Tips for Whitening Teeth Naturally

How to Whiten Teeth Naturally

Looking for natural ways to whiten teeth? Almost everyone wishes for whiter teeth. While there are a variety of solutions available, many people don’t think about natural methods. Here are a few natural teeth whitening methods you can try at home.

Whitening Teeth Naturally Home Remedies:

Use these tips for naturally whitening teeth at home.

1. Use a baking soda toothpaste and/or hydrogen peroxide toothpaste.

Click here for our DIY home toothpaste recipes for Homemade Baking Soda Toothpaste.

2. Eat crunchy foods.

They will help remove many of the sugars and chemicals that cause stains and cavities. It’s the sticky foods that are the main criminals.

• An apple a day keeps the doctor and the dentist away. They are known to contain malic acid–which is a chemical actually used in teeth whitening products to dissolve stains.
• A few vegetables like cucumbers, broccoli, celery, and carrots are also natural simple tooth whiteners. Because they’re crunchy, they get the saliva going, aiding in lessening tooth stains.

3. Rinse with water after eating.

Removing any leftover food or residue from your teeth will help prevent stain and decay. This is an especially good idea if you’re away from home and can’t squeeze in a good tooth-brushing.

4. Try fruits with tooth whitening abilities.

Certain fruits have the ability to whiten teeth naturally. They act as excellent and simple tooth whiteners or bleachers. Take strawberries, for instance–contrary to how it might seem, they actually contain natural whitening agents and are one of the popular home remedies for tooth whitening and bleaching.

• Rub strawberry onto your teeth or make a paste out of strawberries. It is necessary to brush your teeth immediately with toothpaste after rubbing strawberry on them, though, because they contain other acids and sugars that can be harmful to your teeth.
• Consume more raisins. Just like crunchy veggies, raisins induce higher levels of saliva production. This constant tooth “washing” tip helps rinse the plaque away and prevents build up.

5. Eat more cheese.

There are recent studies that actually say that eating a bit of cheese after a meal can potentially help to prevent tooth decay and promote enamel re-mineralization.

• Milk and yogurt keep teeth sparkling and cavity-free, too, because they contain the minerals calcium and phosphorus, which promote the re-mineralziation of tooth enamel.
• You may be thinking that strong enamel has nothing to do with a white smile, but it does. It’s the outermost layer of your teeth and, therefore, it is not only what you see, but it is also a protectant. When it becomes stained, it determines the color of your teeth. Replenishing the calcium and phosphate that builds it up will keep it strong and healthy.

6. Brush and floss.

Preventing your teeth from discoloration is easier than removing stains, which is why these natural tooth whitening and bleaching techniques are extremely important. Brushing and flossing play a huge (the hugest) role in keeping teeth clean and white. Failing to keep up on these habits allows staining and tooth decay to creep in, both of which cause discoloration.

• Flossing is just as important. There are stains between your teeth too! And what’s more, it promotes gum health as well. If your gums are red and puffy, it doesn’t matter how white your teeth are.

7. Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can actually help prevent plaque. While plaque feeds on regular sugar, it can’t digest xylitol. It also neutralizes pH levels in the mouth and increases saliva production.

8. Avoid staining drinks.

This would include coffee, tea, red wine, fruit punch, grape juice, dark-colored sodas, and the likes.

9. Use a Straw.

Using a straw when drinking staining drinks can help your front teeth from being exposed to the staining liquid.

 *More tips for whiter teeth:

• Bear in mind that this works both ways–while saliva can wash away food and debris, it can also carry bacteria throughout the mouth, so twice daily brushings and low sugar intake are just as important.
• Don’t brush your teeth too hard as it may damage your enamel (which is called abrasion), leading to hypersensitivity.
• Do not use the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide method too often as the abrasion can permanently damage the enamel of your teeth. There are some special toothpaste brands (often for smokers) which contain much gentler abrasives than baking soda. They can be used daily without any risk for the health of your teeth, and they help to remove not only tobacco stains but also stains from coffee, tea, and wine.

Adapted from How to Whiten Teeth Naturally and How to Whiten Teeth With Baking Soda.