Home Remedies For Quick Teeth Whitening

The highly abrasive action of drugstore tooth whitening kits may ultimately strip your teeth of their enamel and even make them darker in the long run. Even more alarming, the agents used in the kits are potentially carcinogenic, raising the specter of mouth cancer, especially for smokers. (See References 1). Several natural alternatives exist that may bring you quick results without using harsh agents. Even overuse of these home remedies, however, may harm tooth enamel. Use them sparingly, and check with your dentist before attempting any self-treatment.

Baking Soda Brushing

Some people swear by the baking soda method to quickly brighten teeth. Renowned as a safe, inexpensive way to get rid of household stains, that little orange box of sodium bicarbonate may also make your teeth whiter through its gentle abrasive action. Sprinkle baking soda on top of toothpaste, or add directly to your toothbrush. Do not use it daily, as it may harm enamel. (See References 2)

Hydrogen Peroxide Mouth Rinse

Approve by the FDA as a mouth rinse, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide may be your ticket to whiter teeth. If you remember the jokes about "peroxide blondes" you won't be surprised to learn that hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent. In this case, it attacks stubborn dental stains by degrading their molecules. According to Grannymed.com, dentists use hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth, although at a stronger concentration. Use as much as you would commercial mouthwash, swirling it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out. Be careful not to swallow hydrogen peroxide.

Baking Soda-Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

While theoretically you might combine any two time-honored tooth whitening products, some people swear by a paste made from hydrogen perodixe and baking soda. One reason may be that each makes the delivery system of the other more effective. To experiment this method, pour a tablespoon of baking soda into a small cup. Add enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Stir with a spoon or your toothbrush. When you have a toothpaste-like consistency, dip your toothbrush in and brush your teeth.

Water

Sometimes, the simplest solutions get overlooked. Simply rinses your mouth as soon as possible after eating may go a long way in preventing coffee, sodas and other staining agents from lingering in the mouth. According to Sid Kirchheimer in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II," even the simple act of discreetly swishing water in your mouth before swallowing makes a big difference when you can't get to a restroom to rinse or brush your teeth.

Sage Leaves

Herbalist Barbara Griggs recommends an old-fashioned quick tooth-whitening remedy which can be done in the great outdoors. According to Griggs, simply taking a sage leaf from your herb garden and wiping it over teeth and gums may make them brighter because of sage's astringent properties. Alternatively, dry and grind sage leaves for use as a tooth powder, or infuse fresh leaves and rinse with the cooled, strained water.

Whitening Foods

Adding certain foods to your diet may make an effective tool in your arsenal of natural tooth-whiteners. Griggs notes that strawberries contain whitening, anti-tarter properties, while Kirchheimer recommends crunchy foods like apples and celery to knock away food particles. Opinions vary on the classic lemon juice rinse for quick tooth whitening. Griggs includes it in her list of effective home remedies, but Grannymed.com warns that even occasional use of the acidic fruit may harm tooth enamel.