Everyone longs for a brighter smile filled with pearly white teeth. But not everyone wants to achieve a brighter smile using harsh, often unnecessary chemicals. For example, did you know that many whitening products on the market use chemicals to bleach teeth?
Luckily, there are several professional whitening products available for those of us who prefer an all-natural method. GO SMILE especially takes pride in offering safe products that offer a sensitivity-free experience.
Wondering how to whiten teeth naturally without the use of chemicals? Here are a few tried and true ways to get your teeth as bright as ever.
5 Ways to Whiten Teeth Naturally
While there are different types of tooth stains, many of them can be easily managed and whitened to create a healthier-looking smile. Here are some of the most natural and safest ways to start your journey toward a brighter smile.
Maintain a Brushing and Flossing Routine
First and foremost, you need to maintain a healthy brushing and flossing routine. All the natural teeth whitening methods in the world can’t save those pearly whites if you don’t brush and floss regularly. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can set them up for success, too. Creating a clean surface allows whitening methods to take full effect.
If you are not already, make sure to brush at least twice a day. If your teeth are still yellow, brush more often, preferably 30 minutes after each meal or stainable beverage. However, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after a meal as this, in combination with acidic foods, can erode enamel and make your yellowing situation worse.
When brushing, of course, use a natural tooth whitening toothpaste to give your chompers some extra sparkle. With mild abrasives, tooth whitening toothpastes can help eliminate stains. Check out GO SMILE’s advanced formula teeth whitening gel with Hyperox™ technology.
Besides brushing, make sure to floss also. Routine flossing can prevent plaque buildup and reduce overall bacteria that lingers in the mouth. Aside from your frequent brushing and flossing, schedule routine cleanings to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.
Brush with Baking Soda
Baking soda offers another way to whiten teeth naturally. Used as an ingredient in numerous over-the-counter toothpastes, it offers a mild abrasive that helps to lightly scrub away surface stains and plaque from the teeth. Baking soda also creates an alkaline environment, preventing the growth of bacteria.
Toothpaste with the added baking soda ingredient has been proven to create visibly brighter teeth. And the more baking soda in a toothpaste, the greater the effect.
However, it does take time and doesn’t offer fast results like a teeth whitening kit will.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide offers another ingredient that can whiten teeth naturally. As a natural bleaching agent that kills bacteria, hydrogen peroxide is used in many whitening products and even disinfectants.
Commercial toothpastes containing peroxide have undergone several studies, some of which demonstrate that toothpaste with baking soda and 1% hydrogen peroxide resulted in whiter teeth. However, while all signs point to whiter teeth, there are some considerations when using hydrogen peroxide.
For starters, ensure you’re using diluted concentrations. Otherwise, overuse of highly concentrated peroxide can cause sensitive gums and teeth. When using a DIY hydrogen peroxide mouthwash at home to naturally whiten teeth, use no more than the commonly found 3% solution, which is mixed with water.
You can also mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda (2:1 mixture) to make a more gentle natural toothpaste. Just be sure to limit this toothpaste solution to only a few times each week, as it can erode tooth enamel.
Try Oil Pulling
Similar to mouthwash, oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that Indians have used for many centuries. Intended to remove the toxins from the body and remove bacteria, it involves swishing oil around in the mouth. Studies have proven oil pulling reduces the number of bacteria and plaque.
The most traditionally used oil for this Ayurvedic technique is sesame oil because of its nutritional qualities. In one study, Streptococcus mutans, one of our main saliva bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis, was significantly reduced when test subjects used a daily routine of pulling with sesame oil in only one week’s time. Coconut oil also offers health benefits, such as high lauric acid that can reduce inflammation and plaque-related gingivitis while also tasting more pleasant.
As you can see, while oil pulling has not been proven to whiten teeth – although some might argue otherwise – it does offer numerous benefits that can improve the mouth’s overall health. But when searching for a way to whiten teeth naturally, oil pulling is worth a try. Here’s how to do it:
- Place one tbsp. of oil in your mouth, pushing and pulling through and around the teeth.
- For coconut oil, allow it to melt on your tongue.
- Continue pulling for 15-20 minutes.
- Spit the oil into the toilet or trash (but never the sink).
- Repeat daily.
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
One of the easiest ways to remove stains naturally from your teeth is to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet. Not only is it good for the overall health of your body, but it’s a fantastic way to whiten teeth naturally. However, don’t just suck down a smoothie. Instead, aim to use your chompers to munch on hard and crunchy apples or raw vegetables, helping rub off plaque as you bite and chew.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), high-fiber fruits and veggies produce more saliva, cleansing the mouth naturally to defend against cavities and gum diseases. But aside from healthy gums and teeth, what fruits and veggies whiten teeth naturally?
Strawberries
Celebrities like Dr. Oz have touted strawberries for natural teeth whitening. Essentially, the idea is to smash a strawberry and baking soda together, applying a coat to your teeth for five minutes. The strawberry’s malic acid enzyme is supposed to remove discoloration while the baking soda buffs away stains. However, as popular as it’s become, there’s still no scientifically proven results.
Yes, it’s true that strawberries and baking soda can exfoliate your teeth and make them visually look brighter, but this method will not remove stains entirely. In fact, one study proves that this method had a minimal effect compared to other teeth whitening products. It’s much easier to toss some strawberries in a bowl of cereal or a salad.
