Strawberries
Strawberries contain malic acid, as well as vitamin C. The former is an astringent that helps remove stains on the surface of teeth, while the latter washes away plaque.
To use: Mash a couple of strawberries and brush this mixture on the teeth once or twice a week. Also, chewing on strawberries not only helps whiten teeth, but also provides vitamin C to the body.
Fruit Peels
The peels of bananas and oranges are said to contain potassium, magnesium and manganese which, when absorbed by the teeth, help whiten them.
To use: Don’t throw away the peel after eating the fruit gently rub the fruit peels on the surface of your teeth for two minutes, two or three times weekly. Once done, brush your teeth after about 15 minutes; this wait time allows the minerals to be absorbed before cleaning.
Crunchy Fruits And Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots and celery act like natural toothbrushes, as chewing on them helps remove excess food material that may have been stuck in-between teeth. Furthermore, it helps brush away stains and helps whiten teeth with malic acid, the same enzyme found in strawberries.
Lemon And Baking Soda
The combined properties of lemon and baking soda do wonders for whitening teeth. Baking soda is one of the most common ingredients in whitening toothpastes, while the acid and vitamin C in lemons, aid in removing surface stains.
To use: Mix a small amount of baking soda with fresh lemon juice and apply directly to your teeth with a cotton swab. Because of the acidity of the products, it is advised that this procedure only be done once a week, at most.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another teeth whitening agent that helps fight bacteria, thereby preventing infections and gum diseases. The cleansing action of hydrogen peroxide helps brighten the teeth, making them look whiter.
To use: It is recommended that food grade hydrogen peroxide be used for teeth whitening. It can be mixed with your toothpaste or applied directly on the teeth for one to two minutes.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an old remedy which improves and maintains not only your oral health but also the entire body. The use of oil and the swishing action pulls harmful toxins from the mouth and throat, and is best done in the morning upon waking up.
To use: To oil pull, take a tablespoon of organic oil, preferably olive or coconut, and swish around the mouth for 15-20 minutes. Try to move the oil around between your teeth and by the tongue, without swallowing any of the oil. Once done, spit out the oil and thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.
Drinking Through A Straw
Drinks such as coffee, tea and soda not only stain teeth, but also cause damage to the enamel when exposed to them for a long time. It is recommended to use a straw while drinking such fluids to avoid direct contact. Further, brushing after drinking these beverages with or without a straw, is advisable to ensure that the stain is brushed off immediately.
These are just some of the natural remedies that can help whiten teeth. However, some of these may not work for everyone, and the side effects also vary.
For professional teeth whitening services that will guarantee a white smile, contact Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment.