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Home remedies for whiter teeth – do they work?

Home remedies for whiter teeth – do they work?

Written by Agencies |Updated : September 26, 2013 5:28 PM IST

cartoontoothWe've heard so many weird home remedies that people use for whiter teeth. Though we do not endorse any of the below ourselves, thought we should share some of the most common ones:

  • Oil 'em up

Our own traditional medicine the Ayurveda has a simple home remedy for whiter teeth in the form of oil pulling. It not only whitens the teeth but also detoxifies and cleanses the body. This simple and inexpensive technique involves rinsing your mouth with oil! Take a tablespoon of oil (sesame, coconut, etc.) in your mouth early in the morning on an empty stomach. Gargle and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes ensuring to cover all corners of your mouth. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Practice this every morning and your teeth are sure to sparkle.

  • Go bananas

You probably know the health benefits of banana. But did you know that the banana peel could possibly help your teeth sparkle too? Rub the white inside part a banana peel on your teeth. Leave it on for a couple of minutes and rinse. Banana peel is a good source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc. It's a good antioxidant and is also rich in carbohydrates and fibre. (Read: 10 healthy reasons to go bananas!)

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  • Good ol' tulsi

You can either use dried, powdered leaves of the holy basil as it is or mix it with mustard oil/ orange peel powder for brushing your teeth. The highly valued holy basil (tulsi) is known to protect against bleeding gums and also increase the whiteness of the teeth. (Read: Why you shouldn't neglect bleeding gums)

  • Go back to the basics

Charcoal of babul wood mixed with roasted alum and rock salt can be used as toothpowder for teeth whitening. The twigs of the babul (acacia or gum Arabic) tree have long been used as disposable toothbrushes and are useful in arresting gum bleeding and strengthening loose teeth. Charcoal's adsorption quality makes it a good cleansing agent.

  • Root it out

Chew on the roots of banyan (bargad) tree to keep your teeth pearly white. The aerial roots of the banyan tree are also another source of disposable toothbrushes. The astringent property of the roots helps whiten the teeth.

  • Fight 'em with vinegar

Gargling with apple cider vinegar is very effective in brightening your smile. It is known not only to remove stains to whiten teeth but also to kill the gum disease causing bacteria in your mouth. But avoid excess use as it may weaken the enamel.

  • Get fruity

Vitamin C can lighten and brighten your teeth. Applying vitamin C rich lemon, tomatoes, oranges, strawberries, etc. directly on the teeth can help clean and whiten them. But since they are acidic, use them not more than once or twice a week. And remember to brush your teeth immediately after.

  • Do try this at home

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide with water and use it like mouthwash. Rinsing daily with hydrogen peroxide, an oxidizing agent, can bleach your teeth and whiten them.

Have you tried any of these? Did it work for you? Or do you have home remedies of your own? Do share them with us.

The post Home Remedies for Whiter Teeth Do they work appeared first on Colgate Total Blog.

Also read: Get whiter teeth with these 8 simple tips