I was recently chatting to a homeopath about ways to whiten teeth without using any harsh chemicals. She was kind enough to share some tips and i thought I would pass on the info - just in case your smile could do with some lovin'
Smiling helps you release endorphins so that you feel good about yourself. But a smiling gesture can also leave you feeling quite self-conscious – especially if your pearly whites are not so pearly! If your teeth are less than white, you probably often find yourself trying to stifle that grin. But don't worry! I have a few tips on how you can brighten and whiten your smile the NATURAL way!
I have included 5 tips below on how too safely brighten your smile naturally:
Tip 1
Munch crunchy food! The following fruits and veggies can naturally clean and brighten teeth because of their acidity: apples, celery, pears, and carrots. Raw and crunchy foods are abrasive and will clean those teeth right up! If you are following a natural diet, you probably already consume a good amount of fruits and vegetables, but remember that you should try to eat them in their whole form to get the full benefit from them. So instead of cutting up your apple, take a big bite into instead!
Tip 2
Double the Dairy! Milk, yogurt, and cheese contain minerals that help to strengthen teeth and better their appearance. Examples of these minerals are: calcium and phosphorus, which improve the enamel on your teeth. This enamel helps your teeth withstand the other natural solutions mentioned on this list.
Tip 3
Strawberries are key! Strawberries contain something called malic acid; this substance removes discolorations on the outer layer of the teeth. As an added bonus, the texture of the berry aids in buffing the enamel with the result of a brighter and smoother appearance. A good idea to extend the effects of strawberries as a natural teeth whitener is to crush a berry and mix it with half of a teaspoon of baking soda. Apply this solution to your teeth and leave it on for about 5 minutes before rinsing.
Tip 4
Baking Soda. The subject on the use of baking soda is complex; many professionals say you should use it often whereas others do not recommend it at all. Recent studies, however, have shown that limited use of this substance can, in fact, enhance the whiteness of teeth. A good suggestion is to use baking soda in small quantities by mixing it with salt to cleanse and brighten teeth. Add a dash of lemon to this mixture to enhance the solution.
Tip 5
Use a Straw (a bamboo or steel one, of course). The liquids which you drink are often prone to staining teeth. Use straws to sip on beverages so that the liquid does not slide over your teeth. It is a fact that the less contact your teeth has with detrimental substances, the healthier and brighter they will be.
Keep these tips in mind if you are looking for more natural options or if you would like to include healthier alternatives to your oral care routine. Please note however that these are just tips to improve your dental hygiene and you will not necessarily see great visible results, just keep in mind that you are doing the best for your teeth and body in the long run! Contact your professional dental health care provider if you would like to clarify any of the tips or if you would like more recommendations.