Health

Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth At Home

Don’t Forget Some Vitamin C Vitamin C is essential when it comes to your health. It builds up your immune system to help you fight infection.… Trista - June 25, 2020

A smile is worth a thousand words. Studies show that a smile is a positive facial expression that can make people feel comfortable around you. It can make you more attractive and give someone else a reason to smile. Think about it – how often someone smiled at you when you were feeling down and smiling back made you feel better? It doesn’t erase any issues, but it makes you feel better. You can’t always directly explain why, but you know it helps.

Sometimes the struggle with your smile is your teeth. Going to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned can be expensive, and you only do it every so often. Of course, things happen in life, and sometimes you need to deal with a situation like the current crisis that keeps you from seeing your fantastic dentist. When you feel that your teeth are getting yellow, you become embarrassed, and soon you start hiding them by changing your smile. You then wonder what you can do to whiten your teeth because you love your smile, and everyone loves seeing your smile. Fortunately, there are many ways to whiten your teeth to keep you smiling naturally.

Commercial teeth whitening products can cost you hundreds of dollars and damage your teeth and gums over time. Shutterstock.

Why Should You Go the Natural Route?

You probably wonder with all the commercial teeth whitening products why you should go the natural route. First. it’s safer. Naturally whitening your teeth doesn’t put harsh chemicals on them that can damage them over time. For example, they also contain artificial fragrances, artificial flavoring, and alcohol. Other than damaging your teeth, they can also cause problems with your gums. They can cause tooth sensitivity, pain, and gum irritation.

Second, it’s cheaper. You can spend over $100 on commercial teeth whitening products. In fact, in 2015, Americans spent $11 billion on teeth whitening. This figure included about $1.4 billion on at-home whitening products.

Oil pulling is not a technique that people think works because it doesn’t whiten teeth as they want. However, it does clean your mouth and take away some of the plaque. Shutterstock.

Try Oil Pulling

There is an old trick that many people use to this day. Most people use sunflower or sesame seed oil, but you can also use coconut oil. One reason for this change is that coconut oil has many health benefits that many other oils don’t provide. On top of that, it has a better taste that helps you make it through the process a little easier. Not only does swishing oil in your mouth create whiter teeth whiter, but it also helps kill bacteria.

To use this method, you want to put one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth while you push and pull the oil through your teeth. You should continue this process for 15 to 20 minutes, once the oil melts because coconut oil becomes solid at room temperature. One key is to not spit the oil out in your sink because it can clog your pipes once it hits room temperature again. Instead, spit it out in a tin that you can throw or garbage. You can also use your toilet.

Baking soda is one of the most common natural methods when it comes to whitening teeth. Shutterstock.

Use Baking Soda and Water

You probably heard that baking soda whitens your teeth. Many people will use toothpaste with baking soda or add it to their toothpaste. Some people will only brush their teeth with baking soda because it’s known to whiten teeth so well. If you want only to use baking soda, mix it with two teaspoons of water. Many people advise that you only do this a few times a week and use toothpaste for the other times you brush.

One of the primary reasons why people turn to this method is because it will remove surface stains without damaging the enamel. Another reason is that baking soda is known to help prevent bacteria growth in the future.

Help your children whiten their teeth naturally with one of these methods, so they have healthy and white teeth to show off their smiles. Shutterstock.

Learn About Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Another way you can use baking soda to help whiten your teeth naturally is with hydrogen peroxide. This method isn’t as popular as using water because it doesn’t taste good, but many people believe it whitens teeth faster and better. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the many ingredients that many commercial whitening products use, but it’s not as dangerous for your teeth as other ingredients.

You will follow a similar process as you would with water. Create a paste by combining the two ingredients in a small bowl. Dip your toothbrush in and then brush your teeth gently for at least two minutes. Then, you want to rinse your mouth thoroughly and brush your teeth again with regular toothpaste. You can also use hydrogen peroxide without the baking soda.

