So, in an effort to regain confidence in my Colgate smile, I dug up 3 safe and savvy natural ways to whiten and brighten my teeth. Get the breakdown below.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
I discovered this little gem when I realized I wasn’t willing (or able) to fork over $50 plus on professional grade whitening strips.
- Combine a small amount of lemon juice and several teaspoons baking soda.
- Mix, until it creates a thick paste.
- Brush your teeth as usual, instead, using the paste – ensuring you reach both your front and back chompers.
- Repeat this process several days a week, until you reach your optimal shade.
How it works: Baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, is mildly abrasive and gently scrubs away surface stains for a whiter, brighter smile.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
According to Reader’s Digest, ACV has surprising natural whitening properties. Though the results aren’t instant, using apple cider vinegar over a period of weeks can remove stubborn stains on the teeth, especially from coffee and nicotine.
To make your teeth whitening paste:
- Combine two parts apple cider vinegar to one-part baking soda.
- Use this solution a few times a week along with your daily oral care.
- Be consistent. It could take several weeks to experience desired results.
Please note: Due to the paste’s high acidic nature, it may remove the enamel on your teeth as well. Hence the importance of brushing again with a non-fluoride paste following the treatment.
Though this treatment is next on my list, according to a 2010 study published by the American Journal of Dentistry researchers found that toothpaste containing d-limonene was helpful in lessening stains on teeth as well as preventing the development of further build up.
Believe it or not, citrus rinds, including oranges, contain d-limonene. Coincidently, cosmetic manufacturers include d-limonene in a number of products, including toothpastes and tooth whiteners. So, it’s possible orange and lemon peels (high acidity) would be an effective way to whiten your teeth.
- Simply rub the white side of the peels gently all over the teeth. To intensify the whitening effects, use with a small amount of salt, which acts as a scrub.