One of the primary drawbacks to teeth whitening is the cost and time associated with having a dental professional do it. Although professional teeth whitening gives you more consistent results, there are several DIY options that may lessen the burden, allowing you to bypass the dentist’s office altogether.
These solutions – which rely on common goods such as baking soda, strawberries, and lemon juice – are not only budget-friendly but may even be easier than making that pesky dental appointment. Thus, whitening your teeth can still be managed at home – with good hygiene practices and regular maintenance, you can achieve whiter teeth without ever setting foot in a dentist’s office!
1. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent source of antibacterial protection, making it perfect for homemade toothpaste. When combined with baking soda, the concoction can be used to remove plaque from teeth easier than regular toothpaste. Research has even shown that products containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide have superior results compared with other types of toothpaste, so it’s definitely worth experimenting with!
For extra oral hygiene, you can also add half water and half hydrogen peroxide in your daily rinse – this will reduce the risk of cavities, nasty breath, and gum disease.
2. Brushing after drinking or eating
While brushing your teeth after drinking or eating isn’t a possibility for many of us during work and school days, it does have some real benefits: improved oral hygiene and delayed yellowing of teeth. It can be difficult to carve out the time to brush our teeth mid-day, but if the opportunity presents itself and you feel comfortable taking a quick bathroom break in the office, it’s worth considering.
The added oral health benefits and prevention of discoloration could make having that extra routine worth it. However, don’t let yourself feel guilty if you have to stick with sticking with regular morning and night brushing!
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has long been extolled for its myriad health benefits, and yet it continuously surprises its devotees. A recent study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Hygiene examined the use of coconut oil specifically for oral hygiene purposes, declaring that it is “natural, safe and [has] no side effects”—making it an ideal tool for preventive care. This is because coconut oil contains powerful anti-bacterial properties which allow it to act as a disinfectant on contact. One of the easiest ways to take advantage of this is with “oil-pulling,” where you simply swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 20 seconds.
Alternatively, you can add a few drops to your regular toothbrush when brushing to get an even spread. With more research about the benefits of coconut oil being revealed every day, we’re certain that using this natural product will only become more commonplace in our daily lives!
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is a natural and effective way to fight tooth stains and preserve oral health. Containing essential compounds such as acetic acid, enzymes, magnesium, potassium, and probiotics, ACV is a powerful way to combat the discoloration teeth can accumulate over time. Even better, recent studies have found that ACV’s whitening capabilities are comparable to those of many commercial whitening products that include harsh chemicals!
To reap the benefits of ACV without damaging your enamel or gums, remember to follow it up by brushing with regular toothpaste. If desired you can also rub it onto your teeth directly with your finger before rinsing with a hydrogen peroxide mixture. With just a few simple steps you can easily keep your pearlies sparkling white!
5. Fruits and vegetables
Incorporate slowly eating fruits and vegetables into your daily routine to help with the cleanliness of your teeth! Not only do celery, apples, and carrots naturally help clean our teeth as we eat them, but adding strawberries to the mix can provide a much-needed extra boost!
Their unique combination of vitamin C and healthy enzymes make them stand out among other fruit choices when it comes to maintaining tooth health. To maximize their benefits, try mashing a couple of strawberries together and then brushing them twice or thrice per week. Try this out today to see the difference between cleaning power and freshness!
