Everyone wants a whiter smile. The problem is, habits like drinking coffee or red wine can lead to unwanted staining. There are a number of teeth-whitening products available, and of course professional whitening is an option, but if you want to go the more natural route, there are things you can try at home! A pearly white smile can make you feel more confident, and boost your mood and self-esteem. From baking soda paste, to a hydrogen peroxide rinse, oil pulling, and more, here’s how to whiten your teeth naturally with eight remedies that actually yield results!
1. Baking Soda Paste
There’s a reason why baking soda is a popular ingredient in commercial toothpastes. It has natural whitening properties, and is a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface stains on teeth. On top of this, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing. Baking soda has also been found to be effective at reducing plaque, gum inflammation, and bleeding. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with the paste. You can do this a few times a week.
2. Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are not only great for your health, they also may be good for your teeth. Although it’s not a substitute for brushing your teeth, raw fruits and vegetables (the crunchier the better) can help rub away plaque as you chew. Fruits and vegetables are also considered stain removers as they can increase the mouth’s saliva production, which helps keep the teeth clean. Strawberries, apples, pineapple, and carrots have all been claimed to help whiten your teeth.
3. Brush Your Teeth After Your Eat or Drink
A simple way to help whiten your teeth is to brush them after you eat or drink anything, especially things that stain. By doing this, you’ll be able to remove stains left on your teeth by food and drink. This is especially important after drinking beverages like coffee, black tea, red wine, or Coca Cola, and foods like balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or berries. If you’re not able to brush your teeth, at least rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth. You can also limit these foods to prevent stains in the first place.
4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent and is one of the most common ingredients used in whitening products such as mouth wash, toothpaste, and at-home whitening kits. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into smaller molecules, specifically water and oxygen, which release free radicals that can lift stains from your teeth and make your smile appear whiter. It’s important to use it correctly to ensure it’s safe. For at-home whitening, mix equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide (around a quarter cup of each). Rinse it around your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute, spitting it out at the end. Do NOT swallow the hydrogen peroxide. If you feel any burning or pain while rinsing, spit it out right away.
5. Brush Your Tongue
If you’re not brushing your tongue, it’s time to start, as this habit can help keep your teeth white, among other benefits. You may have noticed that coffee turns your tongue brown and red wine turns it red. Your tongue is a huge target for bacteria. There are crevices and elevations all over the tongue, and bacteria hides in these areas until it’s removed. Bacteria that accumulates on the tongue will gradually transfer over to your teeth, which can cause them to stain over time. By brushing your tongue, you eliminate this problem. Brush back and forth, side to side, and rinse your mouth with water. Or you may prefer to use a tongue scraper.
6. Use a Straw for Dark Drinks
Using a straw when you’re drinking dark beverages like coffee, tea, or Coca Cola can help keep your teeth white by preventing stains from forming. If you’re drinking a hot beverage, make sure it cools down before drinking through a straw as you could burn your mouth.
7. Get Plenty of Calcium
Calcium is the mineral that makes up tooth enamel, and some tooth discolouration is caused by enamel eroding and exposing the dentin underneath (which is yellow). Anything you do to strengthen the enamel of your teeth will help keep them white, and getting enough calcium means your teeth will have a healthy layer of protection. Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and broccoli can help with enamel erosion. And hard cheeses in particular, such as parmesan, Monterey jack and gouda can help scrub the teeth.
8. Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (such as coconut oil) around your mouth for five to 20 minutes each day. It’s thought to draw out toxins and bacteria that cause discolouration. Coconut oil has a pleasant taste and contains lauric acid, which is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, so it’s great for protecting and cleaning your gums as well, benefitting your oral hygiene overall.
If you’re hoping to get whiter teeth naturally, try these tips and hacks for a healthy, whiter smile!
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