Natural Teeth Whitening Remedies

In just about every drugstore around America, there are at least a dozen different brands of natural teeth whitening remedies that promise safe, effective whitening.  However, these can run anywhere from twenty-five to one-hundred twenty-five dollars, often with minimally satisfactory results.  Natural teeth whitening can be achieved at home for a fraction of the cost with common household products.  There are many methods, but there are also risks that come along with some of these.  Some of the most effective methods for those wondering how to whiten teeth at home involve household products that are in almost every kitchen or bathroom cabinet.

Two products regularly touted as good teeth whitening agents are lemon juice and strawberries. While they do indeed whiten teeth, both are high in acid and essentially burn stains away from the teeth. This, however, can also destroy the enamel very quickly and once the enamel has been destroyed the teeth are permanently weakened and often much more yellow. Lemon juice, in fact, is so damaging that it should not be used at all; while strawberries may be safe once or twice, if regular toothpaste is used immediately afterward. Strawberries are best if crushed and mixed with a little baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.

Another less common but safer natural teeth whitening remedy is wood ash.  Hard wood ash cleans the teeth with its tiny crystals by rubbing hard-to-reach areas, while bleaching the teeth as well with potassium hydroxide.  The ash can be mixed with water or applied directly to a damp toothpaste and rubbed gently on the teeth.  However, while this is much less erosive than lemon juice or strawberries, it can still wear down the enamel in teeth over time that should not be applied on a regular basis.  The use of wood ash may cause a tingling in the gums but this is normal, signifying only that the cleaning process is working. 

Dentists generally agree that the best natural teeth whitening methods are baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.  They can be used separately but work best together; baking soda works to clean the teeth while the peroxide bleaches them white.  A paste can be made by mixing the two with water, a dash of salt, and peppermint oil to improve the taste.  However, even these teeth whitening agents are abrasive, and should be used only every two weeks or less as part of a regular dental health regimen.  They are softer on the enamel than even wood ash so minimal regular use is safe for most people. 

As with chemical treatments, people should not use even natural teeth whitening remedies with permanent retainers, braces, or other dental irregularities unless first approved by a dentist. These natural remedies may not have as immediate results as many store-bought teeth whiteners, but they are cheaper, often safer, and just as effective over time. In addition, unlike chemical teeth whiteners, these household methods are safe for pregnant women and are less likely to irritate sensitive teeth.

While some common home remedies are not recommended because of the high acid content, such as lemon juice, others are considered safe and even recommended by dentists. Baking soda and peroxide are excellent whitening agents for most people; however, as with any product, results may vary from person to person. It is important for any user to be educated about the benefits and risks of any product and to decide what works for him or her. Natural teeth whitening methods are not miracle remedies for stained or yellowed teeth; but with a little persistence, these methods may whiten teeth safely and effectively over time.