We all want whiter teeth, but no one wants to pay hundreds of dollars to have them. Americans alonespend over $1.4 billion dollarsin over-the-counter teeth whitening products every year.
Luckily, there are ways to whiten our teeth using household items we probably already own. While you should consult your dentist before testing any of these remedies, these six ways to naturally whiten teeth are affordable, simple, and take just a few minutes everyday:
1. Brush after drinking or eating
If you had braces as a kid you probably remember hearing this tip a lot. When there is access food on your gums or teeth for several hours, it is likely to leave a stain just as leaving a spill on your clothes, carpet, or couch would.
Dr. Alan Carr, prosthodontist with the Mayo Clinic, explains that whitening toothpaste being a great alternative because the chemicals in the paste attack the stains on your teeth. Granted, most foods will not stain your teeth, but brushing your teeth more often can help whiten your teeth while making your breath smell minty fresh.
2. Coconut oil
Oh the newfound joys of coconut oil. Just when you thought you knew everything it could do, you learn a new remedy coconut oil is just perfect for.
Researchhas proven the positive effects of using cocount oil to cleanse your entire mouth, including your teeth. To whiten teeth, simply swish a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth for a good 5-10 minutes (the longer the better). You can also put a bit on your toothbrush and brush it in just like you would toothpaste.
3.Strawberries
You heard me. Red and juicy strawberries are a great way to whiten your teeth. Famous runway star and actress Tyra Banks as well as Catherine Zeta Jones claim to apply the delicious spread on their teeth before shows.
You simply mash up three or four strawberries and put the paste on your teeth. Be sure to rinse well afterwards; you do not want to have strawberry seeds in your bright white teeth!
4. Orange or lemon peels
Did you think you had read every crazy teeth-whitening remedy already? Well here is another surprise for you! Take the peel of your morning orange or lemon a rub it across your teeth. This will wipe away the access bacteria and food that have built up on your teeth. It is very important to rinse your teeth afterwards because the acid could wear down the enamel on your teeth if you let it sit there for too long.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used to soothe your aching throat, clean your clothing, and prevent stains from spills. Apple cider vinegar is also an easy way to whiten teeth. Gargle the vinegar in your mouth and be sure to rinse!
Dental assistant, Michelle, shares in this video more information about using apple cider vinegar as a whitening treatment.
6. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Combining both of these ingredients (1 part baking soda and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide) creates a paste that acts as toothpaste but has been proven to whiten your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth afterwards with toothpaste to remove any of the extra paste that could damange your gums and enamel.
