The market for teeth whitening products is huge – everyone wants a fresh, pearly-white smile. But the cost of these whitening methods can also be huge, and not everyone wants to use chemicals for bleaching and teeth whitening. Thankfully there are ways you can naturally whiten teeth, using all-natural methods without harsh bleach.
Ready to see how natural remedies can whiten your teeth for a stunning smile? Read on!
Why Aren’t My Teeth White?
It’s a highly common complaint. Your teeth are not white enough; they look yellow, dull, and stained. Why does this happen? There are many reasons why teeth lose their brightness and whiteness.
One reason for yellow or brown teeth is a build-up of plaque on the outside of the teeth. Naturally, the way to cut down on this problem is to brush your teeth properly at regular intervals. If your teeth are discolored due to a build-up of plaque you normally need to remove the plaque to see a difference, otherwise natural remedies will not be effective.
Another reason for yellow teeth is that certain foods and drinks can stain the teeth. Over time they become discolored. In this case, natural tooth whitening remedies can make a difference. Here are some of the most popular, tested methods for whitening your teeth without bleach.
1) Coconut Oil Pulling to Naturally Whiten Teeth
You may have heard of oil pulling but what exactly is it? And does it really give you whiter teeth? Oil pulling is a traditional natural remedy that is intended to produce better oral health and also to get rid of a build-up of toxins from the body. You use any kind of oil for oil pulling, although coconut oil has been rapidly gaining in popularity – it has a better taste and it also has other health benefits including anti-inflammatory benefits and the ability to kill bacteria.
To do it, swirl oil around the mouth, pushing and pulling the oil between your teeth. You will need to do this for at least 10 minutes, and up to 20 minutes per session. Many people find it most convenient to do this while showering or bathing. Spit the coconut oil into the trash can or into the toilet – coconut oil becomes a solid very easily and you don’t want it to clog your pipes. You can do this every day as there are no harmful chemicals involved.
Studies have shown that oil pulling reduces levels of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria cause plaque to build-up on the teeth, which results in discolored teeth. There are no studies that show coconut oil pulling definitely whitens your teeth but many people swear by the method, and also enjoy the fact that it increases overall oral hygiene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kBDvc1oHvw
2) Brushing with Baking Soda to Whiten Teeth
You can find baking soda in big-brand toothpastes but if you want the natural alternative you can easily use baking soda to make your own paste. It has excellent properties for whitening the teeth as it is abrasive, meaning that the action of the baking soda helps to lift stains away from the surface of the teeth. And it also makes the inside of your mouth more alkaline, which helps to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
In order to make your own baking soda toothpaste, use one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water. Use the paste as a regular toothpaste and brush with it a few times each week. It will take some time to see the difference but there should be a noticeable whitening effect over time.
3) Using Activated Charcoal as a Teeth Whitener
Did you know that you can actually whiten your teeth with charcoal? This surprising remedy is controversial because it is not completely proven to work, but many people find that it is highly effective. You will need to be prepared for the shock of seeing your mouth completely black, but once you rinse away and brush your teeth as normal you will see a noticeable whitening effect.
Activated charcoal absorbs tannins on the teeth that lead to stains. It can also help to kill off the harmful bacteria that lead to plaque and stains.
Dip your brush into a very small amount of activated charcoal and brush the teeth as normal. Use your regular paste as a finisher to get rid of the charcoal from your mouth. You need to buy activated charcoal from a medical source – don’t think you can use the charcoal you buy to light your BBQ.
4) Rinsing With Apple Cider Vinegar for White Teeth
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a bacteria-killer. It naturally cleans the mouth and also whitens the teeth. However, apple cider vinegar has also been shown to erode tooth enamel so you should definitely go carefully with this remedy, using it only a few times a week for a short period of time.
Use apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash by diluting it with water and swirling it around the mouth, rinsing afterwards with clean water. It is a good way to naturally whiten teeth without harmful bleach.
