Whiten Teeth Naturally
7 Tips to Home Teeth Whitening That Are
Easy on the Wallet

Ahhh, Nature...

When someone wants to whiten teeth naturally, it’s usually because she wants to live a healthier life, avoid the side effects of chemical teeth whiteners, save money, or all the above.

If your goal is the whitest teeth possible, then chemical teeth whiteners or teeth whitening procedures through your dentist will give you the best overall results.

But if you have minor discoloration, or want to keep an already good looking smile bright and healthy, give these natural teeth whitening tips a shot.

Tip #1 – Practice Good Oral Hygiene…

Prevention is inexpensive. Bacteria thrive on sugars and converts it to acid, which causes enamel decay and yellowing of your teeth.

Flossing is important for dental health and helps minimize stains between your teeth, which many whitening kits can’t reach. Saliva is a natural mouth cleaner. If you have issues with dry mouth chewing sugar free gum with Xylitol can help increase saliva and neutralize pH levels in the mouth. Brush your teeth two to three times a day to remove left over food particles in your mouth and clear your mouth of acid buildup. I've been using an electric toothbrush for years and they work very well. Also, brush after eating or drinking staining foods such as wine or coffee is a good habit, too.

Sonicare Electric Toothbrushes Clean Teeth and Plaque

Tip #2 - Use Fruits and Veggies to Whiten Teeth Naturally…

Research suggests you can whiten your teeth naturally using crunchy fruits and vegetable such as apples, carrots and celery. Don’t cut up the fruit but bite into the whole raw fruit to get the best benefit.

• Pineapples contain bromelain which breaks up plaque on your teeth;

• Spinach, broccoli and lettuce contain iron that can form a film over teeth that resists acid and protects the enamel;

• Shitaki mushrooms and onions (raw not cooked) contain compounds that reduce bacteria in your mouth.

Tip #3 - Spices, Nuts and Dairy Help Keep Teeth White and Healthy…

• Ginger is anti-inflammatory, which is good for your mouth;

• Basil is a natural antibiotic reducing bacteria in mouth;

• More studies hint that eating a bit of cheese after meals helps repair teeth, prevents decay, and keeps acid level low. Dairy has calcium, essential for for strong teeth;

• Nuts are naturally abrasive which help to naturally scrub teeth clean. Sesame seeds also contain calcium making them extra good.

Tip #4 – Drinks and Drink Habits That Keep Teeth Clean and White…

• It's best not to drink sugary drinks. But if you do, use a straw and aim for the back of your mouth to minimize contact with your teeth. Never swish sugary drinks in your mouth;

• Green and black teas (naturally brewed, not sweetened ones from can or bottle) contain polyphenols that kill and suppress bacteria. But they may stain, so...

• Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated. And swishing water around your mouth at the end of a meal can help free food from teeth.

Tip #5 – Beware These Smile Destroying Items in Your Home…

• Avoid using vinegar, apple cider, or lemon to whiten teeth as it may damage the enamel;

• Don’t swish sugary or teeth staining drinks (coffee, red wine) in your mouth as this distributes the liquid between your teeth. Pure water is okay;

• Chewable Vitamin C and multi vitamins can be problematic to keeping teeth white because they contain enamel hurting acids which cling to teeth. Brush after chewing vitamins;

• Minimize eating or drinking acidic food. Once the acid coats your teeth, the enamel is vulnerable to damage and staining.
  

Tip #6 – Teeth Whitening Recipes to Use Sparingly…

• Dip your toothbrush in baking soda and brush your teeth. Salt is also a good abrasive and can be added to baking soda;

• Crush a strawberry and add half a teaspoon of baking soda and leave on teeth for five minutes, no longer. Then brush and rinse away normally;

• Dr. Oz’s teeth whitening home remedy is to mix a little baking soda with the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon. Use a cotton swab to wipe saliva and excess plaque away. Then apply the mixture and leave it on for a minute. Brush the mixture away with a toothbrush like normal.

Caution: Baking soda is considered bad by some dental professionals. The acid in lemons should avoided because it can weaken tooth enamel. So don't use these methods often, once a week is enough, and rinse well to properly remove these mixtures.

If this all too much trouble you can always buy natural toothpastes like Nature's Gate, Desert Essence, and dozens more.

Tip #7 – A Teeth Whitening “Trick” for Women (and Maybe Men, too)…

Pink and blue based red lipsticks make your teeth look whiter than warm colors that bring out the yellow in your teeth.

Bonus Tip #8 - Use Oral Care Products With Better Ingredients to Keep Smiles Clean and Sparkly...

If making natural toothpastes at home isn't your thing, or some of the suggested concoctions above sound iffy to you, you're in luck!

Manufactures have created gentler oral health care products to fit your needs. These products aren't meant to be 'whiteners' but they do help keep your teeth clean, which is the first step to a whiter smile.

Take a look at these toothpastes. They're sold as natural alternatives to the common brands you find on store shelves.

Desert Essence

Nature's Gate

Tom's of Maine

Read More Related Articles:

What is Laser Teeth Whitening?

Finding the Best Teeth Whitening Products

What to Know About Teeth Veneers

How to find a good dentist

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