Home Remedies
for Whitening Teeth

You looked into the mirror, smiled at yourself and…now you're looking for home remedies for whitening teeth. Say no more we know what you're looking for

Discolored teeth can seriously ruin your self confidence. We all know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, it's not fair. But we also do know that this is exactly what does happen whenever you see someone for the first time

It is a brutal truth that a bright smile makes you look younger, self assured, confident and more attractive to the other sex. This is not totally our opinion; this is what research has brought to light about the way we humans look at each other

These very effective and proven natural teeth whitening methods have helped many, many people like you…and us as well. And you too will brighten up your smile. The only two things you need are one of our home remedies for whitening teeth and the will to do something about it. And we know you have the last one

So don’t let it get to you, do something about it now
...and smile!!



It's that easy...

Most ingredients for these natural teeth whitening methods you probably already have at home somewhere in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. They are easy to apply and very powerful. And if you don't have them, most are very affordable or downright cheap

We'll also give you some very useful prevention and maintenance tips to make sure that your teeth will be as healthy and shiny as they can be

Let's get started then, first a short explanation and then some powerful natural teeth whitening methods, followed by useful prevention tips


What NOT to do
If you value your own teeth!


We have heard of many wild stories about ways to whiten your teeth. And not all of them are as safe to use as you might think


Lemon (citrus fruit)

Do NOT use lemon juice or peel, or orange or any citrus fruit for that matter as a natural teeth whitening method. They contain citric acid which whitens your teeth alright because it solves calcium in your teeth; this calcium normally gives your teeth an off-white color

The big BUT is that calcium is also necessary to keep your teeth healthy and strong and when you lose it because of the citric acid your teeth become way more vulnerable to decay. In the long run the use of this acid can even totally dissolve your enamel...a definite NO NO

Strawberries

Another natural teeth whitening No No is using strawberries. Although they can be part of a healthy diet and they taste a bit better than lemons, for them we also have the same advice, do NOT use it as natural teeth whitening, and also for mostly the same reasons

They contain acid and sugar which we consider not really the right things to use on teeth because it ruins your enamel and teeth. The strawberry seeds can also damage your teeth and gums when you brush too hard. If you do decide to try it, when you're done first rinse or gargle a few times with clean water and then brush your teeth with a normal fluoride toothpaste

Ash from hard wood

We also suggest NOT to use this natural teeth whitening method. It is actually one of the oldest home remedies for whitening teeth lying around and it actually does whiten your teeth. That's all true but the long turn use of it can seriously damage your enamel and do more harm than good

The ash of burned hardwood contains potassium hydroxide or lye which is a powerful natural bleach. But like we said in the long run potassium will also destroy your enamel and your teeth

We suggest not to use this one, at least not repeatedly


Home remedies for whitening teeth


Even though now a days there are all kinds of commercial teeth whitening products available, more and more people are looking into natural home remedies for whitening teeth. It's just that you never really know exactly what is in those commercial products

Besides that the natural teeth whitening methods have a back to basic idea and you have all the control over what ingredients to use

These natural teeth whitening methods will tell you what to use and how to use it to give you back that sparkling smile…now we sound like those commercials

Let's get to it



Home remedies for whitening teeth using

Hydrogen Peroxide

The number 1 on our natural home remedies for whitening teeth list is definitely hydrogen peroxide

As chemical and dangerous as it may sound but hydrogen peroxide (or H2O2) is a natural product actually produced in our own bodies. It is a very strong and potent natural bleach and disinfectant, it is even used medically to clean wounds. For personal hygiene and dental care we normally recommend the hydrogen peroxide 3% variety, which is diluted enough to use on skin or to rinse teeth

When you use it as a natural teeth whitening agent the fizzing action will kill bacteria and clean up your teeth like you've never seen before

The most common way to use it is to swish some hydrogen peroxide 3% around in your mouth and around your teeth for 1 minute. Then spit it out, do NOT swallow it! Afterward you might notice that it irritates your gums a bit and it can cause tooth sensitivity over time, but it is completely safe. Then brush your teeth as normal

Note: Remember to always use the diluted hydrogen peroxide 3% or even 1,5% and again do not swallow it. When you use this method only do it maximum twice a day


Home remedies for whitening teeth using

Baking Soda

When you ask people, including us, to name a few effective natural home remedies for whitening teeth, baking soda always ends up in the top 3

And with a good reason, baking soda has a long reputation when it comes to cleaning and being a natural teeth whitening wizard

It dissolves easily, is a mild abrasive so it can remove stains. It has anti acid properties so it will protect your enamel from acid attacks. It is anti bacterial which protects you from plaque. And it has anti fungal properties, all which makes it very useful as a dental cleaner we should think

