Home Remedies for Whitening Teeth

Many teeth whitening procedures are dangerous and can cause damage to the teeth. The most common tooth whitener is the peroxide, but too much can wear down the enamel and cause increased tooth sensitivity. Many commercial teeth whitening products also contain abrasives. Which will eventually damage the enamel on teeth! There is also the risk that the teeth bleaching chemicals can reach the gums and cause damage.

Some yellowing of the teeth is natural...and remember those move-star pictures are often photo-shopped. In fact, the yellowish tint to teeth is due to their high calcium content.

However, if you're after that movie-star grin and are looking to whiten your teeth in a safer way, check out these home remedies for teeth whitening.

Warning: Always use caution with any protocol to whiten the teeth, even natural ones. Acidic foods like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can be damaging to the enamel if used too extensively. 

Abrasive substances can also do damage. Always use moderation and space your treatments out.

Baking Soda is probably the most common and safest tooth whitening agent. Simply brush your teeth with a paste made of baking soda and water. You can also add baking soda to your regular toothpaste and use that.

Tooth Soap with minerals such as calcium and magnesium is actually very effective. The added minerals may be absorbed by the teeth, making them stronger. However, if you can't find tooth soap with added minerals, you can take a calcium magnesium supplement such as Peter Gillham's Natural Vitality Natural Calm Plus Calcium. Some people have had good results rubbing extra virgin olive oil on their teeth.

Strawberries contain malic acid which is a natural tooth whitener. Mix a crushed strawberry (organic is best) with 1/2 tea spoon baking soda and apply to your teeth using a toothbrush. Leave this concoction on for around 5 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly and brush teeth with a natural toothpaste.

Activated Charcoal is another home remedy for teeth whitening. Make a paste with water and use a gauze to brush on the teeth, just be sure to rinse it off thoroughly. Golden seal can also be added to activated charcoal (use 50/50) for some added anti-microbial action.

Pure Sea Salt can be added to the above home remedies for whitening teeth (just a tiny amount) for an extra whitening boost. Be sure not to use too frequently as salt is abrasive. It is best to use an unrefined, pure salt that still contains natural minerals such as Celtic Sea Salt.

Oil Pulling won't be immediate, but continued use over time might make a difference. Oil pulling is the practice of swishing sesame, coconut, or olive oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes. Do this first thing in the morning, before brushing your teeth or eating anything. I have been oil pulling regularly for many months and it definitely makes a difference in my overall teeth health.

Other easy home remedies for whitening teeth involve rubbing an orange peel or the bark of a walnut over your teeth.

Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar will also whiten the teeth. Rub or gently brush lemon juice or apple cider vinegar over the outside. However, these substances are both very acidic so use caution and do not overdo it. Remember to use caution when using lemon juice on teeth. Many people feel it is healthiest to stick to lemon juice consumption and skip the oral use.

Other home remedies for whitening teeth you might read about involve using hydrogen peroxide at home. Again, this is something you want to use a great amount of caution with if you do decide to use it, as peroxide can be very damaging to the gums and surrounding tissues.

Wood ash is another very common teeth whitening home remedy. Again use caution when using this, especially with hard wood ash.