4 Natural Teeth Whitening Options That Work

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4 Natural Teeth Whitening Remedies that work- charcoal-coconut oil-toothpate-turmeric
Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » 4 Natural Teeth Whitening Options That Work

Teeth whitening is a multi-billion dollar industry, but unfortunately many teeth whitening treatments contain harsh chemicals that can leave teeth feeling sensitive for a long time. I had sensitive teeth for years after my high school attempts at teeth whitening (at home and at the dentist office).

Once I became pregnant with our first child, I was careful to avoid all chemicals, including those normally used to whiten teeth. I wanted to find natural ways to whiten my teeth that not only worked well, but were also safe. Since chemicals can easily absorb through the sensitive skin in the mouth, I wanted to only use options that were safe enough to eat.

Of course, none of these things are a replacement for normal dental care and I asked my dentist before using these (you should too!). I’ve found that these methods work great along side my normal brushing and flossing routine.

1. Charcoal

how to whiten teeth naturally with charcoalMy first and favorite teeth whitening remedy is also the most controversial: Activated Charcoal.

This was recommended to me by a holistic dentist years ago and though I was skeptical at first, I gave it a try and have been impressed with the results over time.

Yes, it looks terrifying while you are doing it and you will absolutely think for a minute that you were duped by a blogger into permanently staining your teeth. Then, you’ll rinse your mouth and brush as usual and notice that your teeth are not only white again, but possibly whiter.

This works because activated charcoal is a highly absorbent porous substance that binds to things like tannins that stain teeth and leave them yellow or brown. It might also have other benefits for the mouth as well:

Further research I’ve done on this showed that activated charcoal can actually be helpful in changing the pH and health of the mouth, and as such is effective in avoiding cavities and killing the bad bacteria present in tooth decay and gingivitis. For this reason, I now suggest and use it as part of my remineralizing protocol for teeth, along with my remineralizing toothpaste.

When I first wrote about this in 2012, it was controversial and I actually got hate mail (really) for trying to convince people to do something that was obviously going to stain their teeth. These days, I see pictures of it floating around Pinterest, so it seems to have gained a little acceptance.

Some important things I’ve discovered over the years:

  • Keep a microfiber cloth on hand to make cleanup easy as it can make a mess on counters and sinks (though it will come out of them as well)
  • I simply dip my toothbrush into some powdered charcoal that I keep in a small jar on my counter and brush as normal. Another way that will produce results more quickly is to mix a teaspoon of charcoal powder into some water and swish with it for a few minutes. Then, spit the water and leave the remaining charcoal in the mouth for a few minutes so that it has time to bind to stains.
  • It is super important to use activated charcoal from a food/medical grade source. This is not the same as charcoal from your BBQ grill…do not use that.
  • I did this every day for a week when I started and now maintain by using it once a week or so.
  • I felt comfortable brushing with charcoal during pregnancy since oral health is even more important then, and it is spit out and not consumed. I checked with my midwife first (and you should too if pregnant).

Full tutorial and video are here. Now I just use my Wellnesse Charcoal Toothpaste!

p.s. If you want to take it up a notch, I’ve since discovered this teeth whitening system that uses activated charcoal and LED light for maximum whitening and love the results. It’s also less messy than the above… bonus!

2. Oil Pulling

Coconut Oil Pulling - How to use coconut oil to improve oral healthAnother oddly controversial teeth whitener: oil pulling.

The basic concept here is swishing oil (like sesame or coconut) in the mouth for 20 minutes to help remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth. Coconut oil has been proven effective against the streptococcus mutans bacteria that contributes to cavities and gum disease.

Since beginning oil pulling on a regular basis, I’ve noticed that my teeth are smooth and shiny and the dental assistants have commented that I had very little plaque at recent cleanings.

What to do: Swish with a small amount of coconut oil for 20 minutes a day, preferably first thing in the morning before eating. I make single use size coconut oil pulling chews to make this even easier and do this while showering.

Here is the oil pulling tutorial and this post specifically addresses using coconut oil.

3. Whitening Toothpaste

Homemade Whitening Toothpast RecipeLast year, I combined a few of my favorite teeth whitening ingredients to make a homemade whitening toothpaste. It only contains:

This combines natural calcium (a mineral that teeth need) with Xylitol, which is helpful for oral health, and MCT or coconut oil for a remineralizing, bacteria fighting whitening toothpaste.

Here’s the recipe.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric-Antioxidant and Immune Boosting SpiceAnother counter-intuitive remedy that actually works. Turmeric is known for staining things yellow (including cloth, skin and other surfaces) and it has even been used as a dye for cloth in the past. It isn’t the first thing you’d think of for whitening teeth, but it works surprisingly well.

Mommypotamus explains why and provides a tutorial here.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Steven Lin, who is a Board accredited dentist trained at the University of Sydney. With a background in biomedical science, he is a passionate whole-health advocate, focusing on the link between nutrition and dental health. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor or dentist.

Ever whitened your teeth? Naturally or not so much? Did it work?

