Good Dental Care: It Doesn't Have to Break Your Budget

Homemade Teeth Whitening Blend

You would love to have whiter teeth, but you don't have the time or money to make a dentist appointment and undergo a professional teeth bleaching procedure. And while there are several teeth whitening kits available for purchase at the pharmacy, you aren't sure which will actually work, and whether there are any risks involved when using manufactured bleaching chemicals. Another option is to make your own whitening remedy at home, using all natural ingredients and applied with no risk to your teeth or health.

Ingredients:

• Baking soda – Also known as sodium bicarbonate, it works to remove stains from your teeth due to its mild abrasive quality
• Coconut oil – Can help to brighten and whiten your teeth and draws bacteria out of the mouth. Is beneficial in treating gum disease, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and toothache.
• Turmeric powder – Turmeric usually leaves a bright yellow stain on anything it comes in contact with, but it has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties. Therefore, it is useful for treating sensitive teeth, gingivitis, and toothaches.

Instructions for preparation:

1. Put 4 tablespoons of organic, dried turmeric root powder in a bowl.
2. Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
3. Add 2 1/2 to 3 Tablespoons of virgin, organic coconut oil.
4. Mix well with a fork or spoon.
5. Store the blend in a well sealed jar or plastic container. Refrigerate in hot weather.

Instructions for use:

1. Scoop 1 – 2 teaspoons of the teeth whitening blend onto your toothbrush head.
2. Brush your teeth gently with the blend for 1 – 2 minutes.
3. Swish 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 1 minute.
4. Spit out the blend and oil, and rinse your mouth with water.
5. Repeat this process every day for two weeks, then reduce the frequency to once or twice a week.

Tips:

• While the blend whitens your teeth, it will stain your toothbrush yellow. Have another toothbrush on hand for when you feel like brushing with regular toothpaste.
• Brushing with this blend can be supplemented with oil pulling for even better results.

Nobody has been able to discover exactly why or how turmeric works to whiten teeth, but people who have tried this blend claim that they noticed significant results within the first two weeks of use. Since turmeric can stain the skin around your mouth, try to keep the blend in your mouth while brushing. If your skin does get stained yellow, place a cloth or cotton ball soaked in milk to the stain for about five minutes. (For more information on cosmetic dentistry, contact Associates For Family Dentistry)