It’s never too late to brighten up your smile! Instead of spending money on teeth whitening kits at the store (that contain harsh chemicals), give this all-natural trick a try. Here are our favorite teeth whitening tips. We also have some some tips to help protect your teeth against stains from your favorite food & drinks, because we are not ready to give up coffee.
Oil Pulling
The lauric acid in coconut oil that helps to pull out plaque or bacteria that contribute to yellow teeth and poor overall dental health.
- Take 1 tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for about 15-20 minutes.
- Be careful not to swallow the oil, as it will contain toxins.
- After 15-20 minutes, spit the oil in a trash can– it will clog your drains.
- Rinse with warm salt water and then carry on with your regular routine of flossing and brushing.
- Repeat 3-4 times a week for best results.
Food & Drinks That Stain
To preserve those pearly whites you may need to cut back or at least be aware of anything with a lot of sugar or acidity like:
- Coffee- The tannins in coffee make it easier for stains to stick to your teeth. After you have your daily brew, rinse your mouth out with water, wait about 30 minutes to let your enamel harden again, then brush your teeth.
- Tea- The darker the tea, the deeper the stain. Opt for a white tea, and try steeping black or green teas for a shorter amount of time to lighten it up a bit.
- Wine- I know, I know. Brush and floss your teeth before drinking your favorite red to avoid the wine clinging to plaque. Sadly, white wine isn’t the solution either– it won’t create new stains, but it will make existing ones worse. Switch off wine sips with water sips to rinse out lingering wine… and next day headaches. And don’t forget the cheese! A hard cheese, like manchego & cheddar, can act as a barrier between the wine’s acid and minimize staining. Woo!
- Soda & Sweets- Candy, chips and anything carbonated– yes, even the sugar-free versions will darken your teeth. Everything in moderation, guys.
