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It’s undeniable we all want the perfect smile with the pearliest of pearls. The problem is we also want coffee, tea, carbonated beverages and red wine. So eventually the outer layer on our teeth (made up of enamel) thins away and our teeth become stained. You could try every different whitening toothpastes on the market or dabble in whitening strips but even these run the risk of further damaging your enamel. So, check it out. Below are three teeth whitening tricks which you can do at home and you may already have them in your cupboards.

  • Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
  • DIY Turmeric Toothpaste
  • Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda

Oil Pulling

If you’re seeking a clean mouth with pearly whites and healthy gums, then oil pulling is the ultimate OG. Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic detoxifying technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth to improve your dental and overall health. 

Directions

As soon as you wake up (before brushing your teeth), swish 1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil in your mouth for 15 minutes (5 minutes minimum, 50 minutes maximum). Spit into the garbage, rinse your mouth with water, then brush teeth. If you’re pressed for time, the hack is to do it while you’re in the shower – get those two birds with one stone. 

You can absolutely do this every day, even multiple times a day! I recommend using coconut oil however you can additionally use olive oil or walnut oil. Coconut oil is beneficial because extra virgin coconut oil is antiviral which promotes a healthy microbiome.

Whitens Teeth

  • Oil Pulling helps whiten teeth by penetrating into plaque to loosen & remove stains from teeth. 

Dental Health

  • Provides fresh breath by eliminating bacteria causing bad breath.
  • Encourages healthy gums by reducing inflammation and fighting gingivitis. 
  • Detoxifying because the swishing detoxes fat soluble toxins in your mouth.

Overall Health

  • Improves skin – by eliminating bacteria in your mouth, these bacteria do not enter your gut which lessens the probability of your skin breaking out
  • Promotes balancing of hormones 

DIY Turmeric Toothpaste

Even though Turmeric is a deep yellow spice this method is completely natural and is surprisingly effective to whiten your teeth! 

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp of organic turmeric powder
  • ½ tbsp of melted extra virgin coconut oil 
  • 2-3 drops of 100% organic pure peppermint essential oil (safe for ingestion) 

Directions

  • Find a toothbrush you don’t mind staining – preferably one you will only use for this Turmeric ‘Toothpaste’
  • Combine ingredients and stir well to create a fine paste
  • Brush it onto your teeth as you would toothpaste and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • After 5 minutes, take a sip of water and rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove the yellow stains from the turmeric 

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see an immediate difference after your first application. Try a couple more times and prepare to be amazed.

HEADS UP! Turmeric will stain your toothbrush and towel if you use one, so be sure to use a toothbrush purely devoted to this and wash your sink with water and soap after to prevent set-in stains. 

Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda 

This hydrogen peroxide solution is recommended by dentists as an effective teeth stain removal and has been approved by the American Dental Association. This method can help to eliminate tartar, gingivitis and what we’re all after – to whiten your teeth! I do caution to only do this once a week with the recommended amounts because it can harm your teeth. 

Directions

  1. Using your toothbrush, place a tiny amount of toothpaste in a cup
  2. 1 tsp of baking soda
  3. 1 tsp of hydrogen peroxide
  4. ½ a tsp of water
  5. Mix it together
  6. Lather it on to your teeth and brush your teeth with the mixture for two minutes. After two minutes, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out.

Continue once a week for 2-3 weeks until you reach the level of pearly whites you desire then continue every month or two. Be sure not to swallow hydrogen peroxide as it can cause gastrointestinal issues and you should only do this once a week to not harm your teeth or breakdown your enamel. 

Potential Side Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on your Teeth
  • As stated, be sure to only use this solution once per week and use the recommended amounts. The risk of damage to your teeth increases if you use a very strong hydrogen peroxide solution, if you leave it on your teeth longer than two minutes if you are brushing it as a paste and if you apply it to your teeth too often (more than once per day). 
  • I recommend consulting with your dentist prior to applying the hydrogen peroxide to your teeth based on your requirements. 

Recommended Products

Get it: Organic Coconut Oil

Get it: Turmeric

Get it: Hydrogen Peroxide 

Get it: Baking Soda