Teeth whitening is one of the most cost-effective ways you can take years off your appearance. In recent years, as consumers strive for perfection and youth, teeth whitening has become a billion dollar business. However, bleaching your teeth with harsh chemicals sold over-the-counter can be harmful to your health and the teeth themselves.
The most popular teeth whitening programs bleach your teeth with chemicals, which can lead to tooth enamel or gum damage.
Luckily, there are effective natural methods for teeth whitening which can be used to effectively remove stains without exposing your body to unnecessary chemicals. Here are three simple and cost-effective methods for a naturally whiter, brighter smile.
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Brush gently with My Magic Mud, a detoxifying tooth powder made with activated coconut shell charcoal, organic orange peel extract, organic mint and bentonite clay. The charcoal and clay help to rid your mouth of toxins and stains. The bentonite clay also works to remineralize the teeth. This special tooth powder pulls out the stains and toxins yet is extremely gentle on the enamel. Instructions: Open the jar at your own risk (seriously, this stuff can stain, so be careful). Tap your toothbrush bristles against the powder (a little goes a long way). Brush gently for two minutes and watch your teeth stains dissolve. Finally, let the “mud” fall out of your mouth into the bathroom sink as you run the water. Where to find it: Magic Mud is available at Peoples Lakeline, Central, Westlake and South locations.
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Oil pull with coconut oil and therapeutic grade essential oil. Oil pulling is an ancient method for cleaning the mouth. It works deeply to remove stains from coffee, wine and/or smoking. The coconut oil contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which cleanse the mouth, resulting in a healthy white smile. Instructions: Scoop out 1 TBSP of coconut oil and swish around in the mouth for 10-20 minutes. For an added bonus try adding 2-4 drops of essential oil to the coconut oil. Some of my favorite essential oils are the Young Living Peppermint or Young Living Oregano Essential Oils. Where to find it: Peoples sells a variety of coconut oils and therapeutic grade essential oils that can be used for oil pulling at our North, Central, Westlake and South locations.
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Good ol’ baking soda and therapeutic grade essential oil will do the trick on the cheap! Pick up a box of baking soda for less than $2 and some Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil or the Well Scent Watch Your Mouth Extreme Clean Essential Oil (available at Peoples Central). Instructions: Mix together 1 tbsp of baking soda, 2 drops of oil and a few drops of water into a paste. Brush teeth gently for two minutes and watch the stains disappear. Where to find it: Peoples sells a variety of therapeutic grade essential oils that can be used for the paste at our North, Central, Westlake and South locations.
By Natalie Clavio, Certified Health Coach and “Girl About Wellness”