Nearly everyone desires white teeth. That’s because pearly whites are a sign of good hygiene as well as attention toward one’s appearance. However, conventional methods to remove stains and yellowing tend to be very damaging to the enamel. For this reason, Truth Theory is sharing six natural ways you can whiten your teeth using ingredients you can feel good about.

From using diluted hydrogen peroxide to slathering on a lesser-known agent — turmeric, following are six natural ways you can whiten your teeth:

Oil Pulling

The ancient Ayurvedic practice has long been used to detoxify and cleanse the body. What few know, however, that oil pulling can help whiten one’s teeth — in addition to reducing tooth decay and gum disease. As Collective Evolution reports, oil pulling was traditionally done with is a great substitute, though, as it is easy to obtain and contains monolaurin— an effective antimicrobial against the main bug that contributes to tooth decay, step mutans.

Begin by using a high-quality, extra virgin coconut oil. Take one tablespoon of the oil and swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes. Move it around in your mouth, through the teeth, above and below the tongue, etc… Do not swallow the oil! After twenty minutes, spit it into the sink and rinse.

Oil pulling literally pulls bacteria, fungi and viruses into your mouth from your whole body and expels them when you spit. Do this often enough, and you will see whiter teeth.

Clay

Clay is an unconventional whitening agent that has a low Relative Dentin Abrasivity, or RDA, score and works as both a polish and a stain remover. High in calcium, silica, zinc and magnesium, it’s safe for people with tooth sensitivities — which is why it’s such as stellar natural tooth whitener.

To whiten your teeth with clay, apply a small amount directly to your toothbrush and begin brushing your teeth with the mixture. Start with your front teeth and, as it mixes with your saliva, move on to the rest of your mouth.

Do this for 2-4 minutes, spit the mixture out and rinse when complete.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an underrated ingredient that can be used for a variety of personal health and home purposes. Like clay, it has a low RDA score which makes it great for whitening your teeth.

To use baking soda to remedy your teeth, follow the steps below:

1. Take a pinch of and put it in a small bowl. Add a tiny amount of purified water and mix it with the baking soda. It shouldn’t be too runny.

2. Dip your toothbrush in the mixture and begin to brush your teeth, starting with the molars. Make your way to the front of the mouth, brushing both the front and back of your pearly whites.

3. When you are done, spit out the mixture then rinse with purified water.

Do this 1–2 times a week to see whiter teeth.

Activated Charcoal

Black in color, activated charcoal is an ingredient few people reach for when they think of whitening their teeth. However, the agent is perfect for the task because it removes toxins without harming the body. Additionally, it is safe to be ingested. Not only does it combat indigestion, activated charcoal removes stains from teeth, clothes, tiles and counters.

Be aware: do not ingest activated charcoal with vitamins or supplements as it will absorb the nutrients.

To whiten your teeth with the ingredient, wet your toothbrush and dip it into the charcoal. Then, put the charcoal-covered toothbrush in your mouth (careful to protect the sink) and brush in small, gentle circles for approximately two minutes.

After the time has passed, spit into the sink and rinse your mouth. You may want to brush your teeth with regular toothpaste if the black stain from activated charcoal doesn’t disappear right away.

Turmeric

Tumeric, a root known for its anti-inflammatory qualities, can help whiten your teeth, believe it or not. Like activated charcoal, however, it is very messy to use. Fortunately, it won’t stain the teeth you intend to whiten when used correctly.

To use the anticancer root to brighten your smile, wet your toothbrush then dip it in 1⁄8 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Begin to brush your teeth as usual, but instead of rinsing when done, allow it to sit in your mouth for 3-5 minutes. Follow the turmeric treatment with a toothpaste brushing to remove any excess yellow buildup.

Alternative: You can also combine 2 parts turmeric powder to 1 part coconut oil and 1 part baking soda. Mix together to form a paste and store in a cool pace. Follow the same directions above for best results.

Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide

Your body already produces hydrogen peroxide, but in small amounts in the lungs, gut and thyroid gland. To reap the benefits of this tooth-whitening agent, dilute the peroxide to between 1% and 1.5% concentration. Anything higher than 3% will damage your teeth.

Use a diluted concentration of and swish it around your mouth for 3-5 minutes. When the time is up, spit and rinse.

Remember, results do not happen overnight. By limiting your consumption of coffee, caffeinated teas, soda and wine and implementing some of these recipes, you will experience a whiter smile in time.

via Truth Theory