MAIN MENU
Home Page
Teeth Whitening Basics
Why Whiter Teeth?
Tooth Discoloration
Teeth Whitening Risks
Keeping Teeth White
Teeth Whitening FAQ
Natural Teeth Whitening
WHITENING METHODS
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening Strips
Brush-on Whitening
Teeth Whitening Kits
Dental Office Whitening

Natural Teeth Whitening

There is a lot of information out there about “natural teeth whitening” but unfortunately, some of these teeth whitening home remedies are incredibly dangerous for you AND your teeth. The most common of these home remedies are detailed below.

Lemon Juice

Brushing the teeth with lemon juice and/or rubbing the peel across the teeth is one of the most frequently mentioned ways to whiten teeth naturally. Unfortunately, it is also one of the worst. Nothing about it makes it a good idea at all.

The way lemon juice works (if you can call it that) is by robbing your tooth enamel of calcium from the citric acid in the juice. Not good, considering that teeth will decay much faster without the right amount of calcium. Lemon juice can also strip away the tooth enamel until it is damaged beyond repair. Lemon juice for teeth whitening…not a good idea.

Strawberries
Another fruity remedy (please forgive the pun!) involves mashing up strawberries into a very pasty pulp and then — you guessed it! — brushing your teeth with them! This tastes nice, but actually may be JUST as harmful as the lemon juice remedy and for the same reasons. Strawberries also contain acid, and the seeds can damage your gums and teeth if you brush them too hard. If you do go ahead and choose to use strawberries for teeth whitening, be sure to ALWAYS brush your teeth or rinse your mouth shortly afterwards.

Remember though, strawberries are meant to be eaten and enjoyed, not used to whiten your teeth!

Hard & Crunchy Vegetables
Vegetables such as carrots, celery and cucumbers are naturally abrasive and also act like little tiny toothbrushes that scrub away stains. So believe it or not, this is actually a good remedy (you didn’t think we were going to feature ALL bad ones did you?)!

Wood Ash (Lye)
The potassium hydroxide found in the hardwood ash is a bleaching agent and WILL whiten teeth. A popular home remedy consists of brushing the teeth with the wood ash on a consistent/regular basis. Potassium will harm the enamel in your teeth over time and this HAS to taste absolutely HORRID! It’s best to stay away from this one — there are easier and less gag-enducing ways to whiten your teeth!

Baking Soda
The whole process of brushing one’s teeth with a baking soda and salt mixture has been around for what seems like forever. and for good reason. It can actually be effective in removing stains (especially with the help of peroxide). Baking soda will also help to kill any exisiting bacteria which causes plaque, as well as reduce acids which can actually be harming the teeth’s enamel.

Baking soda is safe to use and easily obtained so if you do use a baking soda mixture than just brush gently around your gums so you won’t irritate them.

Peroxide
Gargling with peroxide is said to whiten one’s teeth. While this is true to some extent,keep in mind that the over-the-counter peroxide is not NEARLY as concentrated as the peroxide found in effective teeth whiteners. So in the end it’s just really a lost and dangerous cause.

The other popular peroxide remedy has you brushing your teeth normally and then swishing peroxide around your mouth. You would then rinse with water. This is safe, however it may irritate the gums and cause some serious tooth sensitivity over long periods of time.

Baking Soda & Peroxide — Combined!
This may be one of the BEST home remedies for teeth whitening and regular tooth maintenance in general. Dr. Paul Keyes, founder of the International Dental Health Foundation, has a mixture which many people seem to find very helpful and easy to use. You can find it Right Here! The mixtures recipe is located at the bottom of the page if you’re so inclined to view it.