How to Whiten Teeth Naturally for a Healthy Vibrant Smile

Curious how to whiten teeth naturally? This collaborative post has 10 helpful tips & tricks just for you!

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There’s no doubt about it; our smiles are powerful weapons! Science has proven that smiling can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost moods, and even improve your immune function! It seems our Creator really wanted us to enjoy turning our frowns upside down!

With all we know about the benefits of smiling, it’s important that we take care of our oral health. Just remember: your smile is beautiful. It isn’t about having perfectly straight teeth or figuring out how to make them an unnatural shade of white.

Many whitening products on the market today use harsh ingredients that leave your gums sore and your enamel weakened. Whiter teeth doesn’t necessarily mean healthier.

I learned this lesson the hard way years ago while using whitening strips. My chompers were white but my gums and teeth were so sensitive that I had to use special toothpaste for a year or two. Ouch!

That’s why it is important to remember natural doesn’t necessarily mean gentle or safe. Not everything you read is true! And just because it worked for someone else doesn’t mean it’s a good fit for you.

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How To Whiten Teeth Naturally … and Safely

So what options do we have then? If you are like me and love your favorite food or drink but miss the sparkle in your smile, there are some natural whitening methods that can work wonders with time!

Typically, natural methods for tooth whitening will not work as quickly as bleaching agents. Expect to stay consistent for a few weeks or more to see results.

Visit the dentist once every 6 months

There is only one place to begin, and this is by taking a trip to the dentist every six months. This is something every person should do, yet many of us go years without visiting the dentist.

We often only tend to go when something goes wrong. However, choosing a reputable dentist, and booking an appointment twice every year will go a long way to protecting your oral health and ensuring you have a beautiful, healthy, and bright white smile.

Best of all, your dentist can detect diseases before you may be aware of them. In fact, some diseases can cause yellowing teeth so it’s important to know if your issue is cosmetic or medical.

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes

You know that funky, fuzzy feeling your teeth have in the morning or later after you’ve eaten something sugary?

That’s plaque buildup causing a yellowing of your pearly whites. Brushing correctly and frequently enough helps remove this discoloration.

Helpful tip: My husband and I use the Oral-B Pro 1000 CrossAction rechargeable electric toothbrush.

Here’s why we can’t live without it and why you’d love it too:

• It has a built in pressure sensor that alerts you when you’re brushing too hard

• A pulse every 30 seconds reminds you to switch areas in your mouth

• 2 minute timer pulses when you’ve brushed the recommended amount of time

• An electric toothbrush removes plaque more effectively which means a brighter smile and a much deeper clean. (We both notice far less buildup)

• It is affordable on nearly every budget!

We honestly love ours. My husband was skeptical but he is now a believer!

Helpful tip 2: Wait at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before brushing your teeth after eating or drinking. Acid softens enamel and brushing too soon can cause damage.

Change your toothbrush every two to three months

If you have an electric toothbrush, you need to change the brush heads regularly.

Using the same toothbrush (or brush head) for too long could increase the bacteria in your mouth or hurt your gums from worn out bristles.

We like to disinfect our brush heads once or twice a month. Dunk your brush or brush head in a little cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and watch the bubble party begin!

Want to brighten your pearly whites without the pain? These natural methods for teeth whitening can help! #smile #health

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Brush your teeth with baking soda once per week

This is another effective method for getting rid of stains.

Just remember, baking soda is abrasive and can wear down the enamel causing bigger problems in the long run! Never leave baking soda on your teeth for more than 2 minutes, and if sensitivity occurs, discontinue use altogether.

Here are 4 ideas for how to whiten teeth naturally with baking soda.

Homemade hydrogen peroxide mouthwash

Hydrogen peroxide is considered a natural germ killer so it’s no wonder why many people swish their mouths with it.

It’s not just a battler of bacteria though! Hydrogen peroxide is also one of the main ingredients in many commercial teeth whiteners.

Important: Hydrogen peroxide should only be used when diluted. I recommend a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio.

Want to give it a try? Mix together 1 tablespoon of 3% store-bought hydrogen peroxide and 2 or 3 tablespoons of water.

Swish it all around for about 60 seconds and then spit it out. Do not swallow!

Apple cider vinegar swish

Few natural remedies are more effective than an apple cider vinegar drink. It has helped my digestion and overall well-being a lot.

We usually drink 1 tablespoon Bragg’s ACV with the mother mixed with 8 to 10 ounces of water. I like a little lime stevia liquid in mine. Bill likes either honey or maple syrup.

After we are finished, we drink and swish plain water to rinse any lingering acidity.

A lot of people swear by apple cider vinegar as a whitening rinse though. Healthline recommends, “Make a mouthwash by mixing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water. Swish the solution for 30 seconds.”

Personally, even though ACV will slightly whiten teeth, I don’t recommend it. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and will definitely wear down the enamel. Teeth with damaged enamel appear darker, not whiter!

Most dentists recommend avoiding this option all together or using vinegar sparingly. If you try it, please be sure to dilute it a lot and avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes.

Eat a white-teeth diet

There is no denying that watching what you eat is important for your health in many different ways, and this includes in regard to your oral health.

There are a number of different foods and drinks that can have a negative impact on the color of your teeth.

This includes dark juices, soda, coffee, black tea, red wine, and, of course, cigarettes. These are all culprits in terms of teeth staining.

The best thing to do is eat foods that have a convenient teeth-cleaning action. For example, apples, pineapple, celery, strawberries, and raw carrots are excellent.

Helpful tip: When eating any food or drink that causes teeth yellowing, swish with water several times after finishing. It won’t prevent all staining but it helps a lot!

Oil pulling with coconut oil

In my humble opinion, one of the very best methods for how to whiten teeth naturally is oil pulling with coconut oil.

Thanks to its high lauric acid content, coconut oil has been shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis by over 50% — even seeing results within 7 days!

How to use: Take between 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon or so of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for 10 to 30 minutes. “Push and pull” the oil in between your teeth as you swish the oil all around.

Once your time is up, spit the coconut oil into the trash (or toilet if preferred). Do not spit coconut oil into your sink.

You’ll be needing some Draino or a plumber if you do. Coconut oil turns solid at room temperature. Uh-oh!

• Want less mess and less fuss? CocoPull has pre-filled packets with organic coconut oil and peppermint oil. Your breath smells minty fresh and your teeth feel clean. They’re amazing!

Once done, swish with a little water and brush your teeth. Ahhh, refreshing!

Try gentler whitening strips

If you are anything like me, traditional whitening strips just aren’t worth the pain! There are some more natural, gentler options available.

Not long ago I tried a coconut oil whitening strip that really did work. It was extremely messy though so I didn’t stick with it.

Options like Lumineux and Zimba are gaining popularity among those of us who have sensitive smiles. If oil pulling doesn’t sound good to you – these might be worthy of a try?

Choose your lipstick with care

While this won’t actually make your teeth whiter, it will make them look whiter. Colors like light red and medium coral shades have this impact.

Conclusion

You don’t have to live with a smile you don’t love. A healthy mouth is critical for your overall health, so don’t forget that it’s about more than just whitening!

Whatever you do, don’t forget to let us see that beautiful beaming smile of yours. Shine from the inside out, my friend!

I’d love to hear from you! What is your favorite way for how to whiten teeth naturally? Have you tried any of these methods?

Love this? Please share it with your social media family — thank you! ❤️

Love & Blessings,

You are reading the post, “How to Whiten Teeth Naturally for a Healthy Vibrant Smile,” originally posted by Holly at Wholeness Haven.