Tera Warner

8 Natural Tooth-Whitening Tricks That Really Work

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8 Natural Tooth-Whitening Tricks That Really Work

~ by Mika Botkin

White teeth are a shining display of health, and a bright smile truly is the ultimate display of beauty. Naturally, when we feel like slightest yellow stain, insecurity can set in and we’re less likely to smile and flash our not-so-pearly whites for the world to see. No need to explore toxic tooth whitening procedures or bleach your teeth when these eight natural tooth-whitening tricks that really work will have you grinning a wide smile in no time!

1. The Basics: Brush After Drinking or Eating

imgresLet’s start with the basics of brushing and good nutrition. We can’t take on the topic of naturally whitening our teeth without including a few details on the basics of healthy brushing habits and flossing to remove plaque and prevent build-up.  And that’s because when the coloured foods like berries stain teeth, they are often staining the layer of plaque that has built up on the teeth, not necessarily the teeth themselves.

Sometimes the acid from the lemon and kombucha can wear down the enamel of teeth making them less strong and more susceptible to staining. In addition to trying these natural tooth-whitening tricks, please do make sure you find out what it takes to strengthen your teeth and especially the enamel, so you can keep your gorgeous smile for a lifetime.

Also, steer clear of “drug store” or teeth whitening products from a dentist which also weaken the enamel and result in an endless cycle of needing to bleach teeth as the enamel continues to weaken.

According to Nadine Artemis, a renegade ripple-maker in the field of natural dental care and my co-hostess of the TOOTH Summit:

“White teeth are created by a healthy dentin which is inside each tooth. Teeth are actually transparent and healthy dentin creates the look of white teeth, a look we desire as it is a sign of health.  Of course, green smoothies are great for the health of the dentin along with fat soluble vitamins of D3 and K2.”

You can learn the exact steps you need to take to reverse tooth decay and remineralize your teeth in our 21-Days to Healthy Teeth & Gums e-course. With a sample menu, loads of helpful tips and printables, you can gently put in place the step-by-step diet and lifestyle changes necessary to stop tooth decay and remineralize your teeth.

For your oral hygiene, all you really need is a very basic, natural tooth-whitening paste and botanical serums that bust bacteria and banish plaque in a flash, and your bright smile will be back in no time!

2. Coconut Oil Pulling to Detoxify & Whiten

Coconut oil pulling is making its way into our modern health movement as a well-known and widely appreciated technique for detoxifying the mouth and strengthening the gums, whitening the teeth and even boosting immunity. You can learn more about it here.

This simple oil is amazing for your teeth and an incredible whitener, when you add essential oil based dental serums, you seriously amplify the healing properties of this treatment.

All you have to do is put a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth, add a few drops of our essential oil-based Healthy Smile Serums and swish it between your teeth for 10 to 20 minutes before brush
ing. Be sure to brush your teeth afterwards to make sure you get all the gunk off! When you add another drop of either Lemon Love or Minty Kiss HEALTHY SMILE SERUM to your toothbrush you’ll give your mouth a powerful burst of anti-bacterial freshness and have totally kissable breath.

Also, coconut oil has inherent antimicrobial properties so it’s great for your gums as well.

3. Baking Soda to Whiten & Brighten Teeth

You’ve probably heard this before and that is because it’s true–baking soda will work magic on your tooth stains and unlike what you might have heard, it won’t wear down your teeth. It has worked WONDERS for us and so many others.

While some people suggest mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, based on Nadine Artemis’s research and advice, we do notrecommend using hydrogen peroxide more than twice a year. When you do use it, be sure to rinse with salt water immediately after.

