We live in an age that is almost ruled by coffee, which happens to be one of the biggest contributors to staining teeth and making them yellow. While step number one for whiter teeth would be to limit coffee intake, for some of us that may not be what we are ready for. So we’ve compiled a list of natural ways you can whiten your teeth at home.

Dental hygiene is important. It can be a contributing factor to many diseases in other areas of the body if not properly taken care of. One of the biggest ways we can damage our teeth is through acidic foods and drinks. In fact, a lot of times, the reason for yellow teeth is due to the consumption of an acidic diet that causes the enamel to wear away on teeth if they are not properly taken care of.

Bright Smile

Disadvantages of Whitestrips & Bleaching

There are a number of whitening options one can explore via dentists, whitening professionals or the drugstore. These include bleaching trays, professional bleaching treatments and products like Whitestrips. There is no doubt that these products do work, but there are reported disadvantages to these options that don’t exist with doing the methods below correctly.

Often times the treatments above utilize harsh ingredients that can have quite powerful effect of gums and teeth. This can create sensitivity for both even after first use. For example, studies suggest that between 1/3 and 1/2 of all people who use Whitestrips will notice some degree of gum tissue irritation. [1] If you’ve tried these products in the past, you may have seen great results and had no irritation, but if you did experience irritation, try the options below for a more natural approach that is more in-line with a sustainable option as well.

Home Remedies For Yellow Teeth

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is known as being one of the most effective options for whitening teeth. It’s why you see it added to a number of toothpaste brands. Simply add some to your toothbrush while it is fairly wet and then brush your teeth. Make sure the baking soda is wet enough and not dry as in a very dry state it can scratch your enamel. But once wet, it becomes soft and dissolves.  *I’ve personally used this method and found that it worked very well. Make sure you don’t use it dry! Also consider trying it as a mouthwash. Add more water to it and swish it around)

2. Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which helps to make your teeth whiter. You can do this by crushing a few berries and then applying them to your teeth. Let it sit for about 3 -5 minutes and then rinse out your mouth well.

3. Lemon

Lemon has a solid bleaching power, many have used it for their hair but it can be used for the teeth as well. Squeeze lemon juice into a small bowl and add some sea salt to it. Grind it down to a pit so you produce a soft paste. Apply that to your teeth and let sit for 3 – 5 minutes. Rinse well. It’s important to rinse this well as you don’t want to let it sit over long periods of time and break away enamel.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide can be used quite effectively to whiten teeth. Due to its very mild bleaching properties, it can be put on the teeth topically to help remove stains. Create a 30/60 mix of hydrogen peroxide to water. Use it as a rinse for about 60 seconds and then spit it out. *I have also tried putting it directly on my teeth with a q-tip and letting it sit for 60 seconds. This worked well also.

5. Banana Peel

This one is controversial and I personally wouldn’t say this should be your go to option. Some health professionals say it works, while other say it doesn’t. In the end, the gritty surface, which is rich in magnesium and potassium, may polish teeth and helped remove some stains on the enamel. Results vary greatly and given the other options available, it’s probably best to stick with them, but this could work according to some. To do it, simply rub your teeth with the inside of a ripe banana peel for 2 – 5 minutes. Rinse when finished. Do this twice a day.

Sources

http://www.animated-teeth.com/whitening_strips/a4_teeth_whitening.htm

http://www.pantryspa.com/beauty-remedies/mouth-remedies/dr-oz-teeth-whitening-home-remedy-baking-soda-lemon-juice/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/15795-whiten-teeth-peroxide/

Seems chewing gum is unhealthy and that I in person “just say no” once offered a piece (politely, of course). However some folks are afraid to quit their gum habit worrying from the monster breath. And that’s why I’m here today, to offer you nine ways in which to freshen your breath, naturally.

1. Brush those pearly whites 

Obviously one amongst the simplest ways in which to assist combat bad breath is to maintain a good hygiene. Brushing your teeth could be a no brainer, right? however the toothpaste you select will make a a huge difference. I in person don’t like most of the industrial stuff on the market for a variety of reasons. but my all natural formula, with some peppermint, spearmint or essential oils will do the trick well.

2. Floss right 

Nobody needs food stuck between their teeth… I mean, that may undoubtedly promote bad breath.however even if there aren’t noticeable chunks lodged in there, flossing will take away plaque and improve your gum health.

3. Scrape that tongue 

Your tongue isn't a smooth surface which suggests it’s a chief spot for things to cover. Brush your tongue together with your toothbrush and/or get an inexpensive tongue scraper (like this) to assist keep your mouth clean and breath fresh On to the lesser-known ways that freshen your breath.

4. Minty goodness

Grab yourself some mint leaves and chew. This natural remedy has been used for thousands of years is particularly helpful for garlic or onion breath (parsley leaves work well, too!). and in contrast to that nasty fake-food gum, swallowing the leaves after chewing can still give freshness by promoting way better digestion. Real food wins, again!

5. Baking soda to the rescue 

Need a fast, cheap, and straightforward natural breath freshener? Add a tsp. of baking soda into a cup of water. Swish some of this mixture in your mouth and “ta-da!” instant mouth wash. you can also add a drop or 2 of peppermint essential oil (like this) for an additional kick.

6. Probiotics for the win 

Since most bad breath could be a results of poor digestion, aiding your gut could be a long-run answer to bad breath. fermented foods are packed with real-food-goodness probiotics. My very personal way to aid my gut is with some whole fat (and ideally raw) yogurt.

7. Spice is nice 

Chewing on the seeds of aromatic spices will provide your mouth a lift of freshness. Seeds like clove, cardamom, and fennel have antimicrobial properties that may freshen your breath.

8. Healthy carbs 

I’m completely not a lover of restrictive diets unless there's an actual medical reason for them. And did you recognize that bad bread are often an unfortunate problem for folks on low-carb diets? As your body breaks down fats rather than carbs for energy it creates ketones. a number of these ketones are discharged in your mouth that isn't nice since they smell bad. simply one more reason to enjoy healthy carb-rich foods. (Pass me a banana, please.)

9. Lemon power 

Here’s another easy quick-fix natural cure for bad breath: Take a lemon wedge sprinkled with a bit of salt and bite down. Oh, yeah. 

Tell me. What are your “go to” remedies for freshening your breath naturally?