Everyone knows Crest Whitening strips work wonders on whitening your teeth, but if you’re like me, your teeth have become so sensitive to them that one look at the little strip sends a shock through your mouth. And my wallet. So for the past couple of years, I’ve been on a quest to find the best ways to whiten teeth naturally. No chemicals, no pain, and as cheap as possible.
If you can relate, or just prefer a more natural way, come join me on this quest as I share a few of my favorite tips on getting a whiter smile and healthier teeth.
But first things first: I wanted to give some tips straight from my dentist. Stop using whitening toothpaste.
I suffered from sensitive teeth for years before I finally asked my dentist what I could do, and if Crest White Strips were to blame. To my surprise, she said no. It was the whitening toothpaste I was using, similar to using sandpaper on a porcelain tub. No wonder my teeth hurt!
Many whitening kinds of toothpaste contain abrasive ingredients such as aluminum oxide or silica which work great at first because they take off the first layer or stained enamel. However, after too much use it can erode several layers of enamel, leaving your teeth sensitive to sweets, cold or heat. In the long run, it can also leave your teeth yellow.
Instead, she told me, use the most gentle, boring toothpaste I can find. Tom’s is a good option. Personally, I like Sensodyne’s Pronamel best, especially if you’re going to be whitening your teeth. It helps fill in all the little crevices that cause pain and strengthen your enamel. I’ve been using it for years and promise it helps with tooth sensitivity.
(This post probably contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.)
5 Ways to Whiten Teeth Naturally at Home
1.) Turmeric
It’s a little odd that something that will stain your clothes and counters can whiten your teeth but it’s true. Check out these turmeric teeth whitening post to find out how. You can even buy turmeric toothpaste now too!
Oh, and not only can it whiten your teeth but you can get glowing skin with this turmeric mask and drink to your health with this turmeric milk recipe.
2.) Oil Pulling
By now you’ve probably at least heard about the technique of oil pulling. “Oil pulling experts” (if there can be such a thing) say that swishing oil in your mouth for 20 minutes first thing in the morning will whiten your teeth over time, as well as a host of other health benefits.
I tried this out for a month and did notice whiter teeth with less sensitivity than white strips. However, I’m not sure I’m disciplined enough to keep it up for good.
Oil pulling is definitely the safest option to whiten your teeth, but its effectiveness is less proven.
3.) Banana Peels
Rub the inside of a banana peel (after you eat it of course!) on your teeth until gone. Leave on for several minutes and then gently wipe off with a tissue. Brush your teeth after 10-15 minutes and repeat several times a week. The minerals in the peel act as a natural whitener. Extra bonus: It’s also full of calcium and vitamin D which help strengthen your teeth too.
4.) Strawberries
That’s right, eating strawberries can actually whiten your teeth. These super berries contain malic acid which acts as a natural stain lifter. You can mash up a strawberry with a little baking soda and apply to your teeth for a few minutes, and then brush your teeth as you normally would. But just eating them works great too!
5. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
After brushing your teeth, simply swish hydrogen peroxide and a little water in your mouth for a minute and then brush your teeth again. Keep doing once a day until you start to see results.
Activated Charcoal
Now, you may have noticed that I DID NOT include activated charcoal. The new word on the street is that it is actually harmful to your teeth because of its abrasiveness. I noticed this myself after using it a few times and would recommend you try one of the other ways above. Happy brushing. :-)
Have any other tips on getting whiter teeth that I didn’t mention?
BONUS: Here is a DIY Teeth whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
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Love all of these tips, I need to try charcoal whitening! Thank you so much for sharing, pinning!
It’s messy, but works great!
What?? I had no idea about strawberries and banana peels!! I oil pull sometimes, but I usually can only last about 10 minutes.
Strawberries are the best tip!!
I love these tips. I’ve heard of them all, but never followed through with them. I think I’m going to try again. And I definitely need to stop using whitening tooth paste. Shared this on Pinterest!
Thank you for the share!
mmmm Strawberries. Very good! I’ve always wondered why that is that they whiten teeth
It’s a win-win, isn’t it?
Great ideas! I had never heard of the banana peel idea, thanks!
Wow! This list is informative. I would’ve never thought that eating strawberries could whiten teeth! I would’ve guessed that because of their bold color, they would do the opposite. Good to know! Thanks so much for sharing this with us on #shinebloghop this week!
Wow this is awesome. I love strawberries but now I love them even more. I have always loved the idea of whitening my teeth but not using all those harsh chemicals. I prefer to live a mostly chemical free life. Working on removing some things little by little!
