8 DIY Home Remedies to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

Do you often find yourself shying away from a 32-tooth grin in photographs? If yes, it's probably time you attack the dental plaque problem head on.

Studies have indicated that when dental plaque isn't removed when soft, it tends to harden and becomes increasingly difficult to get rid off, consequently leading to tooth damage, decay, or even tooth loss (Source: Apollo Hospitals & others). Why jeopardize the opportunity of creating a stellar first impression? Is it really worth it? Certainly not. 

While you may find professional teeth cleaning and whitening procedures to be at an exorbitant rate, Ms. Pooja Nagdev, Cosmetologist and founder of Inatur suggests quick and easy at-home tips, using the simplest and most accessible kitchen staples to achieve that million dollar smile. "Dental cleansing rituals and regimes initially begun with neem sticks and rock salt. It was naturally-occurring ingredients like these that lead to the formulation of chemical tooth powders and pastes," states Pooja. 

In today's day and age, while chemically-driven products can surely provide promising results, there are specific kitchen ingredients and essential oils that serve to be fabulous natural alternatives to these commercial techniques. Ms. Pooja lists 8 such natural interventions that are both safe as well as highly effective!

Olive Oil and Rock Salt

Take a dash of olive oil along with rock salt on your fingertip and rub it on your teeth. Virgin olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties due to its phenolic compound content and provides relief from tooth aches and inflammations. Rock salt, on the other hand, not only helps whiten your teeth and cares for your gums, but is also a natural antibacterial!

Lemon Rind

After lemon juice is squeezed out, the leftover lemon rind can be used with powdered brown sugar to whiten and brighten the teeth. Sugar is a good humectant and helps hydrate sore gums while lemon has anti-bacterial properties and is a good source of vitamin C that eradicates tooth discoloration. A lemon peel contains a high acidic level which works well as a tooth whitener or bleaching agent.

You may use the lemon in two different ways: 

1. Rub the lemon peel directly on your teeth.

2. Squirt the lemon juice on your teeth. If you decide to follow this method, ensure that you mix the lemon juice with an equal quantity of water. However, avoid adopting this technique more than twice a week as lemon is highly acidic and can cause tooth decay and destroy tooth enamel by impacting the calcium in your teeth. 

Mint Leaves and Clove

Crush a clove with 2 or 3 mint leaves and create a tooth rub that has cooling and healing properties. Rub this mixture onto your teeth for around three minutes and rinse. Besides being a refreshing mouth rinse, this mixture nourishes the detoxifies the teeth as well. 

Charcoal Powder

Enriched with properties that brighten and detoxify the teeth, brushing with charcoal powder helps get rid of toxins and stains. Wet your toothbrush and dip it into the powder before brushing your teeth normally. You may also choose to add charcoal powder to your toothpaste.

Baking Soda 

The inherent whitening properties of baking soda make it a common ingredient in commercial toothpastes. It's a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface stains on your teeth. As the P.H. of baking soda is high, it also manages to prevent bacteria from growing inside the mouth. With regular use, you will notice a significant difference in the appearance of your teeth over time.

DIY Tooth Powder

A natural and effective tooth power can be made at home using the following ingredients:

1 orange peel

1 tablespoon neem powder

1 teaspoon rock salt

1 teaspoon clove powder

2 drops peppermint essential oil

2 drops lemon essential oil

Mix all the ingredients mentioned above and store it in a jar. Rub the paste on your teeth and gums for a couple of minutes and rinse.

Turmeric Coconut Oil and Clove powder

Take a teaspoonful of coconut oil and add a pinch of turmeric and clove powder to it. Use your fingertip to apply it over the teeth and gums. Leave it on for 2 minutes and rinse with water afterwards. Turmeric is an antioxidant and is antibacterial in nature, helping relieve swelling, pain and inflammation of the gums. Plus, the addition of coconut oil in the concoction makes it ideal for teeth whitening.

Banana Peel

Bananas provide several essential nutrients to the body. 15 minutes after brushing, make use of a banana peel to rub on your teeth. Repeat this process two to three times a week and see noticeable results in a few weeks. A banana peel contains manganese, magnesium and potassium, all of which serve teeth whitening purposes.

Remember, your smile is the most beautiful curve in your body!