Everyone loves a bright, healthy smile, but using over-the-counter teeth whitening products or getting treatments at the dentist can be pricey and a bit intimidating. These methods often use strong chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive and might even damage your enamel and gums if overused.

The good news is that there are natural ways to whiten your teeth and keep them healthy without toxic ingredients. Here’s an easy recipe for making your own tooth whitening powder.

Ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons bentonite clay
– 3 tablespoons calcium carbonate powder
– 1 tablespoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon or more of stevia
– A few drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil

Why These Ingredients Work:

Bentonite Clay:
Bentonite clay is a gentle cleanser rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and silica. It helps remove bacteria and toxins from your mouth, supports tooth remineralization, freshens breath, and can even fight gum disease. Its absorptive properties help remove stains over time.

Calcium Carbonate:
Found in rocks like chalk and limestone, calcium carbonate polishes teeth and restores their vibrancy by gently removing stains without harming the enamel. It also helps in remineralizing teeth by providing necessary calcium.

Baking Soda:
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that effectively removes plaque and creates an alkaline environment to eliminate bacteria. Toothpaste with baking soda is known to be more effective in whitening teeth than those without it.

Peppermint Essential Oil:
Peppermint oil is great for combating bad breath by targeting anaerobic bacteria in the mouth, which can cause halitosis and gum disease.

How To Make Tooth Whitening Powder:
1. Add four tablespoons of bentonite clay powder to a 4 oz glass jar.
2. Add two tablespoons of calcium carbonate powder.
3. Add one tablespoon of baking soda.
4. Optionally, add one tablespoon of stevia and mix well.
5. Finally, add a few drops of spearmint or peppermint essential oil and mix well.

To use, dip a wet toothbrush into the powder and brush as usual. Make separate jars for each family member to avoid cross-contamination.

6 More Natural Ways To Whiten Teeth:

1. Oil Pulling:
Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes daily to remove harmful bacteria and clean your gums and teeth. Many people find that this helps brighten their teeth over time.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Swish apple cider vinegar in your mouth for about 2 minutes once a week to benefit from its bleaching and antibacterial properties. Be careful not to use it too often, as it can soften teeth with prolonged exposure.

3. Strawberries:
The malic acid in strawberries can help reduce surface stains. Mix a mashed strawberry with baking soda and use it 1-2 times a week to avoid damaging enamel.

4. Avoid Staining Drinks:
Limit your intake of soda, red wine, coffee, and dark teas. Use a straw when drinking these beverages and brush your teeth afterward to minimize staining.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide:
Use a diluted concentration (1.5-3%) of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash before brushing, no more than once a week, to help whiten teeth and kill bacteria.

6. Brush & Floss Regularly:
Stay diligent about brushing and flossing to prevent food buildup and staining. Regular dental cleanings are also essential for maintaining oral health and avoiding future issues.

By following these natural methods, you can achieve a brighter smile without the risks associated with chemical treatments.