Me too. It’s definitely a process.
Thanks for sharing. I had never heard of using the bananna peel.
Great tips! What I have found to be a miracle is “milk kefir”. Something about the probiotics in it and after only one month, the results are nothing short of AMAZING. Thank you for sharing on the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth!
Ooh i’ll have to try that!
Eat more strawberries? DONE! Visitng from the Pin It Party!
Easy, right? :)
Wow, those are great ideas! I also can’t use whitening strips or toothpaste. I actually got a special prescription toothpaste from my dentist for sensitive teeth, and it helped enormously. I’d love to try on of these other ideas–strawberries and bananas, who knew! #weekendblogshare
Mhmm!
I love all of these tips, thank you! I am an avid user of whitening pastes and I also suffer from sensitivity. I usually alternate – a week on, week off. Must now buy strawberries!
#weekendblogshare
Delicious too.
wow, charcoal??? that almost sounds like a joke. I actually have charcoal tablets here, I might risk it and try it. I will remember the strawberries and banana peel too. Thanks for the advice.
Amanda. #weekendblogshare
worth the risk! (except it is messy…)
Great tips! We use Miessence organic toothpaste in our house. Main ingredients: aloe + baking soda. I didn’t know that aloe was a natural antibacterial agent. Your charcoal tip sounds intriguing too. :)
I will have to pick up that toothpaste.
SERIOUSLY?! I eat a banana every single day! Though I feel like if I start rubbing my teeth with the peel will leave my coworkers scratching their heads. :)
Ha I’d suggest doing it at home. ;)
The perfect excuse to eat more strawberries! I didn’t know banana peels work for whitening teeth!
I knew that this article was something I needed to read. I love my Crest Whitening Toothpaste, but I know that it’s harsh. It makes my mouth feel so clean for a longer period of time and I love that. But I need to make a few changes. This article confirms it! I had no idea about any of these suggestions. I’ve pinned and stumbled so I can come back to it again and again. I eat a banana for breakfast each morning and I’m really proud of myself for composting the peel, now I know that I can use it for a third benefit! Serious pat on the back for multi-utilizing a banana! LOL Thanks for the tips!
I love double/triple uses!
Wow thanks for sharing!! I love the white teeth look, but my teeth are too sensitive to use the strips or whitening toothpaste. I’ll have to try some of these out.
Using charcoal looks a little messy but I guess it will do the job. I’ve seen it done on some websites. And I didn’t know strawberries whitens teeth! That’s a win-win thing. Thank you for sharing these tips! xx
Wow this whole post was revolutionary to me! I had NO idea about whitening toothpaste so I’m definitely going to be more wary about using it now. And any excuse to eat more strawberries is great for me :)
Yes, avoid for sure!
Wow I had no idea abut the strawberries or the banana peel but the peroxide is a Godsend. Cheap and easy.
thanks for these tips! I’ve been trying to whiten my teeth this week and using the baking soda/ hydrogen peroxide method – I love using charcoal, but it’s so messy! I’ll have to try the other ones :) have a lovely weekend!
Hydrogen peroxide sounds quite harsh but I’m guessing not if you’ve listed it? Can you just buy it out and about? I love the advice from your dentist- it just makes sense when you think about it.
Thank you for joining the #weekendblogshare. I’m so sorry that it’s taken me so long to read and comment! Hannah
It is harsh when used too much. I should have clarified maybe once a month or less.
I have super sensitive gums & teeth too. I use the Sensodyne Pro-Namel as well. Had not heard about the banana trick or the strawberries. Good tips!
These are great ideas! I especially love the banana peel and strawberries, since I always have both of those in my house. I buy them for my kids, but I’m going to need to start stealing them to whiten my teeth.
The strawberries work the best!
I just started making my own toothpaste with coconut oil, baking soda, redmond clay, peppermint oil, and stevia. Hoping that will bring some whitening benefits too!
Kristin – that sounds awesome! I will have to try that!
The banana peel trick is one I’ve been using for a while. Not only does it help whiten teeth but it also is a good way to clean your teeth. I love that feeling when the enamel is off my teeth because of the peel and I rub my tongue over my front teeth. Love this post
Hydrogen peroxide and banana peels are two of my personal favorites. Not only are they natural methods, they do a better job than their whitening toothpaste counterparts in my opinion. Whenever there’s a chance to go natural, I always suggest/take it! :)