The best way to get a brighter whiter smile is to get professional whitening treatments by your cosmetic dentist or orthodontist. But it’s just as important to keep that smile glistening between visits. There are a few things you can do and some surprising foods you can eat between professional visits to keep your smile white as ever. Yes, whitening strips, gels and other treatments are great to use, but if overused can be harmful. So let’s turn to the kitchen for some natural and effective whiteners. Here are four surprising ways to keep your teeth as white as can be:
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
These two household items are the rock stars of maintaining white teeth between cosmetic dentist visits. Mix two to three tablespoons of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to create a runny paste. Put onto a toothbrush and gently brush your teeth. Don’t apply too much pressure. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties to kill bad breath, keep your mouth clean but maintain white teeth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This secret is more than just for salad dressing! Apple cider vinegar is a powerful teeth whitener when used with caution. It is very acidic and can damage tooth enamel, so before rinsing dilute it with water. Only one half teaspoon added to a cup of water is enough. Gargle for a few seconds just like you would mouthwash.
Raw Crunchy Fruits & Veggies
Mother knows best! Eating raw fruits and vegetables are not just for the vitamins and minerals but also for maintaining a healthy, whiter smile. Carrots, celery, apples and others naturally scrub your teeth while you chew removing sugars and other unwanted particles from the teeth.
Banana And Orange Peels
These natural teeth whiteners are bananas! Before you throw an banana or orange peels away, rub them on your teeth! That’s right, the manganese, magnesium, limonene and potassium that naturally occur in the peels will whiten those pearly whites. Brush your teeth with toothpaste afterwards and rinse the stains away.