Having a bright and white smile is something that most people desire. However, professional teeth whitening treatments can be expensive and may also contain harsh chemicals that can damage the enamel of your teeth.
Luckily, there are several DIY teeth whitening remedies that you can try at home using natural ingredients. These remedies are not only cost-effective but also effective in removing stains and improving the overall appearance of your teeth.
In this article, we will discuss 10 homemade teeth whitening remedies that you can incorporate into your oral care routine.
1. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Baking soda has natural whitening properties and lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent. Together, these ingredients can effectively remove surface stains and whiten your teeth.
To use this remedy, mix a small amount of baking soda with freshly squeezed lemon juice to form a paste. Apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth gently in circular motions for two minutes. Rinse thoroughly and brush with regular toothpaste to remove any remaining residue.
2. Coconut Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil around in your mouth to improve oral health. Coconut oil pulling can also help in whitening your teeth naturally.
Simply take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Spit out the oil into a trash can (to avoid clogging your sink) and rinse your mouth with warm water. This practice not only removes toxins from your mouth but also helps in reducing teeth stains.
3. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a highly absorbent substance that can effectively remove stains from your teeth. It works by binding to the toxins and stains on the surface of your teeth and lifting them away.
To use this remedy, wet your toothbrush and dip it into some activated charcoal powder. Brush your teeth gently for two minutes and rinse thoroughly. However, be cautious while using activated charcoal as it can be messy and may stain your clothes or countertops.
4. Strawberries and Baking Soda
Strawberries contain malic acid, which is a natural teeth whitening agent. When combined with baking soda, strawberries can help in breaking down stains on the surface of your teeth.
Mash one ripe strawberry and mix it with half a teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth using a toothbrush and leave it on for five minutes. Rinse thoroughly and brush with regular toothpaste to remove any remaining residue.
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5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in many commercial teeth whitening products. It has bleaching properties that can effectively remove stains from your teeth. To use this remedy, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.
Swish the mixture around in your mouth for one minute and then spit it out. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterward. However, be cautious while using hydrogen peroxide as it can cause gum irritation if used in excessive amounts.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has natural whitening properties and can help in removing stubborn stains from your teeth. However, it is important to use it in moderation as the acetic acid in vinegar can damage the enamel of your teeth if used excessively.
To use this remedy, dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:2 ratio. Swish the mixture in your mouth for about two minutes and then rinse thoroughly with water.
7. Orange Peel
Orange peel contains d-limonene, which is a natural teeth whitening agent. Rubbing the inside of an orange peel on your teeth can help in removing surface stains and brightening your smile.
However, it is important to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward to avoid the natural sugars from the orange damaging your teeth.
8. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
A combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can create a powerful teeth whitening paste. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.
Apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth gently for two minutes. Rinse thoroughly and brush with regular toothpaste to remove any remaining residue.
9. Banana Peel
Banana peel can also help in whitening your teeth naturally. Simply rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for two minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Repeat this process twice a day for a couple of weeks to see noticeable results.
10. Brushing and Flossing
Last but not least, maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing can help in preventing and reducing teeth stains.
Regularly brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste and flossing at least once a day can remove plaque and prevent the buildup of stains on your teeth.
