Glistening white teeth seems like an ideal way of completing that radiant glow of your face and your smile. In reality, achieving white teeth may not be as easy as you think. With all the food you eat and beverages you drink, it can leave tiny stains on the teeth that can cause yellowing, or even darkening of the teeth. While teeth discoloration is not entirely an unhealthy thing, it looks unhygienic and basically, white teeth are just more clean-looking.
You may see a lot of products in the market that promises to bring your glistening, radiantly white teeth back, and you may have even tried many of these products which some did not really work. Good thing there are plants and herbs that can do just the trick and you can do your own teeth whitening at home without the help of foreign chemicals and products. Here are 5 herbs you can use now for teeth whitening.
1. Holy Basil
Basil is more than just your flavorful herb and pasta ingredient that adds essence to your dishes. This simple plant, along with its natural and nutritious content, can also be a good friend to your teeth whitening regime.
How does it work? Holy basil is an effective ingredient to treat yellowing teeth, giving it a white and bright glow. The bleaching properties of holy basil do most of the trick and it prevents staining the teeth yellow from the food and drinks you intake.
How will you use it? Using holy basil for your teeth whitening program is pretty simple. Leave some holy basil leaves out in the sun to dry. Ground the dried leaves into powder and mix the powder in your toothpaste, to brush your teeth two or three times every day. The natural bleaching properties from holy basil will whiten your teeth in at least seven days of regular use of this substance.
2. Turmeric Paste
You know turmeric as that flavorful ingredient that is common in many kitchens and adds a scrumptious taste to whatever dish it is added on. Turmeric can do more than add flavor to your dishes.
How does it work? The nutrients found in turmeric can be an abrasive approach to teeth whitening, which makes it even more effective. It can remove stains from food, drinks and cigarette smoking. Turmeric also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a healthy choice for dental care.
How will you use it? Mix a small amount of water with turmeric powder. Mix carefully and thoroughly until you create a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth and using a toothbrush, gently brush the paste around to cover all parts of your teeth. Continue brushing for about two minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
3. Sage Leaf
Sage is quite common in many gardens and can be found just about anywhere. It is widely used as a culinary herb to add zest and flavor to many known dishes. Apparently, it can be used for teeth whitening, too.
How does it work? The natural whitening properties found in sage leaves makes it an effective teeth whitening ingredient and can remove stains.
How will you use it? Using sage leaf is really simple and easy. Pluck a sage leaf from a branch, clean it with water then crush it using your hands. Brush the crushed leaves on your teeth and leave it on for about two minutes. Rinse it with warm water. For a more effective and quicker result, boil some sage leaves and use the water to rinse off the crushed leaves from your teeth.
4. Licorice root
Licorice root is well-known in the African continent and is widely used for many purposes. One of them is for teeth whitening.
How does it work? Licorice root is rich in anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it an effective dental care product. This can help prevent tooth decay and even as far down as preventing sore throats.
How will you use it? Using a licorice root for teeth whitening is simple and easy. Chew on a dried root and crush it with your teeth until it makes a small brush. Brush your teeth with this improvised brush or you can continue to chew on the root for several minutes.
5. Olive/Sesame/Coconut Oil
Olive, sesame and coconut oil have their own respective natural and health properties that are good for the body. They are also good for the teeth.
How does it work? The procedure is called “oil pulling” and is a widely known effective way to cleanse your teeth and bring back the white glow. You can choose from either olive, sesame or coconut oil, either of the three can be as effective.
How will you use it? Oil pulling is taking a spoonful of oil into your mouth and swish it around like you would your regular mouthwash. Be sure to swish it around your teeth. Repeat this process twice daily for at least 15 minutes each time to see its effects.
Having radiantly white teeth is just one, but definitely a big step towards feeling clean and immaculate. White teeth reflect positively on your hygiene and it makes your smile look more glowing. Using chemical-based products can be an unhealthy choice, thus its best to stick to the natural methods that are proven to work. Take note of these natural products and herbs that can bring back your white and glowing smile.