ALMOST one fifth of us try to not to smile in photos because we aren’t happy
with colour or look of our teeth.
With many of us drinking coffee, smoking and consuming fizzy drinks, it can be
difficult to maintain that sparkling smile all the time.
And despite how many times you brush, those yellow stains don’t seem to fade.
Well, we have taken a look at five natural and cheap ways to help whiten your
teeth, in the comfort of your own home.
1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Both of these items can be bought at your local supermarket or pharmacy, just
make sure the peroxide is a 3 per cent solution.
Simply mix a small amount of each into a runny paste and brush your teeth as
usual but make sure it’s not gritty.
Too much baking soda can scrub off your enamel, which doesn’t grow back; also
you should only use the paste twice a week.
2. Coconut Oil Pulling
Some of you might have seen celebrities promoting coconut oil pulling over the
past few months but you don’t need to buy the branded pack.
Instead, buy a jar of coconut oil, put a spoonful of the oil into your mouth
and swill it round like mouthwash for five to 20 minutes.
As well as being praised for its teeth whitening results, coconut oil also has
antimicrobial properties, so it’s good for your gums too.
3. Strawberries
Strawberries contain a lot of vitamin C, which can help break down plaque and
the malic acid can remove stains.
Simply mash up three or four ripe strawberries into a paste, dip your
toothbrush into the paste and then brush your teeth with it.
Leave the mixture there for five minutes, then rinse your mouth with water and
brush again to get rid of the excess strawberry.
4. Activated charcoal
When we say charcoal we aren’t talking about the stuff you burn in your
barbeque, this one is specifically used for medicine.
It’s designed to absorb chemicals and draws out stains from your teeth and you
can find it in some natural health stores and online.
Dip a wet toothbrush into the charcoal, brush as you would normally for two
minutes, then rinse with water and brush again to get the excess off.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
This one may not taste particularly nice but it has been known to remove tough
nicotine or coffee stains.
Brush your teeth with a dash of ACV but be careful how frequently you use it
because it can remove the enamel from your teeth.
And make sure you brush your teeth again after, or swill your mouth with
water, you may have to be patient because results can take a month or so.