Six Low-Cost Teeth Whitening Ideas Using Products From Your Kitchen

Dentist Articles

If you're a smoker or you drink coffee or tea, your teeth may become discolored over time. Professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist may be expensive, and over-the-counter teeth whitening systems can be costly or cause sensitivity with their high acidic content. Natural remedies using products from your own kitchen may help whiten teeth safely and save you money. If you're aiming for a low-cost dazzling white smile, reach inside your pantry or fridge and try the following six ideas:

1. Crushed Basil and Mustard Oil

If you have basil leaves in your pantry, crush some of the leaves and mix with mustard oil to form a thick paste. For maximum natural bleaching, use holy basil leaves. It's easiest to use a food chopper or food processor for thorough crushing. Apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush with the paste daily, preferably after meals.

2. Oxidized, Activated Charcoal

It may sound strange, but activated charcoal may strip away food stains on the surface of your teeth, revealing a whiter, more radiant smile. Charcoal is naturally abrasive, so you might want to limit your usage to once daily. Simply mix some with your regular toothpaste and brush. It can be messy, so be sure to lean over the sink when brushing with the mixture.

3. Salt, Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Paste

Baking soda and lemon juice are both natural bleaching agents, while the salt acts as an abrasive. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda, dash of salt and the juice of one lemon to form a paste. Wash your hands, then rub the paste over your teeth. Let it stay for a minute or two then rinse your mouth thoroughly. Limit to once daily for a maximum of one to two weeks.

4. Orange Peel Rub

This remedy is simple and easy. Take the peel of an orange and slice it into small chunks. After normal brushing or after meals, rub the orange peel over your teeth, then rinse.

The rinds of the orange help to whiten teeth naturally. Be aware that the acidic content in citrus fruits may strip the enamel in your teeth if used excessively. For this reason, it's a good idea to limit the use of the orange peel rub to no longer than one or two weeks.

5. Mashed Strawberries

Strawberries not only contain vitamin C for healthy gums, they are naturally abrasive when used as a rub. All you need to do is grind up some fresh strawberries to a paste-like substance, then simply brush your teeth with the mash after meals. You may notice whitening results after a week or two.

6. Eat Your (Crunchy) Fruits and Veggies

If you incorporate more fresh (crunchy) fruits and vegetables into your diet, you may help wash away food remnants that lead to discolored teeth and stains. Many healthy fruits and vegetables act as natural teeth whiteners and may scrub those stubborn stains away. Try eating more of the following as snacks or with meals:

• Apples: The crunchier, the better. The natural whitening ingredient in apples is a substance known as malic acid.

• Celery: Chomping on some of these crunchy stalks may scrub away food particles that cause stains and yellowing on the teeth.

• Carrot Sticks: Snack on a hard and crunchy raw carrot whenever you can. The abrasive action will help remove surface stains and residue that can cause discoloration.

• Raw Broccoli Florets: This is another natural abrasive that won't harm your teeth as it helps remove stains while you chew.

The above mentioned tips are meant to enhance good oral care. Your dentist may recommend other teeth whitening methods that might be most suitable for you. If you have sensitive teeth and gums or other dental issues, be sure to consult your dentist before trying any of the above mentioned solutions.

6 July 2015