Pineapple
Like strawberries, pineapple has been thought to whiten teeth through a natural enzyme. Instead of malic acid, pineapples contain bromelain. There is some truth to the bromelain enzyme being significantly more effective at stain removal when used in toothpastes, so it may offer a way to naturally whiten teeth, too.
Broccoli and Celery
With a large flowering head filled with tons of tiny brush-like stems, broccoli is a great veggie to eat. It contains nutrients that can reduce bloating and inflammation, especially in the mouth. Plus, it offers iron! More importantly, the brushy heads can remove plaque and offer a whiter smile.
Celery offers a strong stalk with lots of fibrous threads. The crunchy texture cleans and scrubs the teeth of food and drink stains. Plus, it can also eliminate bad breath. Grab some celery sticks for a quick snack and a natural teeth whitening method.
Natural Teeth Whitening Tips for Kids
Even at a young age, it’s essential to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Just like us adults, kids’ teeth can yellow and stain from dietary habits of consuming sugary drinks and foods. However, if you prefer to keep your child away from chemicals, here are some effective natural teeth whitening tips for kids that are more affordable than your standard teeth whitening products.
Teach Them Healthy Habits of Brushing and Flossing
As soon as they’re old enough, kids should be taught how to brush and floss properly. Make sure they develop this healthy habit and brush twice per day. Like adults, make sure they wait for 30 minutes after eating acidic foods and drinks, too. If your kids can be consistent with their brushing, it can prevent discoloration and give them white teeth that they can feel confident about at school and at home.
Choose the right toothbrush for your kids and they’re more likely to stick to this healthy, long-term habit. Give them an interactive toothbrush for kids that offers features such as singing, recording and flashing lights that make brushing teeth more fun.
Lemon and Baking Soda Mixture
Other than consistent brushing for good oral hygiene, there are also other natural teeth whitening methods that are safe for kids. One such whitening method is the use of a lemon and baking soda mixture. Causing a natural chemical reaction when combined, they work wonderfully to remove stains from the enamel.
Follow these directions:
- Mix lemon juice and baking soda together.
- Brush along the child’s teeth.
- Let the mixture sit for one minute.
- Brush again and rinse off.
Keep in mind that this highly acidic solution is quite potent and, like many natural adult DIY solutions, it should be used sparingly or can damage enamel. Perform this method on older children with more mature teeth, and only once per week.
Minimize Acidic and Sugary Foods
Kids love drinking sodas and eating sugary treats. But these acidic and sugary foods are quite harmful to their teeth. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars and citric acids can cause stained teeth, not to mention tooth decay. Try to limit how many of these types of treats your kid consumes, preventing long-term health issues, but also preserving their enamel and keeping their teeth bright white.
Give Them Hard Fruits and Veggies to Eat
As you prepare a kid’s school lunch or family home meals, try to incorporate some healthy fruits and veggies. Not just any fruits and veggies, though! Convince them to eat hardier fruits and vegetables that provide certain enzymes and crunch that can naturally and gently scrape the teeth.
For example, apples and, as we know, strawberries contain malic acid. Malic acid is a chemical enzyme used in numerous whitening products due to its ability to remove stains. Plus, your kid will get extra vitamins and minerals that allow teeth to grow healthy and strong. Some easy fruit and veggie snacks could be:
- Celery and broccoli
- Apples
- Carrots
- Pears
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Cheese
While eating these nutritious natural-whitening foods can help, the most critical step is to teach your child good oral care hygiene that will last a lifetime.
Preventive Tips for a Cleaner, Brighter Smile
One of the easiest ways to avoid harsh chemicals while whitening your teeth is to take preventive steps. Here are a few extra tips for maintaining a cleaner, brighter smile:
- Avoid dark-colored drinks, such as coffee and red wine.
- Brush after each meal or use a teeth whitening pen. GO SMILE’s compact whitening pens can prevent new stains from setting on your teeth’s surface.
- Choose a quality at-home teeth whitening kit that offers low sensitivity and natural active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide. One feature to mention: GO SMILE’s teeth whitening kits use an Ampoule Technology™ delivery system and Hyperox™ Technology to maximize the speed and efficacy of hydrogen peroxide, giving you faster results.
- Use an electric, hands-free Blue Light toothbrush to kill bacteria.
A Naturally Bright Smile
Whitening your teeth at home is convenient and easy. Whether you choose a more natural method or want faster and stronger results through a full at-home teeth whitening kit, GO SMILE is here to help. Combine your own natural DIY toothpaste with our bacteria-killing Blue Light technology for not just a brighter smile, but healthy gums, too. Many of our treatments offer bleach-free solutions that are free of harsh chemicals that can eventually lead to damaged teeth. When trying a natural teeth whitening method, be sure to reach out to your dentist and seek their advice. They may offer some insight into a better method or easier way to achieve those pearly whites you long for.
CHOOSE AN AT-HOME WHITENING KIT
Image Credits
Source: nadisja/Shutterstock.com
Source: Lana K/Shutterstock.com
Source: Cherries/Shutterstock.com
Source: NIPAPORN PANYACHAROEN/Shutterstock.com
Source: Ollyy/Shutterstock.com
Source: F8 studio/Shutterstock.com
Source: Aleksandr Rybalko/Shutterstock.com
Source: Tim UR/Shutterstock.com
