Most of us have sat on that dentist’s chair and asked him/her to give us the perfect pearly whites aka the Hollywood smile. I mean, after all, having clean white teeth not only boosts your confidence but is also a great asset to have in today’s society. It can be a tad bit disheartening to look in the mirror and see that your teeth have a dull shade of white. On the other hand, cosmetic teeth whitening can also cost a lot. But you don’t have to pay that much because we did some digging and are bringing you some tips on whitening teeth naturally right in the comfort of your home.

But before we get on to whitening teeth naturally, did you know that stained teeth can be brought about by just anything? From habits like smoking, drinking coffee/tea, thinning enamel, unhealthy gums or just poor dental hygiene among others.

Home Tips for Whitening Teeth Naturally

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive which scrubs away surface stains on the teeth. It also contains natural whitening properties which are the reasons why it is a common ingredient in commercial kinds of toothpaste. However, it is not something that will whiten your teeth overnight so you have to be patient when using it. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with the paste. Baking soda also prevents bacteria from growing in your mouth by creating an alkaline environment.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an Indian traditional way of removing toxins from the body and improving oral hygiene. Coconut oil is preferred because of its pleasant taste and additional health benefits. Plus it does not expose your teeth to acid or other ingredients that erode the enamel. Put 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth then swish and pull it through your teeth for about 15 minutes and finally spit it out. Do this on a daily basis if you can.

Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables can also be used in whitening teeth naturally. They help in removing plaque as you chew them. However, they are not a substitute for brushing teeth. An example is a pineapple which contains an enzyme called bromelain that whitens teeth and is also an ingredient in toothpaste.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent and it kills bacteria in the mouth. Brushing teeth with diluted hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda makes teeth whiter in a matter of weeks. Mix 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon baking soda to make a paste then brush your teeth with it. You should, however, limit its use to a couple of times a week.

Turmeric Powder

Yes, you can use turmeric for whitening teeth naturally. The first time I used this powder it just about stained everything, which can be annoying, but it worked. The best way you can avoid the staining is to set aside a different tooth brush for this and clean your sink immediately after. And the best thing with turmeric is that it doesn’t damage the enamel. You can pair it with coconut oil and baking soda to get the maximum benefits.

Prevention

Although teeth naturally turn yellowish with age, there are some things that you can do to prevent that. Limit the intake of red wine, soda, coffee, tea, dark berries and sugar, according to my dentist. If you must consume them, make sure that you brush your teeth immediately after. Also, include foods rich in calcium in your diet.

It is important to note that whitening teeth naturally or at the dentist alone won’t protect the teeth or gums from diseases or cavities. Teeth health is more than just pearly whites, that’s why you need to use your dentist for more than just teeth whitening. Do a patch test before trying the move methods to make sure you are not allergic.