Nearly 20 percent of us conceal our teeth in photos in some form or fashion. With a statistic like that, it’s pretty apparent that having great teeth and an attractive smile is pretty important in our culture. And the reality is that one of the first things that other people notice about your teeth is the colour.
Healthy, attractive teeth are an indicator of good general health and can be a key addition to your confidence. So, if you want to make a good first impression wherever you are and have the confidence to show your teeth and share your smile in all of your photos, consider these safe and gentle yet effective natural teeth whitening tips.
Tips for Getting Whiter Teeth Naturally
Many of the whitening options people invest in today are abrasive and can damage the teeth over time. These natural remedies are just as effective but not as harmful to the teeth. Before you go all in and opt for the aggressive methods, try these natural treatment options.
1. Brush More Regularly and More Effectively
It goes without saying that brushing your teeth is a first step toward cleaner, whiter teeth. But, what you may not realize is that just adding in a few extra brushings a day can go a long way toward whitening the teeth. While most foods do not stain the teeth, dark liquids like coffee, grape juice, and others do. Also, the build-up of food and other material on the teeth can make them appear discoloured even if they are not. To begin the whitening process, simply adopt the habit of brushing after each meal, specifically when you eat or drink something dark that may stain the teeth. Additionally, invest in a toothbrush that will help you get the best clean possible. An electric toothbrush is your best bet for cleaning and whitening your teeth effectively.
2. Brush with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Most people think they have to use an expensive, high-end product to get an effective teeth cleaning. That simply is not true. Baking soda and peroxide is one of the most successful teeth whitening treatments, and it is natural and inexpensive. Hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial agent that functions to cleanse the whole mouth and gradually whiten the teeth while the baking soda gently scrubs away stains.
To use this treatment, mix a small amount of peroxide with a small amount of baking soda to make a loose, runny paste. (A stiffer paste has too much baking soda in it and may damage the enamel of your teeth as you brush.) Once you’ve made the mixture, brush like normal and rinse thoroughly for best results.
3. Try Oil Pulling
As strange as it may sound, oil is actually very effective for cleaning the teeth. You’ve probably heard of the many uses of coconut oil before, but you may not have known that it was a teeth whitener too. The most commonly used practice for teeth whitening with oil is what is called “oil pulling.” The process is pretty simply. You just put a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for 5 to 20 minutes. The oil functions to draw toxins and impurities out of your mouth and is a great antimicrobial as well.
4. Brush with Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another well-known natural cure-all. Apple cider vinegar is effective for removing stubborn stains from the teeth, including coffee and nicotine. However, it is one option that requires dedicated consistency and at least a moth of continuous use to really see results. When done correctly, though, individuals laud the benefits saying that the result is close to that of a professional cleaning. To use this treatment, begin by brushing with regular paste. Then, apply apple cider vinegar to your brush and brush again. Finally, follow the apple cider vinegar rinse with another brushing with regular, non-fluoride toothpaste, to prevent any enamel erosion from the acid in the vinegar.
5. Rinse with Lemon Water
You’ve probably heard of lemon juice as a natural whitener for your clothes, so why not use it on your teeth. Though using lemon on your teeth is a less common practice, it is still effective for whitening the teeth. However, like with apple cider vinegar, you must be careful to make sure the acid does not remain on the teeth and wear away at enamel. Use lemon water as a brushing aid, or make a mixture to use as a mouth wash. Use the juice of 1 lemon in ½ to 1 cup lemon. After brushing, flush the mixture around in your mouth and then rinse again with regular water. Lemon is a great cleansing agent that helps remove toxins and naturally freshens breath as well.
6. Brush with Strawberries
That’s right. Strawberries are another natural whitening agent as unbelievable as it seems. The treatment works, though. Strawberries contain malic acid, which is actually a natural enamel whitener, so as you brush with the berries, you get a natural whitening effect. To get the biggest benefit, crush 1 to 2 strawberries to a pulp and mix the crushed berries with baking soda. Spread the mixture on your teeth with a soft toothbrush. Let the mixture soak for 5 minutes, brush, and then rinse. With this treatment, you should see nearly instant results; however, the whitening effect will only intensify over time.
Other At-Home Whitening Methods
Natural remedies aren’t the only method for whitening your teeth, though. If you want a trusted method that won’t damage your enamel and will give your “star quality” results, you may want to consider other at-home options. There are all kinds of at-home whitening kits all with different application methods and results. To make sure you get the best at-home teeth whitening, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.
- Application Method – Home treatments can be applied in a variety of ways. Some come as strips while others are gel applications or even solutions with trays to fit over your teeth. While no single method is the overarching best, you want a method that is easy and effective for you.
- Ease of Use – The ease of use relates largely to the application method, but it’s important to consider. If it’s not easy to use, you probably won’t stick with it.
- Taste – Different products feature different flavours. Some options are flavoured to reduce an adverse taste while others are not. Take this into consideration when choosing your treatment.
- Results – While everyone’s results with a given product are sure to be different, if every reviewer has had a bad experience with a product, it’s likely you will too. Take the time to review some of the product results before making your selection.
A bright, white smile is the desire of most individuals, and there are a number of treatments that can help you achieve that. Natural methods are typically easier on the budget and can deliver equally great results as other treatments. Keep the different options in mind as you begin your teeth whitening regimen and make a selection that fits your budget and has the potential to achieve your desired results.