If you like apple cider vinegar in your food, you might want to try this to whiten your teeth naturally. Shutterstock.

Purchase Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is similar to hydrogen peroxide in that it has antibacterial properties. The key is to use it sparingly because it is also known to cause tooth decay. After all, it will soften your teeth if you go overboard. About two times a week is best with this method.

The best way to use apple cider vinegar is to add a little water to it and then swish it around your mouth like you would mouthwash. Many people like to use this method over hydrogen peroxide because it tastes better.

Always ensure you brush your teeth the correct way so you can obtain the best results with any natural teeth whitening method. Shutterstock.

Try Sea Salt and Baking Soda Paste

Because baking soda is a popular natural teeth whitener, it’s used in a variety of ways. One of the newest methods is mixing a little sea salt and baking soda and using this as your toothpaste. To do this, you will mix half a teaspoon of sea salt, a teaspoon of baking soda, and a little water. Mix it until it has a similar consistency to regular toothpaste. Then you will brush your teeth gently for two minutes. Afterward, rinse thoroughly and then brush your teeth with regular toothpaste.

One of the main reasons this method works is because both baking soda and sea salt are gentle scrubbers that remove surface stains from teeth. You can also use this method as often as you like because neither ingredient will cause your teeth to soften. However, you do want to ensure you rinse and brush thoroughly after to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

If you like strawberries or pineapple, you will enjoy this method to help whiten your teeth. Shutterstock.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables

That’s right. You don’t always need to focus on different methods of brushing your teeth and swishing to whiten your teeth naturally. Eating fruits and vegetables daily is one of the best ways. You get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy, but you also get to enjoy some tasty food. However, certain foods are better than others for this process.

Pineapple is one of the best fruits because it contains bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples known to whiten teeth naturally. Another piece of fruit to look for are strawberries. However, many people state you need to mix this fruit with baking soda to get the best result. Many people say you also want to be cautious about how often you use strawberries because they can stain your teeth.

One of the best ways to get your children in the habit of brushing their teeth is to do it with them. Shutterstock.

Get Turmeric Powder Paste

Turmeric powder is a common ingredient used in cooking because it can help your body fight infections by strengthening your immune system. It’s also a wonderful product to use when you want to whiten your teeth naturally. One of the factors to consider is to be careful that it doesn’t splash because the powder can stain your counters and clothing once it becomes a paste.

To make the paste, you want to add a teaspoon of organic turmeric powder and a little bit of water in a small bowl. Mix it well and then dip your toothbrush into the paste. Gently brush your teeth for a couple of minutes. Rinse your mouth and then brush your teeth with regular toothpaste. Turmeric works because it helps lift the stains from your teeth. It can also help fight any bacteria in your mouth because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.

Just like you brush your teeth the right way, you also want to floss the right direction. Shutterstock.

Prevent Stains Before They Happen

Another step you can take to have better, brighter teeth is to limit certain foods and drinks that tend to stain your teeth over time, such as coffee, dark berries, soda, and red wine. By doing this, you can decrease the evidence of stains on your teeth, so you don’t need to worry about naturally whitening them as often.

You also want to make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day correctly. It will help prevent plaque build-up and tooth decay. It will also help keep away germs that can cause problems and eliminate sugar from sweets. Of course, you can also use mouthwash and floss.

Sometimes old sayings have more truth to them than people realize. Shutterstock.

You Know What They Say: An Apple A Day

You’ve heard the old phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor/dentist away.” Well, this phrase has more truth than what people think. While you want to make sure you take other steps, such as brushing and flossing every day, you can eat an apple every day to naturally whiten your teeth.

This trick works because apples have malic acid, which gives your saliva a boost to help fight off bacteria that build plaque and cause stains. Another benefit is that apples give your immune system a boost, which can help you stay healthy.

Over the last several years, charcoal toothpaste has become a popular method, but you can also create your own that’s a bit safer. Shutterstock.

What About Activated Charcoal?

