When you plan to use natural teeth whitening methods for your smile, you’ll learn that this involves the use of more natural substances, rather than store-bought whitening strips, to give yourself a white smile.

Some common natural teeth whiteners include:

Peroxide – You can gargle with peroxide after you brush your teeth, although most available peroxide is not concentrated enough to have much of an effect.

Baking Soda – This reduces acid and kills off bacteria in your mouth. It is safe to use on your teeth, and you can also mix it with salt.
Peroxide and Baking Soda mixed – This is an effective solution, after you mix the ingredients into a paste. It’s best to use regular toothpaste to brush, after you use this mixture.

Citrus Peels and Lemon Juice – These are not generally good choices, since the acid will weaken your tooth enamel. This leaves your teeth more prone to decay.

Although the ingredients above may work at least temporarily, steer away from the citrus juices, so that you don’t weaken your teeth. Just because they are natural does not make them safe. Some of these treatments will work, and some will not. Research ingredients on the internet before you use any of them for natural teeth whitening.

Some other home treatments include:

Sea Salt – When used as a rub, sometimes mixed with vinegar, this is an abrasive way to scour your teeth. This can result in moderately brighter teeth, but it may cause your teeth to become more sensitive to cold and heat, and may cause tooth decay.

Olive Oil – This is used on a towel, to polish your teeth. While not directly damaging in most cases, it’s also no more effective than milder commercial products.

Most people think that natural remedies are safer, since they are simply natural. This is not always the case, however. Teeth whitening can sometimes be done in a much safer way with commercial products offered specifically for that purpose. The products made commercially face regulations for safety of use that home remedies aren’t subject to.

The best way to augment any tooth whitening plan is to practice proper oral hygiene. The effect of natural whitening won’t last long if you don’t also take good care of your teeth and gums. You should brush and floss as advised by your dentist, and this will add to your positive appearance, as well as contributing to your healthy mouth and teeth.

Natural remedies for teeth whitening are less expensive to use, as long as you check into the safety of the product or substance you are using. The staining of your teeth may be caused by alcohol, coffee and tea, in addition to poor oral hygiene habits. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee, since these stain teeth most severely.

Smoking, of course, can also cause yellowing of teeth, and it’s a good idea to stop smoking for other health reasons, as well. As long as you continue smoking, you’ll never have truly white teeth. Chewing tobacco is also a prime culprit in staining teeth, and this habit is also unhealthy in other ways. Natural tooth whiteners can sometimes be of assistance in brightening your smile, but beware of the side effects, since you don’t want to weaken or damage your teeth.