How to Whiten Teeth Naturally at Home

Even if you’re not a celebrity, your smile is probably your most attractive feature. Even though you might not be walking the red carpet, it’s still nice to have a bright smile for photos, especially during the busy holiday season. If you’re not feeling confident about your smile for photos, you’re not alone.

If you’re like me and you don’t want to undergo expensive dental treatments or use products that promise a Hollywood smile but have drawbacks, and you’re not ready to give up coffee or tea, how can you get whiter teeth? I’ve done some research and asked dentists for natural ways to whiten teeth without harsh chemicals.

Keep reading for their DIY methods (spoiler: you probably already have the ingredients at home) and product recommendations that are safe, effective, and won’t break the bank. The best part? You’ll have a brighter smile without spending a lot of money or using harmful chemicals.

Brushing with Baking Soda

Using baking soda to whiten teeth is a common practice due to its natural whitening properties. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, making it effective in removing stains from teeth. Additionally, it creates an alkaline environment in the mouth, which inhibits bacteria growth.

Although it may not produce immediate results, studies suggest that toothpaste containing baking soda can whiten teeth better than those without it.

To use baking soda for whitening, simply mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water to form a paste.

Apply a small amount of the paste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth with it. You can repeat this process several times a day for best results.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another effective whitening agent due to its bleaching properties and ability to kill bacteria in the mouth. Many commercial whitening products contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.

Research indicates that toothpaste containing 1% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can significantly whiten teeth. Brushing twice daily with such toothpaste can reportedly whiten teeth by 62% in just six weeks.

However, it’s crucial to use hydrogen peroxide in low concentrations to avoid gum irritation, pain, and potential health risks, including cancer. The safe concentration range for hydrogen peroxide is typically between 1.5% and 3%.

You can use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash before brushing or mix it with baking soda to create a whitening paste. To make the paste, combine two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of baking soda.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar not only acts as a disinfectant but also functions as a natural cleaner, capable of eliminating bacteria in the mouth and whitening teeth. However, it’s important to be cautious as frequent use can potentially erode tooth enamel.

To safely utilize apple cider vinegar for teeth whitening, dilute it with water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes on a monthly basis. Afterwards, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. With regular use, you should notice a whitening effect on your teeth.

Using Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal offers a simple and cost-effective method for natural teeth whitening. It works by removing dirt from the teeth.

Activated charcoal, specifically formulated for medical purposes, is tasteless, odorless, and safe for dental use. However, it’s crucial not to scrub too vigorously to prevent enamel erosion.

To use activated charcoal, crush one charcoal tablet into a fine powder. Wet your toothbrush, dip it into the crushed charcoal, and gently brush your teeth. Allow the charcoal mixture to sit on your teeth for about three minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly. Avoid using activated charcoal if you have any open cuts or wounds in your mouth.

With proper application, activated charcoal can gradually whiten your teeth, but be cautious to avoid any damage or abrasions to your teeth during the process.

Using Powdered Milk and Toothpaste

Surprisingly effective, powdered milk can help achieve pearly white teeth while maintaining their health.

Simply add a small amount of powdered milk on top of your regular toothpaste on your toothbrush and brush your teeth as usual. Remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward. Over time, you’ll notice your teeth becoming whiter than before.

Coconut Oil Pulling with Baking Soda

Oil pulling with coconut oil is a highly effective method for achieving whiter teeth in a short time. This technique has been tested and proven to eliminate bacteria and plaque, revealing brighter teeth. Coconut oil also acts as a natural antibacterial agent, aiding in the fight against gum disease.

To perform coconut oil pulling, take a tablespoon of natural coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for 5 to 20 minutes, similar to using mouthwash.

Afterward, spit out the oil and cover your toothbrush with baking soda. Brush your teeth with the baking soda-covered toothbrush. Baking soda’s abrasiveness helps buff out surface stains, contributing to a brighter smile.

Creating Essential Oils Whitening Toothpaste

Utilizing coconut oil as a potent natural whitening agent, you can make your own whitening toothpaste using essential oils.

Mix equal parts of peppermint oil, coconut oil, spearmint essential oil, baking soda, and cinnamon bark oil to create this toothpaste.

Use it to brush your teeth at least twice a day to experience its powerful whitening effect. The mint oil serves to enhance the flavor of the toothpaste.

Making Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste

For this toothpaste, you’ll need turmeric powder, spearmint essential oil, natural coconut oil, and a few drops of peppermint oil.

Turmeric powder and coconut oil effectively combat plaque and possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting both teeth whitening and gum health.

Creating Baking Soda and Strawberry Paste

Strawberries contain malic acid, which aids in teeth whitening and the removal of surface stains. Baking soda, known for its abrasive nature, further helps remove discoloration.

To make this paste, crush and mix a large strawberry with half a teaspoon of baking soda until smooth. Apply the mixture to your teeth and leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing it off.

Follow up by brushing with baking soda or your regular toothpaste to remove any remaining berry residue.

Using Banana Peels

Banana peels are packed with minerals like manganese, potassium, and magnesium, which can be absorbed by your teeth to help whiten them.

To use banana peels for whitening, simply take a banana peel and gently rub the inside of it on your teeth for about two minutes.

Afterward, brush your teeth with baking soda or your regular toothpaste to remove any leftover banana peel residue.

Taking Full Advantage of Whitening Effects

Regardless of the whitening method you choose, it’s important to follow the “time on teeth” rule. Except for abrasive methods that buff away stains, most whitening techniques, whether natural or conventional, rely on time to eliminate stains from your teeth.

This is why many commercial whitening toothpastes often fall short—they don’t spend enough time on your teeth to effectively whiten them. So, whatever method you use, make sure it remains on your teeth for several minutes before rinsing or brushing.

Conclusion

We all admire the flawless smiles of TV personalities and often wish we could have the same. Fortunately, it’s not just wishful thinking anymore. By following the techniques outlined in this article, you can achieve a gleaming, healthy smile just like theirs.