Many people want to have bright, pearly white teeth nowadays, which has led to a variety of whitening products entering the market. While some may be effective and relatively harmless, others can produce chemical waste. They can also have a negative impact on the environment, when not disposed of properly, so it’s essential to use teeth whitening products with utmost care. You can also explore more eco-friendly alternatives for getting the same results.

1. Swap Your Drinks with Water

If your teeth are white from the get-go, you’ve pretty much done half the work. One way to keep them this way is by swapping out staining drinks with a glass of water.

Beverages like black tea, red wine and coffee could cause stains. You don’t have to give them up entirely, but you should only drink them occasionally. Utilize a reusable straw for less contact with your teeth.

2. Be Mindful of Your Food

Try to incorporate some teeth-friendly foods into your diet. Here are a few suggestions:

• Apples: Slice a couple of apples for a crunchy snack. They contain high fiber that scrubs your pearly whites. Plus, the fruit has natural sugars that are generally better for your teeth. 
• Carrots: Their crunch makes them a great alternative for whitening your teeth. Have them savory with some hummus or sweet with a peanut butter dip. 
• Sugarless gum: It stimulates saliva, which helps rinse away food particles and bacteria known to stain teeth and cause cavities.

3. Explore Natural Toothpastes

Create your own natural whitening toothpastes. Baking soda and water are a classic combination, as they’re a simple, yet effective, pairing. A little goes a long way, so be gentle when brushing your teeth with it.

Remember to rinse the solution properly to remove any residue. Whitening toothpastes can damage tooth enamel when used excessively, so use them in moderation. 

4. Practice Regular Brushing

It’s essential to maintain a consistent brushing schedule. As a general rule, you should be cleaning your teeth at least twice a day. That said, it’s vital to take breaks from teeth-whitening toothpastes for your oral health. Alternate between whitening and regular eco-friendly ones to avoid abrasiveness.

5. Try Oil Pulling

Oil pulling involves rinsing your mouth with coconut or olive oil to help remove bacteria. Doing it for even five minutes can pull out the toxins responsible for making your breath smell and your teeth stain. Additionally, it’s a great, natural alternative to more chemically based mouthwashes. Do your oil pulling before using your natural whitening toothpaste to rinse and remove any residue properly. Consider implementing this solution every other day.

6. Floss Your Teeth

Dental floss can indirectly aid in teeth whitening by removing plaque and tartar that contribute to tooth stains. You should also do it before brushing to let your toothpaste take care of the lingering food particles.

Some floss contains abrasives, so be gentle. You can choose more biodegradable and recyclable dental floss, and dispose of it in the right bins.

7. Reuse Fruit Peels

If you just had some bananas and oranges, don’t throw the peels right away. Rubbing them onto your teeth is supposed to help with teeth whitening. Granted, a study found banana peels are more effective than orange peels, but they both work. Further research is necessary to understand its efficacy.

Get Pearly Whites Naturally

Whitening teeth could boost your self-confidence and make you feel happier. That said, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment. Try out natural, eco-friendly teeth whitening methods to achieve a guilt-free smile.