Using these
ingredients, tips and tools, your teeth will sparkle in no time. (I got
results within a few days, but if you’re a coffee or red wine drinker,
it may take a week or so to see a noticeable difference.)
1. Baking soda
This
is a staple in any nontoxic aficionado’s cupboard. Adding baking soda
into your normal oral care routine for one week can bring about a
noticeable change in color. While it removes stains on everything from
the counter to clothing, it's also just as great on teeth.
It’s
a simple: for one week, I put my natural toothpaste on the brush and
then dip the brush in baking soda. (I keep a little dish of baking soda
in the bathroom to make this easier.) Start with the front teeth to
ensure that the most visible ones are targeted with the baking soda. Be
sure that you give your teeth a break from baking soda after a week of
using this technique. (While gentle, baking soda can break down tooth
enamel over time.)
2. Oil pulling
This ancient Ayurvedic treatment is
used for a variety of health reasons, and also benefits your oral
health. Oil pulling both whitens your teeth and helps you to maintain
pink and healthy gums. It's an easy addition to any morning routine.
Beyond
the benefits of whiter teeth, oil pulling is also great for overall
detoxing and body cleansing. I oil pull every morning by swishing 1
teaspoon of coconut oil in my mouth for 15 minutes. After spitting
(never swallow the oil) I rinse out my mouth and follow with brushing my
teeth. Unlike the baking soda, oil pulling can be done daily, in fact, I
highly recommend it!
3. Strawberries
Despite
their red color, these berries have a whitening effect on the teeth.
The natural malic acid found in strawberries actually helps to remove
stains naturally and easily, while the Vitamin C found in strawberries
is a great plaque remover. Munching on berries is a tasty way to help
your teeth sparkle.
4. Rinse after eating
This
is an important tip for those who drink dark beverages or eat brightly
colored foods. Blueberry smoothies can stain your teeth just as much as
coffee and red wine, so be sure that after enjoying these, you rinse
your mouth out with water. If that isn’t possible, drink some water and
lightly swish it around your mouth to prevent any stains which might
begin to set.
5. Electric toothbrush
One
of my all time favorite “natural beauty investments” is my electric
toothbrush. Because it gently removes stains and plaque in a way that no
manual brush can, I find my whitening efforts stay longer. In fact
using an electric toothbrush can gently remove old stains without
damaging your tooth enamel – it’s like a mini daily dentist cleaning.
While it may seem like an investment initially, the electric toothbrush
can save you many dollars in the future as it removes plaque better than
manual brushing and is gentler on the gums.
After a week you’ll be smiling, and not only because you want to show of your beautiful pearly whites.
