10 Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth

Whiten Teeth Naturally

Dr Rachel Hall shares 10 natural ways to whiten teeth.

Having great teeth and gums is very important for health but it is also highly valued in today’s culture. Many people with yellow or discoloured teeth would simply like their teeth to appear fresher and brighter.

Unfortunately for some no matter how much they brush, their teeth still look stained from the foods they eat, beverages they consume or as a result of smoking or ageing.

How To Naturally Whiten Teeth

As first impressions count having teeth that look like you brush and care for them says you really care about yourself.  So if you’d like a beautiful smile with white sparkling teeth the natural, holistic way try my Top 10 Natural Whitening Tips.

1. Crunchy fruits and vegetables

Crunchy, crispy fruits have an abrasiveness that can help to lift stains from the teeth and give the illusion that they are whiter. They are like nature’s toothbrush. Try munching on apples, celery and carrots, which have enough abrasiveness to clean tooth surfaces without posing any harm to the enamel.

2. Flossing and Brushing

The best way, but not always the easiest is to simply brush your teeth after eating or drinking something. This takes a lot of persistence and can even be kind of difficult depending on where you are at the time. Most food does not stain teeth, but if you are a coffee drinker or if you smoke, you can pretty much count on having discoloured teeth from staining. If this is the case then having your teeth professionally cleaned every three or four months may be in order.

People underestimate how important the staining is that happens in between the teeth, if you just floss, you can remove so much of the staining from between the teeth and your teeth will already look whiter.

And no matter how bleached your teeth are, they won’t look healthy up against red, puffy, unhealthy and receded gums. So brush at least twice a day on top of daily flossing.

 3. Nuts

There’s a growing body of evidence indicating that eating a small number of nuts after a meal can potentially help to prevent tooth decay and promote enamel re-mineralization, as they contain calcium and minerals required to replenish tooth enamel.

 4. Sugar-free gum or mints with xylitol

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can actually help to prevent plaque. While plaque feeds on regular sugar, it can’t digest xylitol. Xylitol also neutralises acid levels in the mouth and increases saliva production. Saliva is like the natural cleaner that we have in our mouth, It spills through all of the cracks and crevices.

But bear in mind that this works both ways — while saliva can wash away food and debris, it can also carry bacteria throughout the mouth, meaning twice daily brushings and low sugar intake are just as important.

 5. Strawberries

There’s a small amount of evidence (largely anecdotal) that has indicated strawberries may promote whiter teeth. Strawberries contain malic acid, which removes discolouration on the surface of the teeth. Additionally, the berries’ texture helps to buff the enamel, creating a brighter, smoother appearance.

 6. Baking soda

While there are properties in baking soda that can remove surface stains, it’s not the ideal long-term tooth whitener as it can be too abrasive on teeth and ultimately damage the enamel, which can actually make teeth appear even darker. The abrasive particles polish the surface while a chemical reaction between baking soda and water lightens stains. Occasionally use a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide or salt mixture to clean and whiten teeth.

Warning: You can damage your enamel with this abrasive mixture, so don’t do it more than once a week.

 7. One for the ladies – Lipstick Shade

Want to make your teeth look fashionably white–without the work? Stick with blue-based red and pink lipsticks or clothes in dark colours. Warm colours (yellow, orange, brown, warm shades of red) worn close to your mouth will only bring out the yellow in your teeth.

 8. Drink with a Straw.

Even if you follow a natural diet, the beverages that you drink have the tendency to stain teeth. To avoid as many stains as possible, use a straw to draw beverages into your mouth, instead of having them slide over your teeth. The less contact your teeth have with damaging substances, the whiter they will be.

 9. Peroxide

Peroxide is a substance used to clean wounds and keep them from getting infected. But it can also be used to help whiten teeth. Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-bacterial agent and works great as a total mouth and gum cleaner and keeps the mouth free of germs. After brushing your teeth, swish some peroxide around in your mouth, then rinse thoroughly with water. Be aware that longtime use of peroxide can lead to gum irritation and sensitivity.

10. Olive Oil

Olive oil to clean your teeth? Some people are attesting to their teeth becoming whiter by applying olive oil to their teeth after they brush. Either add a few drops to your toothbrush and simply brush or add the olive oil to a corner of a clean washcloth and rub it on. It can’t hurt to try this natural whitening tip. Olive oil is good for you!

How to Whiten Your Teeth Safely

Maintaining a bright, white smile is important and indicates that you have healthy teeth. But be careful because teeth are fragile and using too much baking soda, eating too many acidic fruits, or trying too hard to whiten your smile can cause great amounts of damage to your enamel, gums, and other parts of your mouth.

Remember, keep it natural and use these tips in moderation. Using these natural ways to whiten teeth can improve your smile and your confidence.