Our favorite safe whitening strategies,these is:
1. Oil pulling
The reason oil pulling is our favorite solution for naturally whitening our teeth is because unlike so many whitening strategies that have risks of damaging enamel and gum tissue, oil pulling actually helps reduce tooth decay and gingivitis.
The downside to oil pulling is it does take some time as the protocol does traditionally suggest 20 minutes of actively swishing oil around your mouth.
The same goes for oil pulling. It’s been scientifically proven that oil pulling helps to stop gum disease. And if you use coconut oil, you’ll lower your risk of tooth decay too. A component of coconut oil, called monolaurin, has shown to be a very effective antimicrobial on the main bug implicated with tooth decay, strep mutans.
2. Baking soda
The game with using baking soda to whiten is to gently focus on the front teeth while the baking soda shifts from powder to solution mixed with saliva. Once baking soda is basically liquid in your mouth (mixed with saliva), it will still have some gentle ability to remove stains, but if you want to focus on whitening, focus on front teeth first.
Remember, gentle. It’s a marathon. Just because baking soda has a low RDA score doesn’t mean that you can’t scrub too hard with it.
3. Clay
Clays have a unique ability to be very soft (low abrasive) yet able to polish more effectively. In fact, one specific type of clay, white kaolin clay, has the high score from the research on its ‘Cleaning Efficiency’. This cleaning efficiency is a combination of a low abrasivity score and a high ability to remove stains.Same game as with baking soda. Focus on front teeth while the clay is incorporated into saliva.
4. Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is another very popular at home alternative teeth whitening strategy.
Some say it does wonders. Others argue that it doesn’t work.(1) We think much of the disparity of opinions could be that those who say activated charcoal doesn’t work expect charcoal to work like their commercial whitening strips (aka overnight) (2).
After all, activated charcoal is used internally when one suspects a recent case of food poisoning. In fact, we always carry a bottle of activated charcoal capsules when traveling in case of the risk of food poisoning from eating out while on the road.
5. Dilute hydrogen peroxide
We know that some of you may be saying right now, “Wait a second! Isn’t it hydrogen peroxide that causes all the problems in conventional teeth whitening treatments?” And you’re right.In this case, we have to consider the concentration of hydrogen peroxide used in the mouth.
Many studies show that hydrogen peroxide is dangerous at higher concentrations like those used in conventional whitening treatments. Some studies even show potential risks at concentrations as low as 3%.If you choose to use hydrogen peroxide to support teeth whitening, keep it really low concentration. We don’t suggest using anything higher than 1% (max 1.5%) concentration.
It makes a lot of sense to us to combine two or more of these strategies to maximize the efficiency of the time you spend to whiten your teeth.
1. Oil pulling and activated charcoal
Perhaps try mixing a capsule of activated charcoal with your oil you plan to use for oil pulling today. This way, you’ll benefit from the stain removing ability of oil pulling AND help to draw out stains with activated charcoal AND will have the ‘time on the teeth’ factor taken care of by the amount of time you commit to oil pulling.
As far as a bang for the buck efficiency for naturally whitening your teeth, this combo is our first pick.
Just remember to spit the used oil somewhere outside as it’s going to be a mess if you try to spit into the bathroom sink!
2. Brush with baking soda and clay powder
Make a simple mix of baking soda and clay powder to benefit from the gentle abrasive of each. Perhaps add in a little xylitol to support remineralization while you’re at it!
In the end, whatever strategy(ies) you choose, be sure to go about it consciously to care for your enamel. We hope these strategies help you have a healthier, happier (and brighter) smile today and always!
For even more safe and natural teeth whitening tips, feel free to download our FREE eBook, How to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth (Without Destroying Your Enamel).
How about you? What strategies have you used to whiten your teeth? Have you found benefit from them? Any you suggest we stay away from?