Five hacks to keep your teeth white and bright

One of the most striking features of a man or woman is pearly white smile and everyone desires to have gleaming white teeth to enhance their overall appearance and self-confidence. But exposure to staining foods, beverages or tobacco etc. can fade away your bright youthful smile. Today, the tooth discoloration has become a very common complaint; that’s the reason why markets are loaded with huge variety of teeth-whitening products. However, if you are looking for a cheaper, simpler and natural teeth-whitening home treatment, you are at the right place!

Here, we have listed some simple DIY hacks that can help you achieve brighter and whiter teeth. Read on-

Baking Soda and Hydrogen-peroxide Paste

Both baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are totally safe to use. In fact, baking soda is the key ingredient in most of the teeth whitening pastes. The hydrogen peroxide bleaches the teeth and controls bacteria whereas baking soda breaks down plaques and stains apart from neutralizing the bacterial growth in the mouth.

 Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and make a smooth paste similar to the consistency of regular toothpaste. Dip a soft toothbrush into this paste and gently brush your teeth until your teeth are completely coated with it. Leave this paste on your teeth for about 2 minutes then thoroughly rinse your mouth with water. Use this paste 2-3 times a week to get rid of stubborn stains from your teeth.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Diluted apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural tooth whitening remedy since ages as it contains amazing stain-busting power. Apple cider vinegar includes natural antibiotic and teeth/gum cleansing properties; it contains compounds like acetic acid, potassium, magnesium and enzymes, which kill germs and promotes the growth of pro-biotic bacteria.

It can also help you get rid of stubborn stains on your teeth due to common culprits like tea/coffee and smoking. The ACV is a highly effective teeth whitening agent that is just as effective as any other commercial product. Mix three parts water to one part apple cider vinegar and add this to your regular toothpaste and brush as usual. After brushing with ACV, rinse your mouth out well with water or a hydrogen peroxide rinse. ACV is acidic in nature, it breaks down plaque or other materials stuck to the teeth and make your teeth look professionally cleaned

Activated Charcoal Paste

Activated charcoal is one of the best DIY whitening solutions. Simply dip a soft, wet toothbrush into the powdered charcoal; put the charcoal covered toothbrush in the mouth and start brushing in small circles for few minutes. Rinse really well with water. Activated charcoal has highly absorbent granules, so it can easily bind with bad bacteria and eliminate toxins from the mouth while removing tough stains. 

It is important to note that food grade activated charcoal is different from other forms of charcoal so make sure to use only food grade activated charcoal.

Coconut Oil Pulling Treatment

Oil pulling has become a huge trend in recent years due to its ability to decrease plaque from teeth. Several studies prove that coconut oil contains amazing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. According to experts, fatty acids present in the oil are broken-down into teeth whitening enzymes as it comes in contact with saliva. However, if you are not comfortable with swishing oil in your mouth then you should try a simple coconut oil paste instead.

For this DIY formula, heat up two tablespoons of coconut oil until it melts down; mix two teaspoons of baking soda in it. You can also add few drops of natural spearmint essential oil into it for flavouring and additional anti-microbial benefits. Your tooth whitening rinse is ready! Swish this mixture in your mouth for about twenty minutes then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This method can significantly whiten your teeth and it’s totally safe for everyone, however it is little time-consuming and sometimes uncomfortable too.

Banana Peel Teeth Whitening Treatment

Very less people know that the inside of a banana peel contains optimal levels of potassium, magnesium, manganese, and other minerals that can whiten your teeth in a dramatic way. These mineral can get easily absorbed into the enamel and give your teeth remarkable whitening effects.  

If you are concerned about the abrasiveness of other natural whiteners, try this simple and inexpensive banana peel remedy. After brushing your teeth with your regular toothpaste, take a small piece of ripe banana peel and gently rub your teeth with it for a couple of minutes. Try to cover each of the teeth as much as possible; then gargle with lemon water to get rid of bad breath or just rinse with plain water. You can use this teeth whitening home-treatment to remove tough stains from your teeth and make your smile brighter.