1. Maintain Oral Health
Changing or improving the way you care for your teeth can result in a brighter smile. Simply clearing your mouth of the materials that can cause stains is a holistic way to whiten while you prevent gum disease or tooth decay. Brush or use a natural-formula mouthwash after every meal, especially one that includes coffee, tea, dark colas or red wine. Flossing regularly eliminates food that can trap these staining agents. Choose a gentle mouthwash, one that doesn't contain alcohol. Read the label. The ingredient chlorhexidine, used to freshen breath, can actually discolor teeth. But an effective gargle helps to kill the bacteria that can produce plaque, tartar and tooth staining.
2. Avoid Staining Agents
Another holistic method for whitening teeth is to prevent staining in the first place. The beverages mentioned in above are some of the worst offenders to tooth brightness as are some plant extracts, such as the coloring compounds in blueberries or turmeric, and tobacco tops the list. Reducing or eliminating the ingestion of these darkening agents may be enough to keep enamel white, or you also may need a natural stain remover.
3. Use Natural Tooth Polishers
Whitening toothpaste that contains baking soda or another non-peroxide brightener or polisher can lighten your teeth by a shade. Many health food stores carry natural products, such as calcium carbonate or malic acid, that help to remove stains by mild abrasion or with fruit compounds. You can make your own plant-based polishers by combining a ripe strawberry or an orange peel with some baking soda and applying it directly to your teeth. Even though natural whiteners are milder than bleaches, don't overuse them. Teeth and gums are sensitive, and you will be absorbing some of whichever topical product you use.