There are a few ways you could use baking soda

By itself. You can use it by itself by putting some baking soda on your toothbrush and gently brush your teeth with it, don't overdo it. Be careful the baking soda might irritate your gums

Baking soda & salt. Another long trusted and very powerful natural teeth whitening treatment is to mix baking soda with salt and brush your teeth with this

Baking soda, vinegar & salt. A third option is to mix half a tablespoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon of vinegar, add a pinch of salt and brush your teeth with this

Vinegar we will see later is also a very trusted and effective anti bacterial dental care product

Don't use these methods too much, although they are very effective it is not always necessary to use this kind of force to clean your teeth. Use them every now and then, just find out what works best for you

Note: when you decide to take baking soda internally make sure you measure accurately, read the warnings on the box and pay special attention to age warnings. And don't use baking soda internally if you are on a sodium restricted diet because baking soda (scientific name: sodium bicarbonate) contains high levels of sodium


Home remedies for whitening teeth using

Baking Soda & hydrogen peroxide

Now this natural teeth whitening powerhouse has everything in it to clean and whiten your teeth like nothing else. But because of its power you have to careful when you use it, mix in the right quantities and use it never more than twice a day

It has the combined actions of the two ingredients which makes it a very effective natural teeth whitening treatment

Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and add hydrogen peroxide until it has the same consistency as a toothpaste. Brush your teeth with this and after that brush with your normal toothpaste. To finish it off, you can swish some peroxide around your teeth and after that rinse with clean water

Note: when you choose for this natural teeth whitening method, always make it fresh and just enough for one brushing at a time, don't make more and store it. And again do not swallow the hydrogen peroxide


Home remedies for whitening teeth using

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar or vinegar in general is a proven and useful anti bacterial product. Everyone should have a vinegar of some sort in their kitchen cabinets because it is so versatile. It can be used for many ailments…and not to forget in salads...but that's a different subject

When you use vinegar as a natural teeth whitening method simply swish some apple cider vinegar (it tastes just better than the regular one) around your teeth. You can also mix it 50/50 with water if you still don't like the taste. Then brush as normal

Although it is very effective, don't use vinegar too often though, just every now and then. Because vinegar is an organic acid (acetic acid), and acids remove calcium from your enamel which can cause caries (or dental decay)


Home remedies for whitening teeth using

Table salt

Salt (or sodium chloride) is also able to bleach your teeth. It is slightly anti bacterial but not as much as baking soda

Put some salt in water, as much as you can stand, and swish it around your teeth. Afterward brush with normal toothpaste and rinse with mouthwash

This all natural teeth whitening method is also useful to clean your mouth in case of infections


Home remedies for whitening teeth using

Bleach

And again yes you read it right, a very diluted bleach like Clorox will also safely bleach your teeth. This one also comes straight from a renowned dentist and when used properly is very effective and safe

Carefully mix 1 small teaspoon of Clorox in 1 quart (1 L) of water, this should last you for a few weeks. Then swish some of this around your teeth for 30 seconds but do NOT swallow, spit it out!

Use it only once a day and it tastes disgusting we can tell you already. Afterward you can brush with baking soda or your regular toothpaste and rinse with a more pleasant mouthwash

Note: we agree this might not be the most natural teeth whitening method. But the key is SAFETY, clorox is a powerful bleach and you should take extra care when you use this. Keep to the specified quantities and again do NOT swallow it. Of course keep it also away from children


Herbal home remedies
for whitening teeth


Home remedies for whitening teeth using

Licorice root

One of the herbal home remedies for whitening teeth is licorice root. It has been used to clean teeth for as long as people can remember and it is still used in Africa to clean and whiten teeth

Simply chew on a small piece of dry licorice root, this will create a small brush which will clean and whiten your teeth. You can actually use it as a brush or keep on chewing the fibrous small lump


Home remedies for whitening teeth using

Sage

Another one of the herbal home remedies for whitening teeth is sage. Sage has among others also antibiotic, anti fungal and astringent properties which makes it very useful to clean your teeth

You can brush your teeth with sage leaves or better is to use powdered sage leaves and mix it with baking soda or simply your regular toothpaste

This will definitely be able to remove stains from your teeth


Final note on home remedies for whitening teeth: remember that these home remedies for whitening teeth are not a substitute for normal brushing with fluoride toothpaste. You have to brush with fluoride toothpaste after ANY natural teeth whitening method we mentioned. This obviously to prevent tooth decay



Home remedies for whitening teeth
What causes my teeth to discolor and how to prevent it


This is the actual home remedies for whitening teeth part where you learn about what you can or shouldn't do to prevent your teeth getting discolored

These suggestions will try and keep your teeth from discoloring, it's natural teeth whitening at the base


