Most individuals want their teeth to be whiter and brighter, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. It’s no wonder that dental whitening and at-home tooth-whitening procedures have gained popularity!
But beware; using a commercial dental whitening product come with its own set of problems:
- They are expensive. Tooth whiteners can set you back $15 -$45 for store bought treatments and an average of $250 for in-office treatments.
- They are full of artificial ingredients and man-made chemicals. Tooth whiteners and whitening toothpastes can contain artificial fragrances, artificial flavoring, plastic polymers, sodium laurel sulfate, triclosan, alcohol, hydrated silica, and other ingredients that I do not want in my body!
- They can be irritating to teeth and gums. Commercial tooth whiteners can cause tooth sensitivity or pain, an increase in hot or cold sensitivity, and gum irritation.
Fortunately, there are many inexpensive and simple home cures you may employ to brighten your smile. Learn how to whiten your teeth naturally at home using these 14 all-natural solutions:
BAKING SODA AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE PASTE
What to do: Create a thin paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with hydrogen peroxide in a small dish, use a soft toothbrush to apply the paste to teeth, and brush gently for 2 minutes. Rinse and brush with regular toothpaste.
Why this works: Hydrogen peroxide is the bleach used most often in commercial teeth-whitening products, it bleaches stains from teeth to restore their natural, white color. Baking soda is mildly abrasive which helps gently buff away surface stains and thicken the peroxide so it stays on the surface of the tooth longer.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SWISH
What to do: Brush teeth with regular toothpaste. Mix ½ cup of water with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, swish in your mouth for 1 minute. Brush and rinse with water to remove hydrogen peroxide. Repeat daily until you see lighter teeth.
Why this works: The peroxide bleaches stains from teeth to restore their natural, white color.
SEA SALT AND BAKING SODA PASTE
What to do: Create a thin paste by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with ½ teaspoon of sea salt and a bit of water in a small dish, use a soft toothbrush to apply to teeth and gently brush for 2 minutes. Rinse and brush with regular toothpaste.
Why this works: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and salt are gentle abrasives that remove surface stains from teeth.
TURMERIC POWDER PASTE
What to do: Create a thin paste by mixing a teaspoon of organic turmeric powder and a bit of water in a small dish, use a soft toothbrush to apply the paste to teeth, and gently brush for 2 minutes. Be careful not to spatter, it can stain! Rinse with water then brush with regular toothpaste.
Why this works: Turmeric powder is a gentle abrasive that can remove surface stains to reveal whiter teeth. Turmeric is naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial which makes it a great choice for natural dental care.
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL BRUSH
What to do: Wet toothbrush and sprinkle with food-grade activated charcoal powder then brush for 2 minutes. Be careful not to spatter, it can stain! Rinse with water then brush with regular toothpaste.
Why this works: Activated charcoal whitens by absorbing plaque and other tooth-staining substances, leaving your teeth cleaner and brighter.
LEMON JUICE AND BAKING SODA PASTE
What to do: Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with enough baking soda to make a thin paste, use a soft toothbrush to apply to teeth and gently brush for 2 minutes. Rinse with water then brush with regular toothpaste to remove all lemon juice.
Why this works: Lemons are high in citric acid which acts as a natural bleach for stains on teeth. Baking soda is mildly abrasive which helps gently buff away surface stains and thicken the lemon juice so it stays on the teeth longer.
COCONUT OIL PULLING
What to do: Place a tablespoon of organic coconut oil in your mouth and swish/swirl it around your mouth (the way you’d use a mouthwash) for 5-20 minutes. Rise then sprinkle a clean, damp toothbrush with baking soda and brush your teeth. Rinse.
Why this works: Oil pulling is an ancient technique that removes plaque and bacteria exposing whiter, brighter teeth. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and can also help to reduce gum disease. Baking soda is mildly abrasive which helps gently buff away surface stains.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSE AND SCRUB
What to do: Swirl a mouthful of ACV around your mouth the way you’d use mouthwash for 2 minutes then dip your toothbrush in apple cider vinegar (ACV) and brush to help remove stains. Rinse then brush your teeth with baking soda or toothpaste to remove all ACV.
Why this works: ACV contains acetic acid which helps break down plaque and stains on teeth. It also contains minerals, probiotics, and enzymes that can kill germs and bacteria in your mouth.
BAKING SODA, TOOTHPASTE, AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SCRUB
What to do: Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of toothpaste and a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. Spread mixture over teeth and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Brush teeth with the mixture then rinse thoroughly with water, brush with regular toothpaste or plain baking soda to remove all hydrogen peroxide.
Why this works: The peroxide bleaches stains from teeth to restore their natural, white color. Baking soda is mildly abrasive which helps gently buff away surface stains and the toothpaste helps the mixture adhere to the surface of the tooth.
HOMEMADE WHITENING TOOTHPASTE WITH TURMERIC
What to do: Mix 1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder with a few drops of peppermint oil, spearmint essential oil, or cinnamon bark oil to create toothpaste. Brush teeth twice a day.
Why this works: Coconut oil and turmeric powder are a powerful plaque-removing combination that’s naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. The essential oil gives the toothpaste a nice flavor
LEMON OR ORANGE PEEL AND SALT RUB
What to do: Sprinkle the white side of an orange peel with sea salt then gently rub a small piece onto your teeth for 2 minutes. Rinse then brush with regular toothpaste or baking soda to remove all citrus residue.
Why this work: The white part of a citrus peel naturally contains d-limonene a substance that is used in commercial teeth whitening products. Salt is naturally abrasive and can help remove surface stains.
STRAWBERRY AND BAKING SODA PASTE
What to do: Crush and stir a large strawberry with ½ teaspoon of baking soda until smooth and well blended. Spread mixture onto teeth and wait 5 minutes. Rinse then brush with regular toothpaste or baking soda to remove all berry residue.
Why this works: Strawberries contain malic acid which is used in many commercials teeth whitening products to help remove surface stains. Baking soda is a mild abrasive which helps gently buff away discoloration.
BANANA PEEL RUB
What to do: Gently rub a small piece of the inside of the banana peel of your teeth for two minutes. Rinse then brush with regular toothpaste or baking soda to remove all banana residue.
Why this works: The high level of minerals in the peel (potassium, magnesium, and manganese) are absorbed into the teeth and help to whiten your smile.
2 TIPS TO NATURALLY WHITEN TEETH AT HOME
- Track Tooth Whitening Progress: Whitening teeth at home will not produce the immediate dramatic results you see in the dentists office. You should take photos to help track your progress.
- What to do: Take a picture of your teeth before and after each whitening treatment. Compare the images to see what works.
- Why: The natural whitening process is gradual, you will be able to see analyze the results more if you compare a before and after picture instead of relying on your memory.
- Tooth Whitening Warnings: If you have any dental issues or dental work you should consult with your dentist before trying any of these home remedies.
- Be Cautious – Naturally whitening teeth at home is safe and effective if done correctly. Use these natural tooth whitening remedies occasionally to avoid damage to the tooth enamel.
- Be Realistic – Some yellowing is natural and is a sign of healthy tooth enamel. You do not want to over-bleach or cause enamel damage.
