More and more people seem to be concerned with the color of their teeth. This newfound awareness has led many people to take greater care of their pearly whites, but it has also led to the arrival of a number of obscure products and mall-whitening stations that may do more harm to your teeth than good. If you're looking for a method with which to brighten your smile without the use of chemicals, you may be happy to learn that there are some fairly effective means to naturally whiten your teeth, and they are found (not so surprisingly) in the toothpaste aisle.
Identification
One of the most widely disseminated products for naturally whitening your teeth can be found in your grocer's produce section: the strawberry. While it may seem to defy logic, especially in light of all the commercials showing berries staining a person's smile, the malic acid found within a strawberry actually acts as a natural whitening instrument. Essentially, this little piece of produce can buff away the staining from coffee, wine or nicotine, among other discoloring agents.
Function
Though a simple swipe of the strawberry can quickly remove some stains from your teeth, you can increase its efficacy by making your own "toothpaste." In a small bowl, crush a single ripe strawberry into a mush. Add 1/2 tsp. of baking soda and mix until well blended. Smooth the mixture over your teeth and let it stand for about 5 minutes. Brush your teeth with a store-brand toothpaste and rinse. Your teeth should be a whiter than before. Due to the nature of the acid in the strawberry, you shouldn't apply this mixture more than once a week, as it may damage the enamel of your teeth.
Potential
An alternative method that many people swear by is to use another item found in the produce aisle -- the orange. Actually, it's the peel of an orange that is often used to naturally whiten your teeth, but you'll have to buy the whole fruit to employ this technique (unless, of course, you're out to dinner and there's a slice on your plate as a garnish). Who ever knew restaurants have been providing a "free" means of cleaning your teeth for years? Simply rub the inside of the peel along the surface of your teeth to give them a quick polish.
Another technique of naturally whitening your teeth is to make a sort of whitening wash out of a little lemon juice and salt. It may sound like something you'd drink for a cold, but it's purported to work. Basically, the wash is made of a 3-to-1 ratio of lemon to salt (3 tbsp. of lemon juice to 1 tbsp. of salt). Swish it in your mouth for about a minute or so, then brush as you normally would.
Warning
It is best to use any naturally acidic product--like oranges, lemons and even strawberries--in moderation. This extends to their use as natural teeth-whitening agents. Don't apply any of the aforementioned mixtures more than once a week, as doing so may damage the enamel of your teeth. Of course, this doesn't mean that you should simply alternate them. Only use any type of natural whitening agent once a week or less.
Expert Insight
One of the most "natural" ways of is to have them professionally cleaned at your dentist's office. This has nothing to do with applying a whitening agent to your teeth; it solely has to do with thorough cleaning. Many people actually attest to whiter teeth when they add an additional visit every year. Instead of going every 6 months, they'll make an appointment for every 4.
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