6 Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

I think a lot of us have heard the quote, ‘Your personality is your business card and your smile is your logo.” Our smile is one of the first things people notice and that includes the health and condition of our teeth. One report states that as many as 20% of the population are too embarrassed to smile because their teeth are crooked and have a yellow appearance. In today’s culture, having great teeth is important. This has a lot of people turning to their dentist for whitening treatments or buying kits off store shelves to whiten their teeth. There are a plethora of chemical and natural ways to whiten your teeth.

Natural Ways to Get a Sparkling Smile

Discolored teeth can affect our confidence, self-esteem, and our ego. Everyone wants to have a sparkling white smile, and companies are onto this trend. With harmful teeth whitening products become more affordable, consumers are turning to them for quick results. At a 15+ billion dollar industry, marketers don’t emphasize any safety concerns. But are there natural and safe ways to brighten and lighten our ivories? Yes, here are six natural ways to whiten your teeth.

Brushing and Flossing

The best way to keep your teeth white is to brush after every time you eat or drink. Foods like coffee, tea, citrus, sweets, sodas, blueberries, blackberries and red wine can stain your teeth. Cigarette smoking also discolors your teeth. If you aren’t able to brush your teeth, drink some plain water to help reduce the negative effects.

Oil Pulling

Oiling pulling is an age-old remedy for improving oral hygiene and removing toxins from the body. You put about ½ to one full tablespoon of unrefined organic plant-based oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 15 – 20 minutes to remove the bacteria that can turn into plaque. Coconut oil has the ability to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. You can also use sesame seed oil, olive oil, sunflower, black cumin seed, avocado and walnut oil. Be sure to spit the coconut oil into the trash can and not your sink. The oil can clog drains and pipes.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Another great way to keep your enamel and gums healthy is to brush with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Use a small amount of each to create a thin paste and brush to remove plaque from your teeth. Baking soda is gritty so make sure you have enough hydrogen peroxide, otherwise, it could very well scrub the enamel off your teeth. Your paste should not be gritty but on the runnier side. Apply the paste and rub gently on your teeth for about 30 seconds then rinse really well. You can also add a drop or two of an essential oil like cloves which is antibacterial, peppermint and spearmint boost energy and is a familiar toothpaste flavor, Myrhh oil strengthens gums and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties or lemon oil which is an antiseptic, strengthens gums and helps whiten teeth.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide as a good oral rinse. It effective keeps your mouth and gums germ-free. Mix a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide and swish in your mouth for about a minute.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar works effectively as a natural antibiotic and teeth and gum cleaners, so yellow teeth are no match for its effects. It contains acetic acid, potassium, magnesium, and probiotics which kill germs and at the same time encourage good bacteria. Coffee and nicotine stains can be brutal to remove, so apply apple cider vinegar right on your teeth, rub well, then rinse with warm water. Be use caution because apple cider vinegar has the ability to erode your tooth enamel. For a gentler option, swish 1/2 to one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water for a few minutes. After brushing with ACV you’ll need to brush again with regular toothpaste and rinse your mouth well.

Eating Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Eating lots of healthy raw fruits, veggies, and dark leafy greens are good for your teeth. Strawberries, in particular, have been shown to have a positive effect on your teeth. Just mash them up, rub them all over your teeth and gums and rinse well afterward. Berries have antioxidants and other compounds that will benefit your teeth. Other good foods include celery, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and nuts.

Activated Charcoal

It’s no surprise that new trends can happen even with teeth whitening products. People are making a beeline for the hottest whitener, Activated Charcoal. It absorbs tiny particles and plaque that cause staining. Wet your toothbrush, dip it in the activated charcoal powder and brush your teeth as normal, but pay special attention to stained areas. Swish a little water and rinse. You can use this product a few times a week, but it should be avoided if you have crowns, caps or porcelain veneers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to offer any medical advice whatsoever. If you have any health concerns, see your healthcare provider.