Do These 5 Things To Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

2. Coconut Oil Pulling: This ancient technique helps remove plaque and make teeth appear brighter. Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which helps reduce bacteria. Sesame oil is another alternative rich in antioxidants and great for the gums. Gently swish a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes daily (5-10 minutes if you are new to the technique). When you're finished, spit the oil into the trash (not down the sink), then rinse your mouth with plenty of water.

3. Eat More Raw Vegetables: Fibrous vegetables act similarly to toothbrush bristles that scrub away surface stains and plaque. The crunchiness of raw veggies also increases saliva production, which helps reduce bacteria and neutralize harmful acids. The best raw vegetables for whitening teeth include: broccoli (high iron content to protect against acid erosion), carrots and celery (the fibrous texture acts as a natural tooth polisher), onions (the sulfur compounds reduce plaque buildup), cauliflower (helps exfoliate teeth), and leafy greens, such as spinach or kale (the magnesium and calcium create a protective barrier against staining from red wine or coffee). The recommended serving is two to three cups of raw vegetables daily.

4. Activated Charcoal: This grainy powder acts as a mild abrasive for scrubbing away surface stains and toxins on the outer layer of the enamel. However, there are many conflicting opinions on this method since regular or prolonged use can cause tooth sensitivity, gum damage and enamel thinning, revealing a deeper yellow beneath. It is recommended that this method be used cautiously, no more than one or two times a month, by dipping a wet toothbrush into the charcoal powder, brushing gently for one minute, and then rinsing well with water.

5. Strawberry and Baking Soda Scrub: Strawberries contain malic and citric acid, which can help remove surface stains. The fruit helps reduce plaque buildup on the teeth, while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to polish them. When used together, the ingredients create a bleaching effect that makes the teeth appear whiter. Mash one strawberry and mix it with a small amount of baking soda to make a scrub. Apply to the teeth for five minutes, then rinse and thoroughly brush afterwards.

There are other home remedies that involve green tea, banana peels, orange zest, vinegar and lemon juice, but overuse of acidic products can cause enamel erosion over time and must be used with caution (As with any natural teeth-whitening solution, always consult your dentist before trying these methods).

Once you've whitened your teeth, you can maintain their brightness by avoiding smoking, sugary or dark sodas, acidic drinks, and by limiting beverages known to stain teeth, such as coffee and red wine. Be sure to brush your teeth, or at least rinse your mouth, after consuming any foods or drinks that can stain your teeth.   

However, nothing works better for maintaining healthy, whiter teeth than using the standard, recommended preventive measures. Consistent brushing (twice daily with fluoride toothpaste), flossing after meals, eating healthier foods, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups at least twice a year are a must.

BIO: Marcia Kester Doyle is a Yahoo Life Columnist and the author of Who Stole My Spandex? Life In The Hot Flash Lane. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, The Independent, Stylist, U.S.A. Today/Reviewed, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, AARP, Woman's Day, Country Living, House Beautiful, and many others. You can find her at http://www. marciakesterdoyle.com