6 Natural Teeth Whitening DIY Recipes You Should Try

White teeth are one of the most desired things in the world. Over 30 million Americans tried to whiten their teeth in 2020. Since having white teeth brightens your smile and makes you feel better about yourself, you may want to take things into your own hands rather than going through an expensive bleaching process. Still, before taking on any natural teeth whitening DIY project, you should consult your dentist.

Though these recipes are natural, they all have their drawbacks. Abrasive properties in baking soda and activated charcoal can strip your teeth of enamel, which is your main tooth protection. Once the enamel is gone, it’s gone forever. 

As such, if you are going to use these natural teeth whitening DIY recipes, consider using them sparingly — and only until you see the results you want. Whitening is a slow process, but to protect your teeth, it’s necessary to go at a less-than-desirable speed.

Natural Teeth Whitening DIY Recipes With Baking Soda

While baking soda is a great way to create a mixture that will remove the plaque from your teeth, it’s no replacement for actual toothpaste. Toothpaste has fluoride that will strengthen your teeth and help prevent tooth decay. As such, these natural teeth whitening DIY recipes involving baking soda shouldn’t be looked at as a replacement for toothpaste. Still, when it comes to removing plaque, the abrasive properties of baking soda can’t be refuted.

1. Baking Soda and Water

This mixture is the easiest natural teeth whitening DIY recipe you can create. In a small bowl, mix small amounts of water with just a pinch of baking soda. Stir it together until it becomes paste-like. 

Add equal parts as you continue if you want to make more of the paste. This recipe is easy to use on your finger or a toothbrush, but it’s no substitute for toothpaste. Leave it on your teeth for no longer than four minutes, and you should see results after much use.

2. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

You can mix parts of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide bleaches things and eliminates bacteria naturally, making it excellent for any sort of teeth whitening paste you want to use as a supplement of toothpaste. You’ll want to mix one part baking soda with two parts hydrogen peroxide for this mixture.

Natural Teeth Whitening DIY Recipes With Activated Charcoal

Charcoal is the substance most people think of when they mention whitening their teeth. Activated charcoal has abrasive properties, meaning that any natural teeth whitening DIY recipes that involve it will find plaque easier to remove. Still, you have to be careful with how much you use, as too much can affect the enamel on your teeth. 

1. Activated Charcoal and Coconut Oil

You can create your own whitening toothpaste at home. While it might not give you the same refreshing mint taste like your usual toothpaste, it’ll likely whiten your teeth at least a little. Mix a tiny amount of activated charcoal with around two tablespoons each of baking soda and coconut oil. 

Use a fork to mash it into a paste, and you’ll be able to use it just like toothpaste. Still, you should use fluoride toothpaste afterward to help you strengthen your teeth and wipe away the charcoal remnants.

2. Activated Charcoal Mixture

Some charcoal recipes can be a little more complicated, but the lengthy ingredients list makes up for the trouble by being full of items that will benefit you. A complex charcoal recipe results in a paste that you can leave on your teeth so the ingredients can adhere to stains and help you pull them off of your teeth in time. This recipe could be a great alternative if you want the minty flavor of toothpaste alongside whitening benefits.

Other Natural Teeth Whitening DIY Recipes

If you don’t want to use the abrasive substances of baking soda and charcoal to remove the plaque from your teeth, you have other options that you can use. These natural teeth whitening DIY recipes don’t use either of the two ingredients mentioned above, but you should still be careful with how much you consume of each substance.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture

Hydrogen peroxide and water is a nice mixture that can help you whiten your teeth. Instead of applying it like a removable paste or brushing your teeth with it like toothpaste, this recipe functions more like a mouthwash. You’ll want to mix the hydrogen peroxide with water in equal parts, then rinse with it for around half a minute. You shouldn’t continue using this mixture if it stings to rinse with it.

When in doubt, use a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide than necessary. Less is more, especially in the case of natural bleaching agents. You may gain gum or tooth sensitivity due to using too much hydrogen peroxide, so make sure that you’re measuring your amounts carefully. If you don’t want to use hydrogen peroxide, there are always other methods you can use to get whiter teeth.

2. Eating Clean

Did you know that simply eating fruit can help whiten your teeth? Brushing your teeth and using mixtures may be superior, but eating the right food can help pull plaque away from your teeth due to the crunchiness that raw fruits and vegetables provide. Consider mixing these helpful foods to create your own teeth whitening recipe naturally.

Strawberries are a great example of whole foods that could naturally whiten your teeth. They contain malic acid, which can help brighten your smile, and are great for your body. To keep your teeth strong, you can eat or drink things filled with calcium, like dairy products. 

Improve Your Smile Little by Little

Just because these solutions are all-natural doesn’t mean that you should use them every day. At most, you should use these solutions a couple of times a week. Teeth whitening might be a slow process, but it’s rewarding. Always ask your dentist for guidance when you’re unsure of how to proceed. With these natural teeth whitening DIY recipes, you’ll find that your teeth will lighten over time, and you’ll have a smile that you can be proud of.