Everybody wants whiter teeth, so it’s not surprising that natural teeth whitening has become incredibly popular, especially when it’s compared to more invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures. Tons of people are searching for simple, non-invasive solutions they can perform at home without using any harsh chemicals. This article will cover ten different, accessible ways you can whiten your teeth naturally. You’ll see some great results that rival those from cosmetic dentistry.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
The simplest, most straightforward way to whiten your teeth naturally is maintaining your oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing every day to remove plaque and prevent discoloration. Your toothpaste should be fluoride based so it strengthens your enamel and makes it less likely to stain. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should be brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to get rid of the plaque that’s accumulating, which plays a big role in tooth discoloration. Of course, you should also be getting regular dental cleanings, since they provide natural cosmetic dentistry solutions that keep your teeth clean and white.
Baking Soda as a Mild Abrasive
Baking soda has become a popular DIY teeth whitening method because it’s mildly abrasive. It’s abrasive enough to scrub away the stains on your teeth’s surface, while still gentle enough to not damage the enamel. In fact, this is the reason that many commercial toothpaste brands contain baking soda. That being said, using baking soda too much or too often can start to wear down the enamel. Ideally, you want to mix a small amount of baking soda with water into a paste and brush with it once or twice a week to keep your teeth white.
Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
An ancient Indian folk remedy, oil pulling involves swishing oil in your mouth to get rid of bacteria and toxins. Coconut oil has tons of antimicrobial properties, so it’s the best oil to use for this. Take about a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for 15-20 minutes every day and you’ll see noticeable results. It’s important to note that there aren’t many clinical studies proving oil pulling’s effectiveness for teeth whitening, but there are several confirming that it improves oral health overall, which contributes to whiter teeth. A study done in 2016 determined that spending 10 minutes a day pulling coconut oil for 2 weeks reduced the numbers of bacteria in saliva significantly.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A lot of people also use hydrogen peroxide for natural teeth whitening. It has bleaching properties, so it’s good at getting rid of stains. Some commercial teeth whitening products have hydrogen peroxide, but using smaller amounts of it at home can be a big help. You can mix small amounts of hydrogen peroxide with water in equal parts and use it as a mouth rinse or combine it with baking soda into a whitening paste. However, overusing hydrogen peroxide can irritate your gums and enamel, so use it sparingly.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is getting more popular as a DIY teeth whitening method because of its porous structure. Properties like this are believed to bind to surface stains and other toxins so they become easier to remove. Simply brushing your teeth with activated charcoal can make your teeth look whiter, but your mileage may vary. Activated charcoal also has an abrasive texture that can damage you enamel if you use it too much.
Strawberries and Other Fruits High in Malic Acid
Fruits with a lot of malic acid, like strawberries and apples, can whiten your teeth naturally. Malic acid removes surface stains and leaves your teeth looking brighter. To get the most out of it, you can mash up something like strawberries and mix them with baking soda into a whitening paste. Then, just apply the mixture to your teeth for a few minutes before rinsing it out. This approach is quite gentle, but should also be used sparingly because it’s an acid that can weaken your enamel in the long-term.
Avoid Foods and Beverages That Stain Teeth
Another very simple, straightforward way to naturally whiten your teeth is to simply not eat or drink anything that’s known to stain your teeth. This means things like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas. If you really can’t avoid drinks like this, try to use a straw so they have the minimum amount of contact with your teeth, or rinse your mouth after drinking them. Changing up your daily routine like this is a simple way to complement other whitening efforts in the long-term without anything invasive.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a well-known remover of stains and bacteria from teeth, so a lot of people use it for natural teeth whitening. Again, this is an acidic substance, so use it with caution. Take some apple cider vinegar, dilute it with water, then use it as a mouthwash once or twice a week. Doing this more often can erode your enamel, so you need to use this DIY teeth whitening method in moderation.
Dairy Products and Calcium-Rich Foods
Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt can make your teeth stronger and your enamel whiter. Dairy products like this have lactic acid in them, which plays a huge role in keeping your teeth strong and white. Simply including more of these foods in your diet is a natural way to maintain whiter teeth and good oral health. Just like avoiding certain foods, this is a great way to complement other cosmetic dentistry alternatives without requiring invasive treatments.
Drink Plenty of Water
Simply drinking water throughout the day is a big part of staying healthy overall, especially for your oral health and teeth whitening. When you drink water, it washes away the food particles and bacteria that are stuck in your teeth and cause them to stain. Especially after eating or drinking foods or drinks that make your teeth stain, water rinses away the acids and sugars responsible. In fact, keeping yourself hydrated is one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth white.
Keeping Your Teeth White
Whitening your teeth naturally is totally doable without any harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. These methods are great alternatives to cosmetic dentistry and can help you make your smile brighter and whiter without changing your natural lifestyle too much. DIY teeth whitening methods like oil pulling and avoiding the foods that cause stains are some of the best natural teeth whitening remedies that offer simple and accessible solutions.
Adding these habits into your daily routine, alongside regular dental check-ups, can improve your dental health drastically. If you’re looking for non-invasive cosmetic dentistry solutions, these natural techniques can help you achieve whiter teeth without the need for invasive treatments.
