7 Home Remedies for Whitening Your Teeth Naturally
Our society places huge value in having a great set of white teeth. In fact, entire cultures are ridiculed for having bad teeth—ever wondered why the British are stereotyped for supposedly having bad dental care?
Although the more well known dental whitening treatments offer the most efficient and long-lasting path to teeth whitening, there are several different home remedies to reduce staining and prevent discoloration of your teeth.
In this guide, we outline seven simple remedies you can try in the comfort of your home (with items commonly found in any kitchen)
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Article Summary
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Combo
The combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide works great as a natural teeth-whitening solution. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties while baking soda has an abrasive texture that scrubs your teeth mildly.
Simply take a small amount of baking soda and mix it with an equal amount of hydrogen peroxide to create a runny paste. Use it as you would regular toothpaste, making sure to brush the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, such as the back teeth.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Although Apple cider vinegar has been reported to be an excellent solution for teeth whitening, it usually only works when applied consistently over a long-term period (results begin to show after a month of continuous use). In fact, some users claim ACV to have the same whitening ability as a professional cleaning.
A word of warning: because as with any acid, ACV may scrub away on your teeth’s enamel. Be sure to brush with regular toothpaste and rinse with water after every use of ACV.
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Salt
Salt is an essential component of most, if not all toothpaste brands. It’s been used for thousands of years as a teeth cleanser, offering the added benefit of replenishing the mineral content in your teeth and bring back their white color.
You can replace your toothpaste with common salt, mixing it with a little water to form a runny mixture. Be sure to rinse with water after every use. Brush gently, though, as the abrasive texture of salt can damage your gums and tooth enamel if applied roughly.
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Lemon
As if lemons weren’t already healthy enough, you’ll be surprised to find out that they make them a potent home remedy for teeth whitening.
You can either gargle with a swig of lemon juice or use the lemon rind to scrub your teeth and remove stains.
You can also complement your daily brushing routine by making a mixture of lemon juice and salt, rubbing the past on your teeth with your fingers or toothbrush, letting it stay for a few minutes before rinsing with water. For best results, use twice daily to fight tartar build-up.
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Strawberries
According to celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tyra Banks, strawberries have a long-lasting whitening effect when applied on teeth.
Simply mash a few strawberries into a paste and rub vigorously on your teeth, leaving it on for a few minutes. As with the other home remedies in this guide, rinse your mouth after application to prevent the acids from corroding your enamel.
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Oil Pulling
part of Indian medicine for hundreds of years, oil pulling is one of the oldest standing yet overlooked remedies to support oral health.
Simply take a tablespoon of any pure and organic oil, such as coconut oil, and “pull” it by sucking, sipping, and swishing the fluid through the inside of your mouth and teeth. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward.
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Stick to Using a Straw
If you’ve undergone a teeth-whitening procedure before, your dentist may have recommended using a straw to drink beverages in the few days following your treatment. This is to protect your teeth from exposure to fluids with high acidity and staining potential such as soda, coffee, wine, and tea. Practice this habit daily and you’ll be on your way to preventing teeth discolouration in the long term.
A set of pearly whites is something desired by many people nowadays, and fortunately, healthy eating habits, and some simple tricks can go a long way to ensuring your teeth look white for many years to come.
Of the seven home remedies in this list, the combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is a solution recommended by cosmetic dentists and even toothpaste brands like Colgate. In any case, there’s no harm in trying them all to see what works best for you.
