How To Whiten Teeth Naturally

A warm smile is contagious. Not only does it make others around us feel good, but it can help us feel good about ourselves too. Try making the biggest, brightest smile you can make for 10 seconds. Even though you might feel silly, it works, right?!

However, often times we feel insecure about our smile if our teeth aren't straight enough or our teeth aren't white enough. First let me tell you, if you are smiling, you are so beautiful! Second, let me teach you a few natural tricks to help give you a whiter smile without filling your mouth with toxic chemicals, spending a fortune, or damaging enamel and creating sensitive teeth.

Here are my 2 favourite ways to whiten teeth naturally:

1. Activated Charcoal

This has become a very popular trend recently, and for good reason. Activated charcoal (a reheated oxidized form, not the charcoal you use for your grill) has natural adhesive elements that bind to plaque and stains such as coffee, tea, nicotine, and wine and takes them off instantly. Some people apply the charcoal directly onto a toothbrush with a bit of water and brush with the charcoal paste. The technique is somewhat controversial due to concern of the effect on enamel, but there are no studies on this yet. To err on the side of caution, I recommend starting with the application technique which involves taking 1 opened capsule or 1/4 tsp, mixing it with a splash of water to form a paste, applying it with your finger to the teeth and keeping it on for 3-4 minutes. Afterwards, rinse it out with water and brush your teeth as you normally would. Your mouth and gums will feel squeaky clean, and the effect is noticeable right away. If you do choose to brush your teeth with the charcoal, be gentle and brush in a vertical motion instead of horizontal.

2. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient technique that has amazing benefits. Not only can it help detox the mouth and whiten teeth, it helps those with anxiety, boosts the immune system, and can promote better sleep.

Put 1 Tbsp of coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth. Let it melt and pull it through your teeth (it's not to be swished - the key is the pulling motion through the teeth) for 10-15 minutes. Then spit it out, rinse with water, and brush your teeth as you normally would. I love to add 1 drop of doTERRA peppermint oil or doTERRA onguard oil for the added medicinal effect, plus the taste is more enjoyable this way. The coconut oil contains lauric acid which brightens yellow teeth over time, and its antimicrobial properties help fight against plaque and promote gum health and fresh breath. Sesame oil is very grounding and a great oil to use for those with anxiety or difficulty sleeping at night. Continue this practice for 10-15 minutes each morning or evening for 1 month for best results.

Now I’d love to hear from you. Have you tried using activated charcoal or the ancient Ayurvedic technique of oil pulling? What did you notice? Share and let me know!