Smoking & chewing tabacco

The number one reason; smoking will permanently stain your teeth. So for a brighter smile: Stop Smoking!…it kills you…which is also not so good for your teeth

Also chewing of tobacco leaves brown or black stains on your teeth


Food and drinks

Some foods and drinks have lots of pigment in them which can stain your teeth. Foods like curry, beets, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Popsicle, slushies, tomato sauce, blue berries. And drinks like coffee, red wine, tea, dark soda's, cranberry juice and cola's in particular etc they all stain your teeth

On the other hand natural teeth whitening is possible if you eat more vegetables and fruits like carrots, apples, guava, broccoli, strawberries, cucumbers, celery etc. They are slightly abrasive and can whiten your teeth. But remember they can also contain sugars and sometimes acids so brushing your teeth afterward is essential to keep a good balance

If you do eat or drink some of these staining foods or drinks or any acidic foods like citrus fruits or yogurt etc, swish around some fresh water right after it. This will prevent stains on your teeth and gives a fresh breath

Talking about natural teeth whitening…

Wait a minute...

Or actually 20 minutes. When you want to brush your teeth after eating or drinking, wait at least 20 minutes. Your enamel needs this time to toughen up because it was softened by acids in your food and drink. You can speed it up a bit by swishing with clean water. When you brush too soon though you might brush some of that precious enamel right off…and that's an obvious dental NO NO

Dental hygiene

The lack of dental hygiene is also a key factor in the discoloration of your teeth. Brush your teeth with a soft brush, preferably an electric one, these have proven to be much more effective. Floss and use an antiseptic mouthwash at least twice a day and have regular dental checkups

Fluoride

Too much fluoride in drinking water can cause white spots or lines on your teeth. Children are also susceptible to it because they often swallow toothpaste


Over-brushing

On the other hand and much more surprising is that brushing your teeth too much can also help staining your teeth. When you over-brush with a hard brush and whitening toothpaste; (they contain abrasives) in time you brush away the enamel of your teeth. This will expose the underlying yellow dentin in your teeth making them look more yellowish

Medication

Some medications can cause your teeth to change color. Read the info that came with any medication your are possibly taking to see if it says that it can discolor your teeth

Especially children are very vulnerable to teeth discoloration by antibiotics, ask your doctor which would be better in your situation

Aging

The most natural teeth whitening method would be to get younger…There is no escaping; the older you get the more stains your teeth will show and the duller they will look. This is because your enamel has been worn down a bit after all these years. This leaves opportunities for stains and will also expose the underlying yellow dentin in your teeth making them look more yellowish

Injury

A serious blow to the teeth when you fall or bump into something can also discolor teeth. When this is the case contact your dentist for advice

Genetics

Sometimes you just can't help it, it is in your DNA if you have natural sparkly white teeth or maybe a bit less


Since you are into do-it-yourself dental care, you also might want to take a look at our homemade toothpaste recipes


Final Note     Final Note     Final Note

Discolored teeth are a cosmetic issue and are only as serious as you want it to be. When you decide to use these home remedies for whitening teeth and keep yourself to the ingredients and quantities specified you will see improvement soon

Also remember that all people are individuals and all cases are different. What works for one person in one situation might not work for another. So don't despair if one home remedy doesn't immediately work for you, you can try another one probably with more success

However if after using our suggested natural teeth whitening methods you feel discomfort in your teeth, gums, tongue or mouth in general or you notice other dental problems, immediately contact your dentist





For more info on whitening teeth:

Wikipedia


Remember you're already gifted with the most effective

natural solution available:

a genuine

Smile!

And in case that doesn't help, you can find one here at Natural-Homeremedies-For-Life.com


We from Natural-Homeremedies-For-Life.com hope that our suggestions have helped you to whiten your teeth and get you that killer smile, or at least the self confidence to openly laugh in public again. Hopefully some or all information on this page has taught you what you needed to know

Any way now you're armed with surefire home remedies for whitening teeth. This way the next time you'll find yourself looking in the mirror and not being impressed by your own teeth and smile, you can work on it immediately. Now you have the tools to do serious battle...and come out victorious and smiling

However the best would be if you didn't have to come back anymore because we have helped you to set up the best natural line of defense against discoloring of your teeth

But seriously, you can check our Our Natural Beauty section, there you will find many more natural beauty tips. You can look there for natural recipes for lotions, cremes, washes, masks and much more

All with pure natural and easy to use ingredients

There are so many more natural ways to discover

You can also visit our First Aid section it provides many more Natural Cures, Home Remedies, Herbal Cures and Natural Treatments for all kinds of emergencies. You might want to bookmark it for quick reference

Or start from our home page so you can expand your knowledge about specific natural cures and home remedies or start to set up a solid basic understanding


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