Many people question using activated charcoal in their paste because it’s previously used to treat poison in your system. Today, there are several other methods to do this and different ways to use charcoal – one is toothpaste. It is essential to note that charcoal is not meant to whiten teeth, as people assume. While it does do this, it reverses the stains from your teeth, making them appear whiter.

To make your charcoal toothpaste, mix two teaspoons of activated charcoal, one teaspoon Food Grade Bentonite Clay, three teaspoons of Calcium Carbonate, four teaspoons of Distilled Water, two and a half teaspoons of Xylitol, and two teaspoons of melted Cold-pressed Organic Coconut Oil. The best way to store it is to keep only what you will use during the week in a container or squeezable tube in your bathroom and save the rest in the fridge.

Together, you can use lemon juice and baking soda to strengthen the benefits of the pop, so your teeth stay whiter for a more extended period. Shutterstock.

Get Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Paste

Once again, Baking Soda makes its way to this list. Part of this is because you can add a lot of different ingredients to baking soda and get the same result. It’s best to focus on parts known to help keep your mouth healthy and have its own benefits for your teeth. Lemons are a good choice because they act as a natural whitener for stains. Another advantage is that when baking soda mixes with lemon juice, it becomes thicker, which lets your teeth stay whiter for a longer period.

To make this toothpaste, you want to mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with enough baking soda to make a thin paste. It won’t be as thick as regular toothpaste, but it will have a similar consistency. Pour a bit of the paste onto your toothbrush and gently brush your teeth for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly and use regular toothpaste to brush your teeth again. It is a crucial step as it will help remove all of the lemon juice from your teeth.

Bananas are ideal for your health, and the peel has a benefit that most people don’t think about. Shutterstock.

Try a Banana Peel Rub

You know that bananas are a terrific source of nutrients. They’re a great snack or side to have with your meal. You can also add them to many foods, such as oatmeal, to add extra nutrients and vitamins that your body needs to stay healthy. Bananas are filled with potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which are also known to help whiten your teeth.

Take a little bit from the inside of the peel and rub it on your teeth for two minutes. You can use a separate toothbrush for this step to keep your regular toothbrush free of banana peel residue. After the two minutes, rinse and brush your teeth regularly to ensure you get all the residue off your teeth.

You can use any of these natural ways to help your children whiten their teeth, but the better-tasting ones might go over a bit easier. Shutterstock.

Mix Toothpaste, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide

Another step you can take is to mix regular toothpaste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The benefits of peroxide and soda will improve the health of your mouth and the strength of your teeth quickly. On top of this, you’ll add regular toothpaste, with or without whitening power, to the mix for additional whitening benefits.

All you need to do is mix a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with two teaspoons of baking soda and two teaspoons of toothpaste. Stir it thoroughly in a bowl until it has a smooth consistency. It might be a bit thicker than regular toothpaste, but this only means it will work well. First, you need to spread the mixture over your teeth and let it sit for five to ten minutes. Then you’ll brush your teeth for a couple of minutes, rinse, and brush again with regular toothpaste. You can also use plain baking soda to help get the mixture residue off of your teeth and gums.

If you like turmeric, you’ll appreciate this homemade whitening toothpaste recipe. Shutterstock.

Create a Homemade Whitening Toothpaste with Turmeric

If you like the turmeric powder, but want to make your toothpaste mixture, follow this recipe: one teaspoon of organic turmeric powder, one tablespoon of organic coconut oil, and a couple of drops of peppermint oil, spearmint essential oil, or cinnamon bark oil. Mix it all in a bowl and add it to a squeezable tube or a sealable container.

This method works because both coconut oil and turmeric powder are known for removing plaque and stains. They also work as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory natural remedy, which will help you fight infection in your mouth. You will add the essential oils to give the toothpaste a better flavor.

After you try this, you can sit down and enjoy a tasty orange to help get your day started on the right track. Shutterstock.

