How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally

Americans are in love with white teeth. They spend around 1.4 billion dollars on at-home whitening products each year. Some of these products work better than others, but most include chemicals that, used incorrectly, can harm your teeth. If you want whiter teeth but would rather avoid chemicals, you can try some natural whitening solutions instead.

Baking Soda

You can find this item in your kitchen cabinets, but it's a well-known natural tooth-whitening substance. Baking soda works because it's slightly abrasive, which works to remove stains on your teeth. Its alkaline nature helps prevent bacteria from growing in your mouth.

Many commercial toothpastes contain baking soda because it is effective, although it works gradually. You won't notice a change overnight.

A Diet Full of Fruits and Vegetables

Eating these foods is a great way to stay healthy in general, and they can also improve your tooth health. Some fruits can help whiten your teeth as well. Crunch fruits and veggies help remove plaque, which is good for dental health. Plague build-up causes cavities and also makes your smile look yellow.

Some people claim that strawberries have whitening power. Try mixing strawberries and baking soda for a natural whitening solution. The acid in this popular fruit may remove that yellowish tint while the baking soda takes care of the stains

Hydrogen Peroxide

Some people swear by the whitening effects of hydrogen peroxide, a natural substance long used as a disinfectant. You can use it as a mouthwash before brushing, or combine it with baking soda to make a toothpaste. Studies have shown that toothpastes containing hydrogen peroxide are more effective at removing coffee stains than other whitening toothpastes.

Many commercial whitening products contain a high concentration of this substance, which can be problematic. Gum irritation and tooth sensitivity have been tied to the overuse of hydrogen peroxide.

When you use hydrogen peroxide at home, you should use a 1.5% or 3% concentration to prevent gum and tooth issues. Your local store sells 3% or higher concentrations. If you want a lower concentration, use equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide to make a mouthwash.

The toothpaste should contain 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Do not use this mixture more than several days a week to avoid gum irritation.

Safe Whitening

These natural whitening solutions can make a noticeable difference in your smile. They also are safer and should not irritate your gums or harm your enamel. Over-the-counter products have different levels of safety and effectiveness, and some can be harmful.

Your dentist is your best source of whitening information. They can recommend an at-home regimen for tooth whitening. Or, they can perform a professional whitening process in the office. These procedures are the most effective and the safest since they are done with a professional's supervision.

White smiles are attractive and give your smile a healthy glow. If you whiten at home, try natural products first. If you want to use a chemical solution, consult with your dentist.