A set of beautiful pearly whites can attract more attention than the most expensive jewelry or clothes in the latest fashion. Having healthy and beautiful teeth will give you more self-confidence and you will be encouraged to talk to others and smile more. If you’re worried that your teeth are irrevocably darkened and stained because of some bad habits (cigarettes, coffee, and red wine can do that), it is possible to save the natural beauty of your teeth and make them snow-white again. Here are some of the most effective natural teeth whitening methods we know:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is as good as pure gold, or so people involved in the beauty industry state: it soothes and hydrates dry skin, it’s great for hair, and it can also be used as a super-effective makeup remover. As if this isn’t enough, coconut oil also has wonderful antibacterial properties which make it one of the most effective teeth whiteners out there. It is very easy to use it: just take a spoon of oil and swish it in your mouth for about 15 minutes. This is called ‘oil pulling’ and it will absorb some of the toxins from your mouth, leaving behind perfect conditions for the good bacteria. Keep in mind that oil pulling can’t replace your daily teeth washing routine; it can only be your healthier alternative from time to time.
Specialized toothpaste
There are so many different types of teeth whitening toothpaste on the market that you can get a headache trying to pick just one. Fortunately, you can make your own in your kitchen: just mix together some baking soda with lemon juice and use the paste to brush your teeth. We bring you a recipe for the simplest homemade toothpaste ever – mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two spoons of hydrogen peroxide, stir it, brush your teeth with it, wait for a minute, and rinse. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t like the effect, you can also try using apple cider vinegar instead of hydrogen peroxide.
Healthy habits
Sometimes people spend a lot of money on different methods in order to whiten their teeth only to discover that they’ve become stained once more after a few years. The culprits are their bad habits, and if you want to keep your teeth not only white but also healthy, you should try adopting some good habits and stick to them every day. Unlike Americans who give thousands of dollars on teeth whitening procedures, Australians value a bit more natural approach. There has been a rise in the use of oral health care products in Sydney and people of all ages understand the importance of flossing and tongue scraping. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss every day, and don’t forget to scrape your tongue while brushing either because that is where a lot of bacteria are ‘hidden’.
Activated charcoal
You might hesitate to try cleaning your teeth with black powder, and even though the process itself isn’t exactly clean, it will leave your teeth looking whiter and brighter. Remember that activated charcoal is much different from the regular charcoal you use for barbecuing; it’s used in water and air filters, and it can even help with some stomach problems. It’s strong enough to absorb oils, which means it’s also great for dealing with stains on your teeth. There are some kinds of toothpaste that contain activated charcoal but you can use plain activated charcoal powder too. Simply dip your toothbrush in the powder, brush your teeth with it, and afterward brush your teeth again with your regular toothpaste. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t do this too often or you’ll damage your tooth enamel.
Whitening foods
In the end, we have to point out that by far the easiest way to whiten your teeth naturally is by changing your diet. Starting a so-called ‘white diet’ means that you will be eating foods which are healthy, and which can keep your teeth clean. Typically, yogurt, milk, and cottage cheese are good for your teeth, as well as cereal. Chicken and fish are also good, as are eggs, rice, and pasta. Apples are ‘natural toothbrushes’ but you also might want to start eating more pears, potatoes, and cauliflower. Instead of coffee and dark wine, try drinking more water and white wine, and don’t forget that green tea contains as much caffeine as coffee but won’t stain your teeth.
It’s easy to be jealous of celebrities’ teeth because they have perfect smiles, but don’t forget that they have all invested millions of dollars to get those results. Having imperfect teeth is something we all have to deal with, and even though your smile might not be pearly-white, it’s more important to have a set of perfectly healthy rather than perfectly bright teeth. If you’re not happy with the way your teeth and smile look, don’t hesitate to visit a specialist.
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