Learn ways to naturally whiten teeth, such as how to make baking soda paste and how to use foods for a fresher, whiter smile.
Having whiter teeth is something that many people strive for. There are a wide variety of products available that can help do the trick, but they can cost a fortune and may even damage your teeth, especially when you use them frequently. Fortunately, there are easier and safer ways to whiten your teeth, without footing another bill.
Find a toothbrush and tooth powder set at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS store.
Eat Something Tasty
One way to help whiten your teeth is something not everyone thinks about: Adding certain foods to your diet can result in whiter teeth. The list includes foods such as strawberries, nuts, cheese, milk and yogurt. Each has their own way of making your teeth whiter, and they won’t cost you much at all.
Onions, for example, are a common ingredient in many recipes. They aren’t necessarily the first item that comes to mind when it comes to whiter teeth, but onions are a powerful antibacterial that can help protect your teeth and gums. It’s recommended to eat onions raw to receive the maximum benefit.
Rinsing with water is also helpful for not only cleaning your mouth, but also for getting rid of leftover food particles as well.
How to Make Baking Soda Paste
Some ways to whiten your teeth are cut and dry, such as putting whitening strips on your teeth for 10 minutes. Others aren’t so obvious, but can get the job done just as easily.
Did you know that you can brush your teeth with a baking soda paste? All it takes is a little baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and you have a new way to naturally whiten your teeth. The hydrogen peroxide acts as an antibacterial mouth cleaner that also helps your gums. Baking soda is gritty, so be sure to have enough hydrogen peroxide to avoid losing enamel.
Another benefit of baking soda is fresh breath. It also helps with plaque and stains on your teeth.
Here is one way you can make toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda:
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide – 3% solution
Directions
- When mixing the ingredients, a thick paste will form. More hydrogen peroxide can be added to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Place the paste in a jar and close it tight. Store it in the medicine cabinet for about a month.
Make a Lemon Twist
Another way to help whiten your teeth is with lemon juice. Mix it with soda bicarbonate to make a paste.
You can then use the mixture in several ways; one way is to take a cotton ball, dip it in the paste, and rub it on your teeth.
Lemon juice and baking soda can also make a great pair in a mixture.
What You Need
- 2-1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- A bowl
Directions
Put the lemon juice in the bowl, then add the baking soda. The mixture will bubble and look like butter when it’s ready. Dip your toothbrush in the bowl and use it. You should not using the mixture on your tongue because of the bad taste.
Other methods include rubbing a banana peel on your teeth and putting baking soda on your toothbrush before adding toothpaste. Using a banana peel to whiten your teeth doesn’t seem like a good idea, but it’s filled with minerals and vitamins that are great for your teeth.
A banana peel should be used twice a day for two minutes.
Safely Manage Your Teeth
There are many home remedies that can help whiten your teeth and you don’t need to spend a fortune doing it. Each has its own benefit and may help you reach your whitening goal.
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