Top Benefits and Risks of Using Natural Teeth Whiteners

Have you ever wondered how to achieve a brighter, healthier smile without harsh chemicals and at a lower cost than professional teeth whitening? The solution is natural teeth whiteners.

While these natural products enhance your smile, please know the associated risks. The key is to properly use them, ensuring your teeth remain unharmed while benefiting from these natural alternatives.

Here are the seven benefits and the associated risks you should know about:

Gentle on Enamel

Unlike chemical-based whiteners, natural teeth whiteners are generally gentler. However, not all so-called natural are gentle on enamel. For example, activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide can corrode enamel after prolonged use.¹ Known natural whiteners such as apple cider vinegar, lemon, and strawberries are acid-based, so they can increase the risk of tooth decay.² When choosing a natural whitener, opt for ones that are truly gentle on your enamel, such as baking soda, coconut oil, and turmeric. We will discuss this more later below.

Safe Ingredients

Natural ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, and activated charcoal are generally safe for your teeth when used properly. Always remember to use these whiteners with caution.³ For instance, baking soda and coconut oil lack fluoride, essential for strengthening teeth against cavities.⁴ So brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after using baking soda or oil pulling. Additionally, activated charcoal should only be used occasionally, not for an extended period, as its abrasive properties can corrode enamel over time.⁵ When choosing a natural whitener, it’s crucial to understand how each one works and how to use it properly to keep your teeth safe and healthy.

No Harsh Chemicals

When using natural whiteners, you are not exposed to harsh chemicals potentially harmful to your health. For example, some commercial whiteners contain carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into urea and ammonia. Moreover, some companies still use triethanolamine (TEA), despite many products now being marketed as “TEA-Free.⁶ Consult your dentist before starting any oral care regimen to ensure your health and safety.

Effective Stain Removal

Natural whiteners such as baking soda and activated charcoal effectively remove surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and smoking. However, it’s worth noting that these natural oral regimens might take longer than professional dental procedures. Don’t expect immediate results overnight. Even in-office dental treatments often require several hours to achieve the desired results.⁷

Be patient and consistent if you prefer the natural method over in-office dental procedures. Always remember to use your preferred ingredient occasionally and properly to prevent enamel-thinning.

Freshens Breath

Natural whiteners such as coconut oil and turmeric are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. For instance, swishing coconut oil in your mouth reduces bacteria and plaque. This process is called oil pulling. Its antimicrobial properties help combat bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.⁷ However, when it comes to whitening your teeth, there’s almost no evidence coconut oil², and turmeric⁸ brighten smiles.

Cost-Effective

Natural ingredients are your go-to method to whiten teeth at a budget-friendly cost. Professional, in-office teeth whitening is very expensive, ranging between $650 and $1000 per visit. The pros, however, are that procedures are performed by an experienced dentist, ensuring you get the results you’re looking for immediately. ⁹

How to Whiten Your Teeth Up to 6 Shades Naturally

Removing stubborn stains can be challenging, especially with the many available products. In less than 16 minutes, this mouth detox can achieve whiter teeth up to 6 shades. Watch this video on how mouth detox works.

Always consult your dentist before starting any oral care regimen, especially if you are undergoing treatment. Edanostore.com relies on reader support. Shopping via our links earns us affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue providing quality content and sourcing top-tier products for your optimal health and well-being.

Photo by Autumn Goodman