutes. They should eliminate both external and intrinsic tooth stains when used as prescribed.

Each strip consists of approximately 14% hydrogen peroxide. Some individuals report that their teeth become excessively sensitive for hours or days following contact with hydrogen peroxide.

Burt’s Bees Whitening Toothpaste

According to the American Dental Association, whitening toothpaste depends mostly on abrasives to remove surface stains from teeth. All toothpaste is moderately abrasive to scrape teeth clean, but whitening toothpaste often contains chemicals that target surface stains specifically, such as sodium bicarbonate, popularly known as baking soda.

This whitening toothpaste from Burt’s Bees is made with hydrated silica to help remove surface stains from teeth. The toothpaste has a Mountain Mint flavor and is available in a tube of 4.7 ounces.

On the Go Teeth Whitening Pen

COLGATE/ SMILE DIRECT CLUB/ GO SMILE | At-home teeth whitening products are a more cost-effective option compared to professional treatments

Due to a reduced concentration of hydrogen peroxide, whitening pens like this one from Go Smile will not significantly whiten your teeth. However, a lower concentration of the active component means it will not bother sensitive teeth. Use them as needed after consuming teeth-staining beverages such as coffee and red wine.

Due to a reduced concentration of hydrogen peroxide, whitening pens like this one from Go Smile will not significantly whiten your teeth. However, a lower concentration of the active component means it will not bother sensitive teeth. Use them as needed after consuming teeth-staining beverages such as coffee and red wine.

GLO Science GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device

A tad on the expensive side, this is the closest you can come to professional treatment at home. First, apply the protective lip balm, then apply a small coating of the whitening gel to the fronts of your teeth with a toothbrush. Insert the mouthpiece and activate the device manually or through the app.

The technology is known as Guided Light Optics or GLO. It employs a combination of light and heat to activate the hydrogen peroxide-based gel, resulting in faster tooth whitening. After eight minutes, it turns off, but the procedure must be repeated twice. Perform three cycles for seven consecutive days for excellent results.

Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit

Amazon/ Insider | Teeth whiteners are an easy, convenient way to brighten your teeth a few shades

The Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit consists of two Miswak root sticks packaged in two separate carrying cases. Each stick can be used every day for three weeks. Miswak is derived from the Arak tree and contains no pesticides or other chemicals. Miswak Club promises a 120-day money-back guarantee if their kit does not result in visibly whiter teeth.

It is non-messy and has a lovely, musky odor. Some reviews have remarked that it may take a few weeks of daily use to see results and that the odor may be a little off-putting.

James Wiley