There are a ton of teeth whitening products on the shelves of drug stores today, but most of them are expensive, filled with chemicals, and may actually do significant damage to your teeth. Fortunately, there are natural ways you can get whiter teeth at home!
If you want a brighter smile, give these 4 easy solutions a try.
1. Eat fruits and vegetables
That’s right, fruits and vegetables not only help your health and waistline, they also whiten your teeth! Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots all support the health and appearance of your teeth as you chew.
The simple act of noshing on these fruits and veggies removes excess foods and bacteria from you mouth, while their texture works like a toothbrush and helps to scrub away surface stains on your teeth.
The acids in theses foods—especially fruits—also help to keep teeth whiter.
2. Especially strawberries
There is some evidence—mostly anecdotal—that strawberries are the best food for teeth whitening due to their combo of malic acid and vitamin C. Malic acid is thought to help remove surface stains, while vitamin C helps to fight plaque.
Some people, including actress Catherine Zeta Jones, go beyond just eating strawberries to actually brushing their teeth with them. They make their own toothpaste by mashing a strawberry or two and brushing with it once or twice a week.
You can try this, but we think that simply eating more strawberries, and chewing them slowly and thoroughly, might do the trick on its own.
3. Make a lemon and baking soda paste
This is probably one of the most tried, true, and tested DIY teeth whitening remedies out there. Both of these ingredients can be used effectively to whiten teeth on their own, but together, they make teeth that much whiter and brighter!
To make the paste, mix equal parts baking soda and lemon juice, and brush your teeth as usual, focusing especially on areas you want to lighten.
However, make sure to be very careful with this whitening remedy, as it’s very powerful. Brush very gently, and infrequently (once per week maximum) with this combo, as it can wear away tooth enamel if you overbrush or use it too often.
If you know your tooth enamel is already damaged, skip this solution!
4. Try oil pulling!
Although oil pulling is better known for promoting the overall health of your teeth, gums, and entire body, after oil pulling regularly, many notice that their teeth have also gotten whiter.
To oil pull, swish 1 tablespoon of organic, extra-virgin coconut oil around your mouth first thing in the morning for 10-20 minutes each day. When you’re done, spit the remaining coconut oil out (outside is best as it can clog your sink) and follow up with natural toothpaste.
Although these solutions will probably not leave your teeth as white and bright as professional or over-the-counter bleaches, they are definitely safer, healthier, and less expensive.
What natural teeth whitening remedies do you use?
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://naturalsociety.com/natural-teeth-whitening-home-remedies
http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/how-to-whiten-your-teeth-zbcz1501.aspx
https://www.thealternativedaily.com/transform-health-coconut-oil-pulling
