We’d all love to have whiter, brighter teeth - but often, teeth whitening remedies include harsh chemicals or are too expensive to maintain.
So why not turn to simple, natural ingredients when it comes to teeth whitening, instead?
Along with normal dental hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing, there are a few DIY remedies that have also been known to help whiten and brighten teeth, without using any chemicals.
If you’re looking for a more natural teeth whitening solution, keep reading for 4 simple remedies to try at home!
- Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a highly absorbent ingredient, best known for its ability to absorb chemicals and toxins from our bodies and often used as a remedy for food poisoning.
But activated charcoal can also be used as a natural teeth whitener, too!
Brushing your teeth with activated charcoal powder can potentially help to remove external stains and discolourations by absorbing them. Simply wet your toothbrush, dip into the activated charcoal powder, and brush and rinse as usual. This method can get messy, so be careful not to spill any powder onto hard-to-clean surfaces.
You can also find activated charcoal toothpaste that can be used just like your regular toothpaste. It’s important to choose an activated charcoal toothpaste that isn’t too abrasive, and avoid using too much force when brushing to protect the enamel of your teeth.
- Coconut Oil pulling
Coconut oil pulling is another popular teeth whitening method known for improving oral hygiene.
This traditional Indian folk remedy essentially involves swishing coconut oil around the mouth to assist in the removal of bacteria and plaque build-up, leaving you with cleaner, whiter teeth. Coconut oil pulling has also been known to help with gingivitis, and can be a great way to maintain oral health.
This natural method is safe to use daily - simply take one tablespoon of room temperature coconut oil and pull around the mouth for 15-20 minutes.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
The active ingredient in apple cider vinegar is ‘acetic acid’, known for its ability to effectively kill bacteria. These antibacterial properties are the main reason why apple cider vinegar has been known to help with whitening teeth.
Apple cider vinegar can be diluted with water and used as a mouthwash to help clean and disinfect your teeth. It’s important to remember that apple cider vinegar is acidic and should only be used sparingly to prevent any enamel erosion - this method is not for everyday use, and you should always rinse your mouth well with water afterwards.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
As if you didn’t already have enough reasons to maintain a healthy diet, eating raw fruits and vegetables regularly can actually help to remove plaque as you chew!
The crunchy nature of many fruits and vegetables can be a great way to naturally rub off plaque build up, leaving you with cleaner, whiter teeth. Strawberries and pineapples in particular contain certain enzymes that have been known to remove stains and discolourations.
Fibre-rich foods that require a lot of chewing such as apples, broccoli, carrots and celery are some of the best options to incorporate into your diet when it comes to whiter, healthier teeth. So make sure you stock up on plenty of fresh fruit and veg during your next grocery haul!
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