Do you want to whiten your teeth? Everybody does. After all, it gives you the confidence to smile more often, knowing that it has a great effect on people. However, you fear that conventional and over-the-counter whiteners may contain unfriendly chemicals which may have bad side effects including white spots, gum irritation and enamel erosion. But you can try some natural remedies to make your teeth whiter while avoiding the dangerous chemicals.

How to Whiten Teeth Naturally

1. Use Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been used in Ayurveda for hundreds of years for healthy teeth. It involves swishing vegetable oil in the mouth for several minutes to pull out harmful bacteria and toxins. Oil pulling also stops the cavity formation by removing bacteria from teeth walls.

• Place one tablespoon of coconut, olive or sesame oil in the mouth and swish for about 20 minutes without swallowing it. For maximum benefits, do this first thing in the morning before eating breakfast.
• Discard the resultant mixture and rinse your mouth with warm water.
• It is best to use cold-pressed, organic oil. By using coconut oil, you will benefit from its medicinal benefits. It contains vitamins and powerful antioxidants.

2. Make Strawberry Paste

Strawberries contain malic acid which has emulsifying properties and removes plaque and stains from the surface of your teeth. To make whitening paste with strawberries, mash 2 - 3 strawberries, add half teaspoon baking soda and use the resultant paste to brush teeth several times in a week.

• Each time you use this paste, follow it up with fluoride toothpaste so that the acids in strawberries do not erode the enamel of your teeth.

3. Use Baking Soda

If you are wondering how to whiten teeth naturally and cheaply, baking soda may just be the way to go. Make baking powder paste by mixing one teaspoon with two teaspoons water. Use this paste to brush teeth two or three times in a week.

• You can also make a baking soda mouth wash by stirring one teaspoon into a glass of water. Use this to rinse your mouth after meals, swishing it for 1 - 3 minutes. Baking soda is alkaline and using it as a mouth wash makes your mouth alkaline thereby neutralizing the acidity caused by the acids produced by oral bacteria.

4. Clear Stains with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has many benefits around the house. It also works as a natural teeth whitener. And while the results are not instant, the use of ACV together with baking powder removes stains and makes your teeth whiter.

• Mix ½ teaspoon baking powder with two teaspoons ACV and use for several times in a week.
• You may also use ACV the same way you use mouth wash in addition to your usual mouth cleaning routine.

5. Try Hydrogen Peroxide

You will find some hydrogen peroxide in many toothpastes and mouthwashes – usually 1.5%. This bleaching product has is chemically similar to water. It also kills oral bacteria and clearing debris thereby preventing gingivitis. For long term use of hydrogen peroxide, it is recommended that you talk to your dentist.

6. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Veggies

Thinking of how to whiten teeth naturally and maintain dental health? Then, you need to eat right. Natural crunchy foods like fruits and veggies are rich in fiber. This promotes saliva production which clears away sugar and other chemicals that may lead to tooth decay. Because saliva contains some trace minerals, more saliva can help restore some of the minerals required for maintenance of your teeth.

• Cut out or avoid sugary, sticky and chewy foods and instead go for fresh, crunchy vegetables and fruits like cucumbers, broccoli, celery, carrots and nuts. Besides being healthier, these foods also improve oral hygiene.
• Reduce intake of citrus-rich fruits including lemons, oranges, lemons, tomatoes and berries because large amounts of citric acid may erode your teeth enamel. Note, however, that these fruits have many health benefits and should not be totally avoided.

7. Use Banana Peel

Banana peels can work almost as well as teeth whitening strips. They are rich in minerals like potassium, manganese and magnesium which can help in removal of stains from your teeth. Cut a piece of ripe banana peel and use the inner surface to rub against your teeth for 1 – 3 minutes, and then brush teeth as usual. Repeat once a week.

8. Try Turmeric

Although turmeric is known for staining everything it touches yellow, it can help tighten your gums, remove plaque and polish teeth. 

• Mix 2 teaspoons turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon coconut oil and 1 teaspoon baking soda into a paste. Store the paste in a cool place and use the same way you use toothpaste and brush for about two minutes. Rinse with a generous amount of water.

Other Ways to Have White Teeth

Prevent Staining Before It Happens

There are many ways to whiten teeth naturally including preventing staining. And while teeth generally stain with age, you can reduce this using the following tips:

Limit Foods and Beverages That Stain

Reduce intake of staining foods like red wine, soda and coffee. This does not, however, mean you should keep away from them completely. When you take such beverages, use a drinking straw whenever possible and use a toothbrush soon afterwards.

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

If you are still wondering how to whiten teeth naturally and still taking lots of sugar, you need to reduce its intake. Sugar-rich diet feeds the bacteria known as streptococcus mutans, which is known to cause both plaque and gum disease. Make sure you brush teeth after taking a sugary meal.

Take Calcium-Rich Foods and Drinks

Erosion of teeth enamel leads to some discoloration as the underneath dentin is exposed. This is the cause of some yellowing of the teeth. You should therefore do whatever you can to strengthen and restore your teeth enamel. Take foods and drinks rich in calcium including broccoli, cheese, milk and yogurt.

Make a Habit to Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly

Most discoloration of teeth results from build-up of plaque. Brushing and flossing regularly, removes the particles that feed oral bacteria which reduces build-up of plaque. It is recommended that you clean teeth once or twice daily and to floss several times every week.

Rinse Your Mouth with Water

Rinsing your mouth with water after every meal or drink of sugary or caffeinated beverages removes any residues that may lead to tooth decay or staining. Rinsing is especially important if you spend lots of time away from home such that brushing or flossing is impractical. After taking acidic foods do not brush immediately. Instead, rinse your mouth with water to prevent weakening of the enamel.

Avoid Smoking

If you smoke or chew tobacco and want to whiten teeth naturally, the answer is to quit tobacco use. These habits are known to lead to staining of teeth and gum disease besides the other well known health risks including oral cancer. Tobacco also slows down healing following tooth extraction and increases risk of dry socket. It also leads to bad breath, and dulling of the senses of smell and taste. Quitting smoking and tobacco use can reduce many health risks.