Everyone knows that certain foods and drinks come with a price, on our teeth. Things like coffee, soda, wine, and some fruits will stain teeth and cause yellow discoloration. We’ve all heard about the foods we should eat if we want to avoid discoloration, but where’s the fun in avoiding things like coffee? Rather than give you a list of foods you should eat, I’m going to give you a list of ingredients, and foods that aren’t for eating, but for whitening teeth.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is usually used in toothpaste, so it’s only natural to use it to help whiten teeth. The stuff is kind of abrasive, so it’s very helpful in removing plaque from teeth. The easiest way to use it is by mixing teaspoons of the stuff with a little water until it becomes paste-like. After that, all you have to do is brush your teeth with the stuff.
2. Coconut Oil
I know what you’re thinking, coconut oil already has all these great benefits, and now it also can help with teeth? There’s multiple different ways you could go about using the oil. You could swish the oil around between your teeth, or brush your teeth with a little bit of the oil. You could also rub the oil into your teeth and gums, the oil has anti-microbial properties that will protect the healthiness of your gums.
3. Banana Peels
Ripe bananas contain lots of potassium and magnesium, which is perfect for whitening teeth. Simply rub a piece of the banana peel over your teeth for two minutes. This will allow your teeth to absorb the minerals found in the teeth which will promote whitening.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is really good at removing stains, especially those that resulted from coffee. The elements found in the vinegar are good at breaking down bacteria, but also promotes the growth of probiotic bacteria. The acidity from the apples will help to break down plaque and keep your teeth white.
5. Lemon Peels
Much like the apple cider vinegar, lemon peels still have some acidity to them. The peel contains beneficial acids which help whiten teeth and keep them white. If you are going to use this method, don’t overuse because otherwise you’ll be hurting the enamel on your teeth. Make sure to rinse your mouth out after every time you do this method.
6. Strawberries
Who likes strawberries? I know I do, and did you know they are good for your teeth too? Simply mash some strawberries up into a paste and rub it on your teeth. Rinse your mouth out afterward and enjoy those pearly whites.
7. Tumeric
Turmeric is known for staining things like clothing and furniture so you may be asking yourself why it should be used to whiten teeth? If you keep using it consistently, it will help whiten the teeth. Simply brush your teeth with the stuff, then let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Pretty soon you’ll have whiter, healthier looking teeth.
8. Activated Charcoal
This isn’t food but it’s a good trick for whitening teeth. Activated charcoal can absorb plaque and anything else that will stain your teeth. Simply brush your teeth with the charcoal, then rinse and spit. Continuing to brush your teeth with it on a regular basis will eventually help better your teeth.