5 Ways To Get Whiter Teeth In A Natural, Healthy Way

Everyone wants whiter teeth, but there are risks involved in getting them bleached or whitened. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep your teeth white in natural ways — without wearing down your enamel or damaging your teeth or gums.

Though most current teeth bleaching procedures are safe, doing it too often can wear down tooth enamel over time, ultimately weakening your teeth. As for teeth whitening strips — which use hydrogen peroxide to enter the tooth enamel and remove stains from molecules — excessive use can also wear enamel down over time. In addition, many over-the-counter teeth whitening products aren’t even proven to work.

Enamel is made up of hydroxyapatite, and it’s one of the toughest substances in the human body. However, enamel can get stained through food and beverages like coffee and tea. Here are some of the best ways to keep those teeth clean and healthy by de-staining enamel the healthy way.

BRUSH AFTER EATING OR DRINKING

This one is pretty straightforward, but you’ll be surprised to see the immense difference if you actually stick to it each day. A large number of us brush only once a day instead of the recommended two. Brush your teeth in the morning and at night — as well as after lunch or any time you eat — and you’ll begin to notice the difference in your teeth’s whiteness almost immediately.

FLOSSING

Flossing is often taken for granted, but even after brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day, many little pieces of food stay stuck in between your teeth. Hidden in the crevices, there’s only one way to get them out: by flossing after you brush. Flossing also helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

COCONUT OIL

Instead of using only mouth wash, give coconut oil a try. Swish it around in your mouth for 15 minutes after brushing, and you may find it gives your teeth a cleaner feel. Though research on the benefits of “oil pulling” is still limited, some people (including our own reporters) have tried it and claimed it worked for them, making their teeth appear cleaner and whiter.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Another easy thing to do — which brings more health benefits than just teeth cleaning — is to drink plenty of water. Water naturally flushes out food from your teeth and keeps you hydrated.

EAT FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Certain foods and beverages like soda, tea, or wine will stain your teeth, but fruits and vegetables rich in water can help to offset those effects. Fruits like strawberries, apples, and crunchy vegetables like cauliflower, celery, and carrots act as a scrub of sorts for your teeth. Apples and the rest of these fruits and vegetables are often considered “nature’s toothbrush” because they scrub out your teeth’s nooks and crannies, as well as provide plenty of malic acid, which increases teeth-cleaning saliva. They also help freshen your breath. Interestingly, however, make sure you wash your mouth out after eating acidic oranges or lemons, as a lot of acid can wear away tooth enamel.

For more ways of keeping your teeth whitened without going to the dentist, check out these tips.