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

92 responses to “4 Natural Teeth Whitening Options That Work”

  1. Debbie Avatar
    Debbie

    I’ve recently found out I have developed a reaction to anything coconut lately, it makes me very sick to my stomach?is there any other oil you would recommend for toothpaste, pulling , etc, thanks for any help and info

  2. Kelly Taylor-Faye Avatar
    Kelly Taylor-Faye

    Thanks for the tips. RE: controversial charcoal…We actually make and sell a natural Tooth Polish. I don’t want to turn this into a sales pitch so I won’t mention names. The reason I bring this up is that the activated charcoal we use is made locally in our area. We use their charcoal in a few of our products and, of course, staining was a topic that came up. In chatting with them, we discovered that charcoal by nature is actually a crystalline that is non-soluble. During the pyrolysis process (burning under pressure without oxygen), the wood takes on a glass-like transformation. It is impossible for activated charcoal to stain clothing, skin, etc – it will simply wash away with water – no soap required. If you ever do have a charcoal product that leaves a stain – don’t use it! It’s the same as your backyard BBQ and IS NOT an activated charcoal product. I think that’s where the confusion comes in.

  3. Ron Avatar

    I am a bit confused about how to use charcoal as I am wearing my braces and my orthodontic treatment will end in few months. Please suggest me what to do

  4. ellen Avatar

    Healthy remedy is using natural resources here are a few tips to maintain a healthy teeth ” Take it from a mom who is a dentist. It doesn’t have to be this way. Even if your child inherited your “soft teeth”, here are 4 easy things you can do to minimize and even erase cavities from your child’s life (and they will work for your teeth too!). Toothbrushes: Any Kind and Everywhere. From the section in the dollar store to the entire long aisle in the drugstore, there are a zillion toothbrushes to choose from. And, I’m here to tell you that aside from choosing soft bristles* it truly doesn’t matter what kind you choose.”

  5. Emily Avatar

    Recently, I have noticed that many new teeth whitening methods have become known through media. Natural teeth whitening remedies are one of the main methods I that have been brought to my attention. I have found that natural whitening is a great option due to decreased sensitivity of teeth during the whiting process, along with other reasons.

  6. Earl Avatar

    I’m using that charcoal at night, but when I’m done brushing my teeth, it leaves black stains on my gums. What should i do?

  7. Earl Olusola Avatar
    Earl Olusola

    Thanks for sharing these teeth whitening this to us. It really helps. Keep on posting.

  8. Earl Avatar

    Charcoal is the best, it can whiten your teeth after you use it. You can easily see the result. Thanks for sharing this one!

  9. Joshua Avatar

    I made a concoction (I don’t say recipe, because I error on the side of creativity and never write down my recipes) of coconut oil, calcium bentonite clay, food grade activated charcoal, baking soda, and Thieves oil. I use this at night, and it is miraculous!

  10. IVAN A Avatar

    these natural remedies truly work.i used to see my granny using charcoal and i copied the habit but now i testify.

  11. emily bennette Avatar
    emily bennette

    I had no idea that you can use activated charcoal to whiten your teeth. My wedding is coming up in a few months and I am a little worried that my teeth will not be whitened enough. I would hate if my smile looked yellow compared to my dress. So, it might be best for me to look into this method.

  12. Sisi Avatar

    Very helpful article! I have very sensitive enamel, so whitening is mostly harmful…But I did try charcoal and the effect was really good) But this one is a bit messy though…))
    And mixing process is quite time taking)
    Also can recommend you whitening paste called Brush Me! (brushmepaste.com) This one is also good for sensitive teeth)
    But all this whitening methods are very individual) so it’s better to be careful with home whitening)

  13. Annie Avatar

    Hi thank you for all the tips – can you please confirm if I can mix a pinch of turmeric powder to bentonite clay and activated charcoal toothpaste that I will be making?

    1. Christian P. Marriott Avatar
      Christian P. Marriott

      Annie

      Yes, you can add turmeric powder to your clay and charcoal. Your toothbrush will no longer be stained black but a dark green (depending on how much turmeric you put in).

      I would start low – Turmeric has a distinctive – non minty – taste and too much can make your tooth powder taste a little odd first thing in the morning .. and keep away for your clean white shirt.

      Good luck

      Christian

  14. mark david Avatar
    mark david

    I daily brush my teeth two times a day but stain remains in my teeth what do i do for it.

  15. Kristen Avatar
    Kristen

    Regarding dipping toothbrushes in activated charcoal – Do you worry that will allow bacteria to build up in the container of charcoal? You’re dipping the toothbrush, which has your saliva in it… I have no knowledge to base this on, which is why I’m asking. I have been attempting to put it on my toothbrush without dipping, but it’s such a mess. If I can confirm it wouldn’t cause bacteria to grow, I would definitely prefer dipping. Any insight/sources you can provide would be great! Thank you!!

    1. gabby Avatar

      Well kristen…. probably you only need to dip once… Then rinse your toothbrush out and another day you can dip again.

  16. Jill Higgins Avatar
    Jill Higgins

    I have put one drop of wintergreen or spearmint essential oil on tooth paste. Teeth are shiny and it takes away stains. The essential oil’s are doterra.

  17. Suus Avatar

    I take a tablespoon of coconut oil and open one capsule of charcoal in my mouth. Then I do a 20 minute oil pulling session. I spit it out in some paper towel and brush my teeth afterwards. Great stuff!

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