White teeth make your smile more brilliant, but teeth get stained with time and lifestyle. Natural teeth whitening does what regular toothpaste cannot do.
If you cannot afford expensive whitening treatment and worried about harsh chemicals in drugstore products, natural options are the solutions.
Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening is a common home remedy for stained teeth, but it can be dangerous.
It may lead to stomach upset and lung irritations if you accidentally swallow or inhale the powder (even with the food-grade hydrogen peroxide). Here are safer solutions for stained teeth you can try at home.
1. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is the hot ingredient in oral hygiene products. The product has abrasive quality, making it effective in cleaning your teeth when the toothpaste can’t.
Mix the charcoal capsule or powder with water to form a paste. Use your finger to brush your teeth with it, and let it sits for three minutes before rinsing.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular home remedies for teeth whitening. Its acidic nature removes the stain easily. You must dilute it before using it for gargling.
Pour a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a small cup of water. Swirl the mixture in your mouth for three minutes before rinsing.
3. Epsom Salt
Salt gargling is a great way to kill bacteria that stain and damage your teeth. You can mix Epsom salt in warm water and gargle with it. Swirl the liquid in your mouth for several minutes before rinsing.
Alternatively, brush your teeth by dipping the toothbrush into the saltwater first.
4. Coconut Oil
“Oil pulling” is an age-old method to combat oral problems. Coconut oil teeth whitening is popular because of its antibacterial properties.
Swirl the coconut oil in your mouth for three minutes before spitting into the trashcan. Avoid spitting into the sink because the oil can cool, harden, and block it after a while.
5. Sesame Oil
Another popular option for oil pulling, sesame oil contains active ingredients that protect the teeth from bacteria and gingivitis risks.
You can swirl the oil in your mouth for several minutes before spitting it into the trash. Brush the teeth afterwards.
6. Apples and Strawberries
Apples and strawberries both contain natural acids and a lot of water. These ingredients can reduce the presence of teeth stain. Strawberries also contain astringent, which reduces the possibility of discolouration.
Chewing a whole apple also “trains” your teeth to be stronger and cleans them using the combination of water and texture.
7. Celeries
Eating fresh celeries (or other crunchy vegetables) can help to scrub off discolouration. The water in the vegetables also washes the inside of your mouth.
The crunchy textures “rub” the teeth surface and even clean the gaps from small particles. It also applies to most watery, fibrous foods, such as pineapples, mangoes, oranges, and guavas.
8. Banana Peel
Banana peel is a traditional ingredient to whiten teeth. The rich minerals in it can help to reduce the stain that sticks on the teeth. You must use the peel from a ripe banana (avoid the discoloured one).
Rub the inside of the banana peel on your teeth for one or two minutes. Brush your teeth as usual afterwards.
9. Baking Soda
Baking soda teeth whitening works in a similar way to hydrogen peroxide. Its abrasive nature reduces the stain from the teeth. You should create a paste with water to rub against the teeth.
Use a clean finger to apply the baking soda paste. Rub it on the teeth for two minutes before rinsing. Avoid mixing it with other chemicals like hydrogen peroxide to avoid harsh reactions.
10. Baking Soda and Strawberry
Combining baking soda and strawberry is ideal for teeth whitening at home. The natural acids and abrasive texture offer a stronger stain-cleaning reaction.
Mix crushed strawberries (with their juice) with baking soda to form a paste. Rub your teeth with it and let it sits for five minutes. Rinse and brush your teeth like usual afterwards.
11. Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its antibacterial and antiinflammation properties. You can brush your teeth with turmeric powder to reduce stain (let it sits for three minutes before rinsing).
For stronger cleaning power, mix turmeric powder with coconut oil to form a paste. Apply it on the stained teeth and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing.
12. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves may sound unusual, but they contain great properties to reduce tooth stain. They contain flavonoids and phenols that reduce the risks of plaque and swelling.
Wash guava leaves before crushing them into a paste (use a mortar and pestle). Apply the paste on your teeth and let it sit for a minute before rinsing.
13. Orange Peel and Salt
Orange and salt natural acids with abrasive texture and antibacterial properties. You must use the peel of a ripe orange (don’t choose a discoloured one).
Wet the inside and rub it with some salt. Brush the abrasive surface on your teeth. Let it sits for three minutes before rinsing.
14. Lemon Juice and Salt
This DIY teeth whitening recipe is a little stronger than orange peel and salt. You use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of an orange peel to be mixed with salt.
Apply the mixture on your teeth and let it sits for three minutes. Brush afterwards with regular toothpaste to prevent the acid from damaging your teeth.
15. Calcium-rich Products
Calcium-rich foods and beverages, such as dairy products, leafy vegetables, small fish, and fortified soy drinks, can make your enamel healthier. The thicker the enamel, the less staining occurs on the teeth surface.
Avoid staining by cutting the lifestyle that causes it. Coffee, tea, wine, soda, and smoking habit cause your teeth to develop stain. Reduce or stop consumption during the teeth whitening process.
Stain on the teeth can reduce your charm when smiling. It is also a sign of oral health such as gingivitis. Make sure to keep your teeth white by developing good eating habits and brushing regularly.
Use these natural teeth whitening solutions to reduce the stain without irritating or dangerous products.
