These days, a great smile goes a long way, and more and more people want to ensure their teeth don’t show the effects of the good life they’re living – the stains of all that red wine, coffee, Coca-cola, and tea, can be long-lasting and hard to get rid of. As a result, cosmetic treatments to whiten and brighten teeth are hugely popular, not just for Hollywood celebrities.

But chemical substances have a tendency to strip away enamel and increase sensitivity of teeth. This means it gets harder to tolerate whiteners as well as everyday brushing and cleaning. To avoid this, there are alternatives which are not only healthier for your body and the environment, but far less expensive and can be done at home by you!

These are the three ways to naturally make your teeth brighter, improve dental hygiene by reducing bacteria and preventing enamel decay.

Coconut oil

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Oil pulling is a natural method to clean teeth. Coconut oil contains antibacterial matter found in lauric acid, that helps to reduce plaque on teeth by killing bacteria. It is particularly effective against Streptococcus Mutans, a bacteria known for causing cavities and deteriorating gum health. It’s also an anti fungal and antiviral, meaning you get three-in-one immunity against bad micro-organisms. That means it can also help prevent gingivitis (bacteria that causes deterioration of gums) and bad breath.

The actual name of the method is misleading, as there’s no real “pulling” involved – you simply rinse your mouth for 15-20 minutes with coconut oil then spit it out and brush with normal toothpaste. Or you can rinse your mouth while in the shower to cut out time. Coconut oil won’t strip away the protective coating on your teeth like chemical substances can do, and leave your teeth sensitive.

Coconut oil is so versatile that it can be used for other cleaning and beauty products, so it won’t go to waste if you buy it in bulk. While it won’t result in a smile that glows in the dark, you also won’t have the unnatural bleached look either, but a naturally clean and healthy set of teeth. You can also use sesame oil or sunflower oil if you prefer, but most people recommend coconut oil for the flavor.

Activated charcoal

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Brushing your teeth with a black, chalky substance? Say what? No, it’s true. Activated charcoal works very effectively as a natural teeth whitener. Daily use of activated charcoal can show results in as little as two weeks. It’s easy to use as well. Just take some charcoal and put it on your toothpaste then brush your teeth. There’s no noticeable taste or odor since charcoal is an ultra-effective deodorizer as well. You may however, give yourself a fright in the mirror when you see your entire mouth black. Wash it away, and you’ll see a whiter result however.

Activated charcoal binds elements to its surface via adsorption, its porous surface attracting toxins and negating any negative effects. It’s so powerful, it can neutralize the effects of known toxic poisons.

It’s thus ideal as a natural teeth whitener, picking up toxins from your teeth.  Make sure you only use activated charcoal that is food-grade, not the stuff from the outdoor barbecue. If unsure, ask a medical professional for assistance in using it particularly if you have a medical condition including pregnancy.

Baking soda and lemon juice

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Lemon juice effectively removes particles of dirt, making whatever it comes into contact with shine. Acidic elements like lemon juice react with alkaline substances and dissolve them essentially.  Baking soda on the other hand, has a neutral pH level of around 8, even when combined with acidic substances. It can be used for any number of cleaning substance and to make your cakes and bread rise and be fluffy. Baking soda can be an exceptional cleaning agent as its alkaline nature dissolves dirt and toxins. Apart from being non-toxic, it is readily available in any supermarket, cheap and needs no extra preparation to use.

Simply mix a bit of lemon juice with baking soda to make a paste. Then use your toothbrush, dip it into the paste as you would with normal toothpaste, and brush your teeth as normal. You’ll notice a slight acidic and salty taste. You can also mix in a drop of mint essential oil if you prefer the traditional peppermint smell and taste.

It doesn’t take much to whiten your teeth and have a million-dollar smile naturally. While you should try to avoid consistent consumption of severe stain-inducing foods and drinks, there’s no need to cut them out entirely. Instead of harsh chemical substances that cost the earth and strip away the protective layer of enamel on top of your teeth, try these alternatives. Easy, inexpensive and best of all, good for your health inside and out, coconut pulling, and brushing with activated charcoal or a baking soda and lemon juice toothpaste will brighten your teeth and improve oral hygiene.

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