Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, but the last thing you want them to notice is yellow teeth. Whitening treatments can get expensive, or maybe your teeth are sensitive and you just want to take a more natural approach. Naturally whitening your teeth at home is surprisingly easy and can be done with just a few items you can pick up at your local drugstore. Here are just a few of the many different natural teeth whitening methods.
SEE ALSO: How to Have a Healthy, White Smile Without Having to Give up the Foods You Love
1. Baking Soda & Lemon Juice Paste
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it won’t cause damage to your teeth but will still remove stains. It will also protect your teeth from the acidity in the lemon juice, which acts as a natural bleaching agent.
What you’ll need:
- Several teaspoons of baking soda
- Enough lemon juice to create a paste consistency
- A toothbrush
Directions: Mix the baking soda and lemon juice together, gradually adding the lemon juice until you reach a paste consistency. Apply the paste to your teeth using the toothbrush, then leave it on for about one minute before rinsing. Make sure to rinse well! If lemon juice is left on your teeth for too long, the acid can affect your enamel!
SEE ALSO: What Can I Do About Stained or Discolored Teeth?
2. Strawberry, Salt & Baking Soda Scrub
The vitamin C in strawberries is great for removing plaque that make your teeth look yellow. The salt ingredient acts as an exfoliant for your teeth by scrubbing away at stains and buildup, while the baking soda is just an extra stain remover (you can make this scrub without using baking soda if necessary).
What you’ll need:
- 1-3 large strawberries
- A pinch of sea salt
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
Directions: Mash up the strawberries into a pulp, then mix with the salt and baking soda. Dry off your teeth with a towel before applying the mixture with a toothbrush, then rinse after five minutes. For best results and an extra white smile, apply this mixture every night.
SEE ALSO: 8 Tips for Healthier Teeth
Coconut Rinse
Using coconut oil to whiten teeth sounds strange, but it is actually very effective for natural teeth whitening!
What you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Directions: Before brushing your teeth in the morning, scoop about a tablespoon (or less if you have a smaller mouth) and put it in your mouth. All you have to do now is swish the oil through and around your teeth for about 5 minutes, then spit it out, rinse and brush your teeth as you normally would. A tip for making this easier is to let the oil soften a bit before putting it in your mouth.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a proven stain remover for teeth, but will only be effective if you use it regularly, so if you’re looking for a quick fix, this method may not be for you.
What you’ll need:
- About 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Directions: Using apple cider vinegar to whiten your teeth is super easy! Just brush your teeth with it using your toothbrush as you normally would with toothpaste. Just make sure that when you’re finished you rinse out your mouth and brush your teeth well enough to remove any acid that the vinegar may have left behind.
SEE ALSO: How to Brush Your Teeth
Trust the Professionals
All of these natural teeth whitening methods will do the job without harming your teeth, plus you can do it yourself at home! But the best way to ensure you will have a bright, white smile is by getting teeth whitening from a dentist. Dr. Duffield is a expert in teeth whitening and can give you the smile of your dreams. Contact our office today to make your appointment at 877-630-7410.
