With so many clients coming to us in search of a broader, brighter smile, it’s safe to say that teeth whitening is a big part of what we do. And, while the professional whitening service that we offer is commonly recognised as the most effective and efficient means of brightening your smile, there are a number of natural remedies which offer varying degrees of success.

In this blog, we’re looking at some of the top natural teeth whitening remedies, assessing the results they offer and the different things to consider, before sharing the benefits of professional teeth whitening. 

What are natural teeth whitening remedies?

Natural teeth whitening remedies are those solutions which don’t require specific treatment or the use of whitening products – rather, they rely on foods, drinks, and other natural ingredients to brighten the teeth. Generally, these remedies use ingredients that contain natural acids (such as those which are found in some fruits) and other whitening agents, like charcoal and baking soda, to polish the teeth. 

Natural remedies are not the same as DIY and at-home whitening solutions, which we will explore in a little more detail later in this blog, and which can commonly be purchased on the dental hygiene market.

The top natural remedies for whiter, brighter teeth

With that said, what are the top and most popular natural remedies to achieve whiter and brighter teeth?

Pineapple

Starting with one of the most specific products on our list of natural whitening remedies, pineapple contains a high level of enzymes which, far from whitening the teeth, help to minimise the impact of stains on the teeth. Rather than reversing the effects of existing stains, consuming pineapple may well help to protect your teeth from further stains by loosening the plaque that causes teeth to appear discoloured. 

Apple cider vinegar

Packed with potential health benefits, apple cider vinegar is a fermented natural product that is said to be full of probiotics. But is it any good for whitening your teeth?

As touched on earlier in this blog, apple cider vinegar contains a high level of natural fruit acids, which do help to wear away stains left on the enamel of your teeth. However, this same natural remedy is also responsible for wearing away the enamel itself, with excessive exposure to the acidic ingredients only serving to cause more damage and exacerbate signs of tooth decay and other issues. 

So, while there may be some whitening benefits associated with apple cider vinegar, it is not a product that we recommend swilling too often. 

Crunchy vegetables

Crunchy vegetables, like celery and cucumber, are regularly linked with a healthy and balanced diet – but what benefits do they bring to your dental hygiene and the appearance of your teeth?

Well, some say that eating crunchy vegetables acts as a form of natural teeth cleaning, scrubbing plaque away from the surface of the teeth while dislodging any foods that become stuck between the teeth. However, more likely than that is the high water content in these ingredients, which naturally cleanses the teeth during and after eating. 

With that in mind, you are likely to induce the same benefits through increased consumption of water, rinsing the mouth during and after meals. 

Baking soda

Not so much something you eat but more a natural remedy that can be used to make your own whitening paste. Baking soda has become a natural hero in the world of dentistry, and is used in a number of popular branded toothpastes – but how effective is it as an ingredient found in your kitchen cupboard? 

Well, baking soda is an alkaline compound that acts as a mild scrub, meaning that it can be used to wear away stains on the teeth without damaging the enamel. What’s more, as well as reducing stains on the teeth, baking soda’s alkaline levels leave your mouth healthy and clean, which makes it less likely for harmful bacteria to settle and spread. 

How professional teeth whitening compares with natural remedies

There are some natural remedies that are more potent and effective than others. And, while some of them are harmless if not super effective, others can be more damaging than you might believe if used to excess – for example, apple cider vinegar and high-acidity fruits. 

Professional teeth whitening balances effective results with safe practices, under the supervision of trained dental experts, who are as committed to sustainable dental health and hygiene as they are to teeth whitening. Professional whitening treatment tends to use a special paste that is applied to the teeth, before a laser is shone on the teeth. This laser activates the ingredients in the paste, breaking down surface stains and bleaching the dentin that lies underneath the enamel on each tooth, leaving a whiter finish. 

While a more costly solution than the natural remedies explored above, professional teeth whitening is regularly cited as the most effective method for clients of all ages. But what about the DIY and at-home whitening kits that you can buy?

DIY and at-home teeth whitening – does it work?

DIY and at-home whitening kits tend to sit somewhere between natural remedies and professional treatment options, using the same ingredients and techniques as professional treatments but in a diluted and less potent way. 

As such, most at-home kits don’t contain enough bleaching agent to be truly effective – and, without proper care and attention, can cause more harm than good. That’s why, as a general rule, it is always best to seek professional advice prior to any teeth whitening treatment. 

Identifying the best solution for you

The right solution for you will depend on your budget and the amount of discolouration that you hope to reverse through whitening treatment. Natural remedies can be an ideal way to brighten the teeth, while more intensely discoloured teeth tend to only respond to more potent treatment, as conducted by a professional. 

For more advice on teeth whitening and to discover the different treatment packages available, get in touch with your local dentist.