Natural Ways of Teeth Whitening

In this blog, I will be discussing several Natural Ways of Teeth Whitening-at home.  But before we go into some of these techniques, let me discuss why teeth discolor in the first place. 

Why Do Teeth Discolor?

As we get older, the whiter enamel layer of our teeth will naturally, from wear and tear, become thinner and more translucent, allowing the underlying yellow dentin layer of the tooth to shine through. It’s a natural process and there is not much we can do about it. However, additional stain coming from the outside is something we can address.

Probably the most common causes of staining come from certain foods we eat like berries and candies, beverages including wine, tea, and coffee, and tobacco products.  

Poor dental hygiene will lead to a buildup of bacteria-rich plaque and tartar further discoloring your teeth.

Of course, there are what is known as intrinsic stains, discoloration due to certain medications, fluoride, or nutritional deficiencies. In those cases, cosmetic dentistry would be appropriate.

The good news is that most yellowing and stains can be addressed at home, so let’s look at some natural ways teeth whitening and proudly show your smile!

6 Natural Ways of Teeth Whitening

1.Activated charcoal

Brushing with activated charcoal powder is one of the easiest, most effective, and least expensive ways to naturally whiten teeth – up to three shades. The coarse texture helps scrub off surface stains and as an antioxidant, charcoal effectively attracts and removes toxins and bacteria.  

Could be a little messy, so be careful with your clothes. Here’s the process: 

Moisten a separate toothbrush and dip it into the black powder. Proceed to brush all surfaces of your teeth for about 2 minutes but concentrate on your front teeth. Once done, spit out in the sink what’s in your mouth. Rinse out with water until no more black comes out of your mouth. Follow this by brushing your teeth as you normally would with a chemical and fluoride-free toothpaste. A word of caution:  Activated charcoal is abrasive and should be used at most, a couple of times a week.

2.Baking soda

Baking soda, like activated charcoal, is abrasive and is helpful to scrub away at stains on your teeth. It may be used by itself or be combined with other ingredients for enhanced whitening.

Here are some examples:

Make a paste of baking soda mixed with a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Brush with this mixture a few times a week or after stain-producing food or drink.

You can also mix baking soda with a small amount of fresh lemon juice. While also effective in reducing bacteria, lemon juice is acidic and you don’t want to erode your enamel, so don’t use this technique more than once a week. 

3.Fruity mix

While it may seem counterintuitive to use a vibrant red food to remove stains, the secret to strawberries as a remedy is that they contain malic acid, which can assist in dissolving coffee, red wine, and tea stains on teeth.

Mash up one or two strawberries and add about a teaspoon of baking soda to make into a paste. Rub this mix on your teeth with your finger for five to seven minutes and then rinse thoroughly and floss. Use this method infrequently due to the acidic nature of the fruit.

4.Oil pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been around for thousands of years. Many claim that daily oil pulling with organic Coconut Oil can eliminate plaque and whiten teeth. The process is simple and inexpensive. Check out our other video on Oil Pulling for how to do it and why you should make it part of your daily routine.

5.Apple cider vinegar

Not only is apple cider vinegar a disinfectant, but it is also a natural cleaning agent that can kill bacteria in the mouth. Believe it or not, you can use organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar as mouthwash by diluting it with water and swishing it around for a few minutes. After spitting it out, rinse thoroughly with water to prevent eroding the enamel and only use apple cider vinegar no more than once a month.

6.Banana rub

While this may sound comical, bananas are rich in potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which are absorbed into your enamel and have healthy whitening effects. 

After brushing and flossing as you normally would, peel a ripe banana and take the inside of the peel and rub a piece of the inside on your teeth for two minutes.  Then rinse. Wild, huh? But has worked for some.

So now you have some ideas on natural ways of teeth whitening that you can try inexpensively, naturally, and in the comfort of your own home.

If you are considering whitening or bleaching your teeth, and your dental condition is compromised or you have tooth sensitivity already, visit your dentist for further recommendations.

Check out our other video below for more information on teeth whitening!