Try an Orange Peel and Salt Rub

Just like you can use a banana peel to help whiten your teeth, you can also use an orange peel. This method works because the peel contains d-limonene, a substance that is used in commercial teeth-whitening products. As a bonus, you can add a little sea salt to the peel as the salt will help remove surface stains because it’s naturally abrasive.

You don’t need to take time mixing the ingredients, like with most of the ways on this list. Instead, you will sprinkle a little sea salt on the piece of orange peel you want to use and then rub it over your teeth and the bottom of your gums. Just like you would during brushing, you can also rub it on your tongue to help freshen your breath. The key is to wait for your tongue until last, so you don’t rub all the salt off right away.

Naturally, whiten your smile by mixing a strawberry with a little bit of baking soda. Shutterstock.

Combine Baking Soda Paste with Strawberries

You know that eating strawberries can help whiten your teeth a bit by fading out the stains. However, did you also know that you can create baking soda and strawberry paste to whiten your teeth just like any other whitener thoroughly? As a bonus, you don’t have to deal with a bad-tasting paste in your mouth for a while. Instead, you’ll taste the strawberries, and your breath will have their sweet smell.

Finely chop a whole strawberry and mix it thoroughly with a half teaspoon of baking soda. Use a small bowl so you can easily spread the paste onto your teeth. Leave it on your teeth for about five minutes and then rinse. It’s helpful to brush your teeth with regular toothpaste after getting rid of all the residue from the paste.

You know about the magic of banana and orange peels, but how about lemon peels? Shutterstock.

Learn About the Magic of Lemon Peels

Like orange and banana peels, lemon peels will also work. They tend to work better on making sure that your stains are faded, but if you mix them with a little baking soda or salt, you can build the whitening power to ensure that your smile is dazzling.

All you need to do is tear off a piece of the lemon peel and add a little sea salt or baking soda to the peel. Then you will rub it all over your teeth and gums, making sure to get the back of your teeth. This teeth whitening trick will not only give you the power to make your smile better but also improve your mouth and breath.

Any fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C can help keep your system healthy and your teeth white. Shutterstock.

Don’t Forget Some Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential when it comes to your health. It builds up your immune system to help you fight infection. It can also help you get over the cold or flu faster when you do start to get sick. This reason is why people tell you to drink orange juice, eat oranges, or use vitamin supplements. At the same time, doing this can also help whiten your teeth, but you don’t always need to add oranges or its peels to the mixture. All you need to do is get more of the vitamin into your mouth in any way possible.

A 2007 study showed that people who lacked vitamin C had more trouble with their mouths. They had a higher chance of gum disease, but their teeth were softer, which made them brittle and prone to breaking. Furthermore, there were more bacteria in their mouth, which leads to the building up plaque and stains.

Above all, you need to follow proper teeth-brushing practices to help keep your teeth white and stain-free. Shutterstock.

Follow Good Teeth Brushing Practices

You learned a lot of natural ways to help whiten teeth, but one thing you shouldn’t forget is one of the best steps always to take is brushing your teeth well. Many people think that all you need to do is spend about a minute or two brushing your teeth, but it goes a lot deeper than this. There are many rules that you should apply to your practice.

First, you should brush your teeth two to three times a day. You should also ensure you brush at least two minutes each time, but some say it’s better to go three minutes if you want to whiten your teeth. You will also need to be sure to brush every tooth’s surface, brush your gums gently or avoid brushing them at all, make circular motions when cleaning, and be sure to reach the teeth at the back of the mouth.

Sources:

“6 Simple Ways to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth at Home.” Becky Bell, Healthline. December 2019.

“How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally | 5 Home Remedies.” Eon Clinics.

“DIY Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste.” Mark Burhenne, Ask the Dentist. February 2020.

“Teeth Whitening at Home: 9 Ways to Whiten Teeth & Prevent Future Stains.” Mark Burhenne, Ask the Dentist. February 2020.

“How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth.” Erica Cirino, Healthline. December 2019.

“14 Easy Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth at Home Today.” Bren, Bren Did. January 2017.

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