We created a special baking soda-based formula as part of our PEARLY WHITE TOOTHPASTE and it gets rave reviews for its whitening power and pepperminty kick.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar to Whiten Your Teeth

Apple cider vinegar may not taste the best but it apparently works like a charm when it comes to removing stubborn stains on your teeth. It has been proven that it does work as a natural teeth whitener but you have to be consistent with it as it’s effects take a while to work. The major downside is that it is still an acid so it can remove the enamel from your teeth. To aid with that, you will need to brush again with your fluoride free toothpaste OR rinse your mouth out really well. 🙂

5. Turmeric For Tooth Whitening?

Turmeric is not only a great spice, but it’s also a great tooth whitener! It’s originally a root but if commonly found and sold as a powder. The effects are very similar to brushing with baking soda. Turmeric stains everything it touches so you wouldn’t think it would whiten teeth, but according to some it does.

However you should be warned that it will stain your toothbrush and the taste of numeric, at least to me, isn’t the best. To use it to whiten you can turn it into a paste with some turmeric powder and coconut oil. Just brush your teeth with it and rinse really well and be prepared to have a messy sink.

The success of turmeric for tooth-whitening is debated by dentists, but you can certainly learn more about the benefits of turmeric for tooth health here, and score a lot more all-natural DIY tips and healthy living suggestions for families.

6. Gently Scrub Your Teeth White with Strawberries

Not only do they taste great, they also do wonders for whitening your teeth especially if you have sensitive teeth AND they taste great!

The only thing is, they are sweet so you will need to be sure to gently rinse your teeth after you use the paste you’ve made with salt water.

To make a paste, you will need to crush one strawberry and mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Then pack it on your toothbrush and brush away. Leave it on on for 3-5 minutes the rise, brush again and floss. You can read a bit more about this natural tooth-whitening trick here.

7. Charcoal to Cleanse & Whiten Teeth

The first person I saw use charcoal as a tooth whitener was Katie, The Wellness Mama. Activated charcoal is a very absorbent substance and removes toxins that have adhered to the surface. So not only does it absorb all the bacteria on the teeth, but because it is swallowed, it also absorbs all of the toxins and chemicals as it passes through your system. It’s an excellent first treatment for any kind of poisoning because of how absorbent it is, but because of that, you should only use it after several hours of taking medications or vitamins because the charcoal will absorb it.

Dip a clean, wet toothbrush into powdered charcoal or dump a capsule of charcoal on the toothbrush. Make sure you lean over something you don’t mind staining and quickly put the charcoal filled toothbrush in your mouth. Spit carefully and rinse really well. When you open your mouth, it is completely black but don’t won’t worry it will wash away and make your teeth feel extremely clean and smooth.

Use as often as needed but be warned of the mess.

8. Eat Foods That Build Strong Teeth & Bones

When you are eating the best foods for healthy teeth, it’s important to consider not just what you add, but what you take away from your diet.

By eliminating all sugar and gluten, you’re likely to experience all kinds of health benefits, a big one being improved strength of your teeth and healthier gums. Processed foods, sugar and gluten increase inflammation in the body and rob the body of valuable vitamins and minerals that keep the system alkaline.

When I cut both of those things out of my diet I noticed a considerable difference in the bright, white colour of my teeth. They got healthier, felt better and looked cleaner, brighter and whiter. Dietary changes aren’t easy but if you are willing to approach change on a step-by-step basis, healthy eating that remineralizes your body does have the biggest long-term payoff for your health and your teeth and gums.

A Quick Fix Will Never Cut It

Now these different techniques and remedies aren’t going to give you ridiculously white teeth within a week, but you may start to see a difference! Since using some of these, my teeth are definitely whiter, my mouth feels healthier and I’m steering clear of toxic bleaching products and other harmful chemical agents that toxify the body and break down the strength of the enamel.

As you test these different tricks, remember consistency pays. Do what you can to set up a routine with any of these remedies and stickto it to by creating a little routine for yourself. A healthy daily brushing and flossing routing morning and night that uses natural botanical ingredients, plus improving the quality of your food, will go a very long way to guaranteeing you have a healthy, gorgeous smile your whole life!

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