Everyone wishes for a whiter, brighter smile, yet many people feel that having one is out of their reach due to the high cost of commercial teeth whitening treatments. Even so, having whiter teeth is something anyone can experience, as there are a number of home remedies that can be performed easily and inexpensively.
Peroxide/Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
You can easily perform teeth whitening each time you brush, simply by substituting your regular toothpaste for a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix the two together to form a paste, and then place on your toothbrush and brush as usual. A paste made from lemon juice and baking soda will provide you with similar results. Alternatively, you may also place a drop or two of peroxide or lemon juice on your toothbrush before adding your usual toothpaste. This method gradually lightens your teeth, and is also ideal for helping you maintain your results.
Banana Peel
This is an excellent teeth whitening remedy that takes advantage of something you might ordinarily throw away. Simply rub the inside of a banana peel across the surface of your teeth for about two minutes or so. For best results, you should do this at least twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. Bananas are high in potassium, magnesium, and manganese, and are therefore ideal for promoting good overall health as well.
Strawberry and Baking Soda
Strawberries may seem like one of the most unusual choices for natural teeth whitening, but they are actually very effective due to their high acid content. Smash two or three ripe strawberries (you can even use ones that are slightly overripe), and mix with a bit of baking soda to form a thick paste. Place this paste over top of your teeth and leave in place for around five to ten minutes. This method will provide you with more dramatic results in a short amount of time, and is therefore ideal for special occasions. It should be limited to no more than once a month however, since the acid in strawberries could erode the teeth if used more often.
Coconut Oil “Pulling”
Using coconut oil to whiten the teeth is actually a very old practice that is known as “oil pulling.” After brushing normally, place a dab of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for five or ten minutes without swallowing. For best results, do this once a day. Coconut oil does not whiten teeth by bleaching them, but instead eliminates bacteria that can lead to plaque build-up. Advocates of coconut oil pulling also claim it helps freshen the breath and improves the overall health of the teeth and gums.
Many people find they require a combination of these natural teeth whitening remedies to achieve the best possible results. Experiment with these remedies to find the combination that works best for you, and then use them consistently to ensure you always have a dazzling, beautiful smile.
