Teeth discoloration is one of the pressing and embarrassing issues of most people, and while professional teeth whitening can help you achieve a brighter smile, it does come with a hefty price tag.
Fortunately, you can whiten your teeth using natural ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen or the local grocery store. Here are some teeth whitening tricks with natural ingredients that you can try:.
1. Brush with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular ingredient that can effectively remove surface stains from your teeth. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of water to create a paste, then brush your teeth with the mixture.
Be gentle when brushing, as excess scrubbing can damage your enamel. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after brushing.
2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an acidic solution that can remove surface stains and kill bacteria that cause bad breath. Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon of water and swish in your mouth for one minute.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after. Do not use this technique regularly, as the acidity of apple cider vinegar can damage your enamel over time.
3. Boost with Orange Peel
Orange peel has a slight bleaching effect and can also fight bacteria in your mouth. Rub the inner side of an orange peel on your teeth for two minutes then rinse your mouth with water.
It is important to limit the use of this technique to only once a week, as the citrus content of the orange can weaken your enamel.
4. Scrub with Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and contain an enzyme known as malic acid, both of which can help whiten your teeth and remove surface stains.
Mash one ripe strawberry and mix it with half a teaspoon of baking soda, then apply the mixture to your teeth and leave it on for five minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after. Be cautious not to overuse this method, as the acid in strawberries can damage your enamel if used excessively.
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5. Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can remove surface stains and kill bacteria in your mouth. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water and swish in your mouth for one minute, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterwards.
Do not use this technique regularly, as it can weaken your enamel.
6. Polish with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a natural whitening effect and can remove surface stains and plaque from your teeth. Use a teaspoon of coconut oil and swish in your mouth for ten to fifteen minutes before spitting out into the trash.
Rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
7. Chew on Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can help whiten your teeth by absorbing surface stains and toxins in your mouth. Wet your toothbrush and dip it in the activated charcoal powder, then brush your teeth with it for two minutes.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after.
8. Use Lemon and Salt
Lemon and salt are both highly acidic and can remove surface stains from your teeth. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with a pinch of salt, then apply it to your teeth and leave it on for one minute. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterwards.
Do not use this technique regularly, as the acid in lemon can weaken your enamel if used excessively.
9. Snack on Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help whiten your teeth by removing surface stains and increasing saliva production to wash away bacteria. Snack on these foods regularly to help keep your teeth naturally bright.
10. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away bacteria and debris in your mouth that can cause discoloration. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day to help keep your teeth bright and healthy.
