Brighten your smile the natural way

Today, the fascination with white teeth has reached an all-time high. Hundreds, if not thousands of dollars are spent on perfecting that sought after, sparkling smile. And we get it, who doesn’t want to show off a set of glistening pearly whites? But we’re here to tell you there’s a much cheaper and healthier way to get that beautiful, bright smile you’re after.

The trouble with teeth whitening products and whitening strips is that they contain high concentrated levels of hydrogen peroxide, which can considerably damage tooth enamel if overused. Other side effects have been known to cause irritation and bleaching to the gums as well as heightened tooth sensitivity.

Now we know that in this day and age we all want a ‘quick fix’ when it comes to improving our health and appearance but we want to tell you that sometimes, the long way is the best way. Yes, it may require a bit more patience when trying out these below mentioned natural remedies but in the long term, it will be much gentler and safer for your teeth and gums.

1. Use the right tooth-cleaning product

Make sure that you’re brushing your teeth with a natural tooth-cleaning product. Now, we’re not just being biased (OK, maybe slightly), but our all-natural tooth powder contains one of the most magical and natural tooth whitening substances out there: baking soda! Baking soda works so well when it comes to bleaching and cleaning the teeth that even the rich and famous use it as part of their daily oral routine.

“I brush my teeth with baking soda. My grandfather would put a big heaping mound of it on his toothbrush. He had only one cavity in his entire life.”  -Julia Roberts 

The great thing about Good-Gums tooth powder is that we include a variety of natural ingredients, rich in flavor, which not only provide critical vitamins and minerals essential for building strong tooth enamel and healthy gums but also add a delicious taste to accompany the plain taste of baking soda. Someone needs to tell Julia!

tooth powder is that we include a variety of natural ingredients, rich in flavor, which not only provide critical vitamins and minerals essential for building strong tooth enamel and healthy gums but also add a delicious taste to accompany the plain taste of baking soda. Someone needs to tell Julia!

2. Oil pulling with coconut oil

As we explain in our article ‘Ayurveda: The Ancient Practice that Zaps Away Toxins’, oil pulling literally sucks out toxins from your mouth. It is not so much the coconut oil that helps to bleach the teeth, it is the lauric acid, which is a fatty acid found in coconut oil that helps to rid the bacteria and plaque that contribute to the yellowing of teeth.

Coconut oil has not only proven to help gradually whiten the teeth, but it provides both excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to prevent gum disease.

“Oil pulling is a powerful detoxifying Ayurvedic technique that has recently become very popular as a CAM remedy (complementary and alternative medicine) for many different health ailments. Using this method, surgery or medication could be prevented for a number of chronic illnesses. The oil therapy is preventative as well as curative. The exciting aspect of this healing method is its simplicity.”

-The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.

Simply swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes (we know, that’s a pretty long time, if you can only manage 5-10, that’s better than nothing). Spit out and rinse and repeat 3-5 times a week for maximin benefit.

3. Gargle with Apple cider vinegar

This natural antibiotic works absolute wonders in removing stains from your teeth.

Apple Cider Vinegar contains compounds including acetic acid, potassium, magnesium, probiotics (‘good’ bacteria) and enzymes which kill ‘bad’ bacteria.

It is naturally acidic, which means it’s great for helping to break down plaque and other harmful bacteria that stick to the teeth, while also helping to remove stains and whiten your teeth.

It is recommended to dilute 1 – 2 teaspoons of ACV with water before gargling (exposing your teeth to too much acidity will damage the tooth enamel). Wait at least 20 minutes before brushing. Repeat 2-3 times a week. 

4. Pureed strawberries!

Yes, it’s true, strawberries can actually whiten your teeth! Strawberries contain malic acid, which is believed to be a natural whitening agent (also very potent in apples!) Numerous studies have shown that the malic acid in strawberries also works extremely well if combined with baking soda when you want to give your teeth that extra sparkle!

No wonder Catherine Zeta-Jones uses this teeth whitening method. This A-lister is known to brush her teeth daily with a mix of pureed strawberries and baking soda. If it’s good enough for Cat, it’s certainly good enough for us. Give it a try!

5. Diluted hydrogen peroxide

I know, I know, we just told you that hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in whitening products that causes the erosion of tooth enamel! But we aren’t talking about the high 10 – 15% concentrated amounts that are used in these conventional teeth whitening products that yes, docause damage. We are talking about small diluted amounts, no more than 3% concentration, that as we said will take longer to see results but will be much safer and gentler on your teeth.

We also know the title of our article states how to whiten teeth ‘naturally’ but interestingly, despite the controversy over its safety, our bodies naturally produce hydrogen peroxide to keep cells healthy. However, like we said, it can be dangerous if used in high concentrations.

Dilute no more than your 3% concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution with water and swish around your mouth for a few minutes. Spit and rinse. Repeat once a week.

While these methods of naturally whitening your teeth will have an effect over time, it’s still important to mention that they must be used sparingly so as to not expose too many acid-based substances to tooth enamel. 

Apart from using these methods, we recommend you avoid sugary and processed foods, limit your use of chemical irritants such as alcohol and smoking, and use only natural products when brushing your teeth.

If you feel you’d like a fresh start when it comes to eating well and living in a happier and healthier way, we recommend you check out our 7-day Mind and Body Detox, which will help to give your mind and body the cleanse they deserve!