Key takeaways
- Swishing coconut oil in your mouth daily, a practice known as oil pulling, may help reduce bacteria and plaque, contributing to whiter teeth.
- Brushing with a mixture of baking soda and water a few times a week may help remove surface stains and prevent bacterial growth due to baking soda’s natural whitening and alkaline properties.
- Using a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution as a mouthwash before brushing can help whiten teeth and kill bacteria. However, ensure the solution is properly diluted to avoid gum irritation or tooth sensitivity.
There are plenty of products to choose from when it comes to whitening your teeth.
However, most whitening products use chemicals to bleach your teeth, which could be a concern for many people.
If you want whiter teeth but also want to avoid the chemicals, many options are both natural and safe.
Oil pulling is a traditional remedy, originating in India, meant to improve oral hygiene and remove toxins from the body.
The practice involves swishing oil around in your mouth to remove bacteria, which can turn into plaque and cause your teeth to look yellow.
Coconut oil is a popular choice because it has a pleasant taste and offers many health benefits. It’s also high in lauric acid, which is known for its
To oil pull, put 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil in your mouth and push and pull the oil through your teeth. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so you may need to wait a few seconds for it to melt. Continue the oil pulling for 15 to 20 minutes.
Be sure to spit the coconut oil into a toilet or trash can, as it could solidify and clog drains.
Unlike many other tooth whitening methods, coconut oil pulling does not expose your teeth to acid or other ingredients that erode the enamel. This means it’s safe to do daily.
Baking soda has natural whitening properties, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in commercial toothpaste.
Its mildly abrasive qualities
This isn’t a remedy that will whiten your teeth overnight, but you may notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth over time.
To try this remedy, mix 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water (5 ml) and brush your teeth with the paste. You can do this a few times per week.
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that also kills bacteria in your mouth. Many commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, although at a much higher concentration than you will use at home.
However, be aware of safety issues if you use hydrogen peroxide.
While heavily diluted concentrations appear safe, strong concentrations or overuse can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. There’s also concern that high doses may cause cancer, but this has not been proven.
One way to use hydrogen peroxide is as a mouthwash before you brush your teeth. Make sure you are using a 1.5% or 3% solution to avoid side effects.
The most common concentration of hydrogen peroxide at the drugstore is a 3% solution. You can dilute this concentration to 1.5% by mixing equal parts peroxide and water.
Always use ADA approved whitening products and do not use more often than directed on the instructions.
While your teeth naturally yellow as you age, you can help prevent staining in several ways.
Regular brushing
Tooth discoloration is largely due to plaque buildup.
Regular brushing and flossing can help your teeth stay white by reducing bacteria in your mouth and preventing plaque buildup.
Toothpaste gently rubs out stains on your teeth, and flossing removes bacteria that lead to plaque. Regular dental cleanings can also help your teeth stay clean and white.
Limit certain foods and beverages
That doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid them, but you should limit the amount of time these substances are in contact with your teeth.
If possible, drink beverages known to stain teeth out of a straw to prevent direct contact with your teeth.
Brush your teeth about 60 minutes after consuming one of these foods or beverages to limit their impact on tooth color.
Waiting before brushing prevents acids from being brushed into your teeth and weakening them. In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth out with water.
Smoking and chewing tobacco can also cause tooth discoloration.
Limit your sugar intake
If you want whiter teeth, cut back on your sugar intake.
A diet high in sugar boosts the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the primary type of bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis.
However, wait 30 minutes to 1 hour before brushing your teeth.
The bacteria that break down sugar produce acid, which softens your enamel temporarily. If you brush too soon, it can scrub the enamel away.
Get plenty of calcium in your diet
Some tooth discoloration is caused by enamel erosion, exposing the underlying dentin, which is yellow.
Therefore, anything you do to strengthen the enamel of your teeth can help reduce this effect.
Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, and broccoli, may help protect your teeth from enamel erosion.
Multiple factors cause teeth to become dull and lose their bright, white sparkle.
Certain foods can stain your enamel, which is the outermost layer of your teeth. Additionally, plaque buildup on your teeth can cause them to look yellow.
This type of discoloration can usually be treated with regular cleaning and whitening remedies.
However, sometimes teeth look yellow because the hard enamel has eroded, revealing the dentin underneath. Dentin is a naturally yellow, bony tissue that lies underneath the enamel.
While natural methods may support teeth health and reduce staining, there is no substitute for brushing your teeth.
In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice daily using a toothbrush with soft bristles.
According to the ADA, some of the most common mistakes that people make when brushing their teeth include brushing too hard, not brushing long enough, brushing their teeth right after eating, and keeping their toothbrush for too long without replacing it.