How to Whiten Your Teeth with Banana Peel

Co-authored by Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: January 30, 2023 References Approved

Bananas are delicious and full of nutrients, but will those nutrients whiten your teeth? A teeth whitening hack has spread across the internet, and you won’t believe the secret ingredient: banana peel. People are rubbing banana peels over their teeth, hoping they’ll be left with sparkling teeth, but does the hack really work? Keep reading to find out if this potassium-rich fruit can give you whiter teeth.

Section 1 of 3:

Do banana peels whiten your teeth?

There's no scientific proof that banana peels whiten teeth. Teeth whitening is essentially the process of bleaching teeth to make them brighter. A combination of chemicals and abrasion (brushing) lighten the color of stained or yellow-tinted teeth.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} Banana peels do not contain strong enough natural chemicals to bleach teeth, and the rubbing or abrasion of the peel on the teeth hasn’t been proven to break down intrinsic stains (discoloration of the tooth itself).^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} However, many banana peel users swear by the hack, claiming they see results after doing it daily for a few weeks.
- If anything, rubbing a banana peel on your teeth works as an exfoliator to help remove surface stains.^{[3]
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- Even if there’s no scientific evidence backing up this hack, there’s no harm in trying it! If you brush the banana away afterward, sugars won’t be left behind to damage your enamel.

Section 2 of 3:

How to Whiten Your Teeth with Banana Peels

1
Peel open a ripe banana. Pick a perfectly ripe banana—bright yellow and slightly speckled—as people who support this hack suggest using ripened bananas. Open the banana and set aside a part of the peel large enough to cover your teeth. Eat the inside of the banana for a yummy snack, or put it in the fridge for a tasty smoothie later.^{[4]
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- Try peeling the banana from bottom to top, as this will leave fewer strings on the peel.
- Use a knife or scissors to cut your banana peel if it’s too big.^{[5]
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2
Rub the inside of the peel against your teeth. Press your teeth together and move your lips away from your teeth, like you’re grinning. Take the inside of the peel and rub it back and forth against your teeth. Keep rubbing until all your teeth are coated. Let the banana sit on your teeth for about 10 minutes.^{[6]
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- Try not to lick the banana off your teeth. We know it’s delicious, but you can lick it away after the 10 minutes are up.
3
Brush your teeth to remove the banana residue. After letting the banana sit on your teeth for 10 minutes, brush your teeth as you normally would. Use a wet toothbrush with toothpaste and gentle, circular motions to get those teeth nice and clean.^{[7]
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4
Repeat rubbing the banana peel on your teeth daily for 2 to 3 weeks. Those who support this hack claim that you won’t see result right away, and suggest doing the hack every day for 2 to 3 weeks. Try doing it before you brush your teeth every night.^{[8]
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Section 3 of 3:

Alternative Teeth Whitening Methods

1
Use stain removal toothpaste. Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste specifically designed for whitening teeth is your best and safest daily whitening option. Products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the package are deemed safe for your teeth, helping you achieve a brighter smile without damaging your enamel or gums.^{[9]
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- Stain-removing toothpaste does not change the color of your teeth or remove intrinsic stains. Instead, it removes extrinsic or surface stains.^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Dental Association
  World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health
  Go to source}
- Look for dental products containing baking soda, as the baking soda can effectively break down and remove surface stains.^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
2
Try teeth whitening strips. These thin, flexible strips lay over clean teeth to tackle intrinsic stains and discoloration at home. The bleaching agent in whitening strips isn’t as potent as the bleach a dentist would use, but it can still be damaging if not used correctly. Talk to your dentist before trying an over-the-counter bleaching product.^{[12]
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- Buy teeth whitening strips that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance as these products are tested for teeth safety.
- To get the best result from whitening strips is to ensure that prior to application, the whitening strip that the teeth have dry.
3
Get your teeth professionally whitened. Ask your dentist if their office offers in-office bleaching services. Many dentists can whiten teeth with bleaching gel or laser whitening (also known as power whitening). Both methods can be effective and safe, especially since trained hands will treat your teeth.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
- The risks of professional whitening are smaller than at-home whitening methods; however, there is always a chance of damaging the tooth enamel, gums, and sensitivity.^{[14]
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- Discuss the different methods and risks with your dentist to find which whitening technique works best for you.

Things You'll Need

Ripe banana
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Water

Warning

DIY home remedy teeth whitening methods that consist of fruits, spices, or chemicals are not scientifically supported or recommended by licensed dentists. The studies that have been conducted on such methods show ineffective whitening results and/or damage to the tooth enamel.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health
Go to source}