Natural Teeth Whitening Options: Are they Effective?

There are so many myths and home remedy products claiming to be a "natural teeth whitener" that it can be hard to know for certain which solutions actually work, which don’t, and most importantly, which are safe. Searching the internet is a surefire way to find a wealth of advice on where to find the perfect natural tooth whitener, but many of these tooth whitening tricks lack any scientific evidence to support their claims. Case in point: baking soda. It's found in numerous dental products, but is it effective and safe to be used on its own as a natural teeth whitener?

Would you believe that you can find natural teeth whiteners in your refrigerator? Many people are hesitant to use chemicals or commercial products and therefore prefer natural teeth whiteners. One such example of a simple natural tooth whitener is rubbing the inside of an orange peel on your teeth. While fruits and vegetables can be subtle natural teeth whiteners, their effectiveness doesn't quite match the hype.

• Orange Peels: Could an orange peel as a natural teeth whitener be too good to be true? Most likely. While this natural tooth whitener may offer a minimal amount of whitening, it’s not worth the potential damage it can cause your teeth. Because oranges are naturally acidic, using orange peels as a natural teeth whitener can actually cause damage to the enamel of your teeth, weaken your teeth, and have lasting negative effects on your smile.
• Vegetables: Some claim that a simple way to whiten your teeth is to eat natural teeth whiteners like celery, cucumber, broccoli, and carrots. These crunchy fruits and vegetables work to gently scrub away stains on your teeth and increase production of saliva, which helps reduce plaque-causing bacteria. Unfortunately, while fruits and vegetables may be effective in washing away food particles and reducing plaque, you will have to wait an extremely long time—maybe even your lifetime—in order to see any whitening results. These natural teeth whiteners perform a very subtle role in teeth whitening, therefore the visible effects are minimal. Plus, if you drink coffee, tea, or cola often, you're easily canceling out any whitening effects of these natural teeth whiteners.
• Baking Soda: You've probably heard about the power of baking soda as a natural teeth whitener. While it's found in many toothpastes as a natural teeth whitener, it doesn't have the same effect when applied to your toothbrush and used directly on your teeth. Those who espouse the whitening action of baking soda as a natural teeth whitener claim that all you need to do is wet your toothbrush, sprinkle it with baking soda, and brush carefully. If you don't brush carefully, you could grind the baking soda into your gums and cause irritation. As a natural teeth whitener, baking soda will provide a tiny amount of whitening, but it is also true that you can get much more dramatic and life-changing effects by using a whitening toothpaste containing baking soda combined with at-home teeth-whitening technology. Find out more about the pros and cons of baking soda for brushing.
• Strawberries & Baking Soda: A wide variety of household products can be used in combination to make a homemade teeth whitener. A popular homemade teeth whitener you may have heard about is a combination of crushed strawberries and baking soda. Those who swear by this method claim that you just need to crush a cup or so of strawberries and mix with baking soda. Supposedly, this homemade teeth whitener can be used just like regular toothpaste. You are advised to brush gently to avoid irritation to your gums and finish by brushing again with your favorite fluoride toothpaste. Unfortunately, not only is this not very effective as a homemade teeth whitener, this homemade teeth whitener can actually be harmful. Strawberry seeds easily become trapped in the spaces between your teeth. It is best to stay away from this homemade teeth whitener and instead make a small investment of $25-50 in scientifically-backed teeth-whitening technology. Teeth whitening strips from reputable brands provide dramatic teeth-whitening results and have been proven safe on teeth and gums.

If you’re looking for considerable whitening to achieve the perfect smile, there are many professional and over-the-counter options available. From professional treatments to over-the-counter whitening strips and gels. These powerful alternatives to using a natural tooth whitener are safe and effective. Most importantly, they will give you a more beautiful smile and a healthy boost in your self-confidence. After all, an attractive smile is one of the most effective ways to make a positive first impression.

While there are many natural teeth whiteners available, if you need quick, dramatic whitening, invest in an at-home teeth whitener proven to be safe and effective. The 3D White regimen is a collection of Crest and Oral-B tooth whitening products with unique roles that work independently or together (in various combinations) to deliver whitening results that turn heads. Products such as those in the Crest 3D White Whitestrips collection use the same enamel-safe ingredients found at your dentist’s office. Combine the effects of powerful whitening strips with the vitamins and minerals of fruits and vegetables your body needs, and you'll be on your way to a whiter, brighter smile and meet your daily recommended nutrition requirements. That's the best of both worlds.

Brushing your teeth with baking soda may provide a very small amount of whitening, though you run the risk of irritating your gums if you brush too hard. While there are many so-called solutions available for whitening teeth naturally, the best way to really get a brighter, whiter smile is to invest in a teeth-whitening system. Products such as those in the Crest 3D White Whitestrips collection use the same enamel-safe ingredients found at your dentist’s office. Invest in the Crest 3D White collection for maximum results that are much more powerful than a natural teeth whitener.