Beautiful pretty smiling teen girl

By Leila Khalil

Yellow teeth keeping you down? Don’t worry; I got you girl! Start off the new year with a set of pearly whites that will catch the eye of that handsome hunk you’ve been swooning over 😉 I’ve gathered the top home remedies to help you get a brighter smile this holiday season! 

Baking Soda and Lemon

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This is the most commonly known natural home remedy for teeth whitening. It’s very easy and cheap. The reaction caused by mixing baking soda with the acidic lemon whitens the stains left on our teeth by coffee, soda, smoking and more. All you need is some freshly squeezed lemon juice, baking soda, a mixing bowl, a spoon and your toothbrush!

Mix the lemon juice with just enough baking soda to make a paste-like substance. Voila! Your mixture is ready! Use a cotton swab to remove any plaque from your teeth, then dip your toothbrush in the mixture and apply all over. Leave for no longer than a minute (you don’t want the acid to melt your enamel!), and brush off the mixture with your toothbrush. You’re done!

Tip: Use this as your weekly remedy, as using too often will erode tooth enamel.

Oil Pulling

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Now this one might sound weird, but oil pulling is actually an old Indian remedy used to clean one’s teeth and overall oral cavity. Having a clean mouth is the first step to white teeth! Oil pulling is really simple, and works by basically swishing any kind of organic oil through your mouth like mouthwash. The “pulling” part happens when you suck the oil through your teeth, allowing it to release any plaque or food stuck in-between. Do this for around 15 minutes, then rinse with water and drink a glass or two.

Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

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Hydrogen peroxide is a known cleanser, whether it’s for wounds or bleaching. But did you know it can also make your smile sparkle?! Pick up some food-grade hydrogen peroxide which can be found at any pharmacy or even grocery store, and use it like mouthwash for about 10 seconds. If you want to use it longer, dilute it with water in a 50/50 mixture. Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, meaning it will eliminate bad breathe! Double score!

Activated Charcoal

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As always, the best (and most controversial) is saved for last! Activated charcoal has taken the natural, home-remedy market by storm and has everyone posing for the camera saying “cheese” with their charcoaled smiles. This natural detoxifier is odorless, tasteless and won’t kill you if accidentally digested. Activated charcoal works by stripping your teeth clean of any stains causes by coffee, wine, or smoking to name a few. It usually comes in capsules, and can be bought at pharmacies or ordered online (Amazon rules!). If you are brave at heart and can handle seeing yourself with a blackened set of chompers, follow these steps for the teeth whitening experience of a lifetime!

  1. Break 1-2 capsules into a small bowl
  2. Pour around a teaspoon of water to create a paste mixture

Now, you can either use the paste as a mouthwash and swish it around your mouth, leaving the excess on your teeth for around 3 minutes…

OR

You can use a toothbrush or your finger to gentle dap the mixture all over your teeth. Rinse after 3 minutes and you will immediately see the results!

Here are a few other tricks you can try!

1- Eat Strawberries – Catherine Zeta Zones is known for mashing up these super yummy and healthy berries and rubbing against her teeth. Give it a go!

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2- Orange or Lemon peels – rub against your teeth but be weary to rinse off the acid!

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3- Be Flossy;) – this doesn’t occur to as many people as you would think, but flossing keeps the spaces between our teeth clean and clear.

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4- Go bananas! Bananas are full of potassium, manganese and magnesium, which are absorbed into our teeth. Rub the peels on your teeth for a brighter smile.

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