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Your teeth are one of the first things people notice about you.
They can make you “appear” more attractive, healthy and youthful. What’s more, a winning smile can make you more appealing to the opposite sex, according to a survey done by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
The bad news is that if you’re a smoker, wine drinker or coffee lover, you may not have the pearliest of smiles… but you can!
Say goodbye to unsightly stains and lighten up with these all-natural and easy-on-the-pocket teeth whitening home remedies.
Coconut oil pulling
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of sure, organic coconut oil.
What to do
Swish, push and pull the oil through and around your teeth for about 20 minutes, preferably first thing in the morning before you brush your teeth. Then, spit it out and rinse your mouth out with water. After rinsing thoroughly, brush your teeth as per normal. Do this daily. Try not to swallow the oil!
Why it works
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which fights off the bacteria that cause yellow teeth, plaque, and cavities. It also has antimicrobial properties, known to protect the health of your gums and keep your breath fresh. Overall, oil pulling is a harmless and inexpensive way to brighten your smile and improve your oral health.
Strawberry and baking soda scrub
You will need:
- 3-5 strawberries.
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda.
- An old toothbrush.
What to do
Mash the berries into a pulp. Add the baking soda and mix into a paste. Apply all over your teeth. Use your toothbrush to gently scrub the paste around. Let it sit for about five minutes. Then, rinse well. Brush your teeth to get rid of any residue. Try this every night.
Why it works
Strawberries pack a Vitamin C punch and break down teeth-yellowing plaque. They also contain malic acid, which may help remove surface stains. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, scrubbing away stain-causing plaque. Over time, this scrub can make your teeth whiter and shiner.
Orange peel scrub
You will need:
- An orange.
What to do
Peel the orange, keeping as much of the white part of the peel as you can. Then, rub the inside of the peel gently over your teeth. Let the juice sit for about five minutes before brushing your teeth to clean away any pulp and peel. Repeat every day.
Why it works
Orange peel contains a solvent called d-limonene that may help reduce that unpleasant yellow tinge and prevent stains. This natural compound is also known to foil food debris build-up, which means less plaque and tartar. The result: whiter, brighter and healthier chompers.
Do white teeth mean good health?
Not necessarily. A dazzling smile doesn’t mean that your teeth are healthy. The strongest, healthiest teeth are not the brightest white. They are a couple of shades darker than that. Your tooth enamel is blueish-white in colour. It’s also somewhat translucent, so the yellow of the dentine (the hard bony tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth) beneath it shows through, making the overall colour of the teeth a light grey or light yellow. If your teeth are darker, your genetics or lifestyle habits (e.g. heavy smoking) may be to blame. Teeth also discolour as you age.
