Natural Health October 2017

PREVENTION & Remedies
4Use Apple Cider Vinegar
It makes sense that apple cider
vinegar (ACV), which effectively works
as a natural antibiotic and teeth/gum
cleanser, would also be able to remove
stubborn stains on the teeth. ACV is
especially helpful for removing stains
due to common culprits like coffee and
nicotine (smoking). Studies suggest that
for many with dark stains it even works
just as well as commercial products as a
natural teeth whitener. No wonder some
report that after using ACV it looks
like you just got your teeth
professionally cleaned.
What’s the secret of ACV? It contains
compounds including acetic acid,
potassium, magnesium, probiotics and
enzymes, which kill germs (dangerous
“bad” bacteria) and at the same time
foster the growth of beneficial “good”
probiotic bacteria. Since it’s naturally
acidic, it helps break down plaque or
other substances stuck to the teeth. The
pH of apple cider vinegar can remove
stains from your teeth, which helps
naturally whiten your teeth.
The key to using ACV for teeth whitening
is to be consistent, using it for at least a
month continuously in order to see the
best results. However, be careful, as
with all acids, it can remove the enamel
on your teeth if you brush too hard or
use too much. After brushing with ACV,
you need to brush again with regular
toothpaste, preferably a non-fluoride
paste, or rinse your mouth out well. Take
your finger and rub apple cider vinegar
on your teeth for about one minute. Then
rinse your mouth out with water or a
hydrogen peroxide rinse.
5Lemon or Orange Peels
Similarly to apple cider vinegar,
some swear that using citrus fruits –
including lemon and/or orange peels,
or lemon essential oil, which contain
beneficial acids – also does the trick for
whitening teeth. These foods overall are
very healthy, such as benefiting digestion
due to regulating levels of stomach
acid, but the high acid content can also
eventually wear away the enamel on the
teeth if used too aggressively. Like with
ACV, if you use lemon or orange peel
on your teeth always rinse your mouth
afterward to be on the safe side. Use
the hydrogen peroxide oral rinse formula
described above for best results.
6Strawberries and Other
Healthy Foods
Rumour has it that some celebrities
whiten their teeth with healthy foods like
strawberries. Who would have thought?
Model Tyra Banks even tried this teethwhitening
trick on her show. She simply
mashed up about four or five strawberries
and rubbed this yummy mixture all over
her teeth, then rinsed well afterward.
Berries contain many beneficial
antioxidants and other compounds that
can benefit the health of your teeth,
but they’re not the only ones that keep
your teeth looking great as you age.
The quality of your diet overall is highly
tied to the health of your teeth. Foods
that can help keep your gums and teeth
strong, plus free from diseases or signs
of ageing, include teeth-strengthening
foods like:
• sources of calcium like yogurt
or raw milk
• foods high in magnesium and
potassium like leafy green veggies,
apples or pears
• cage-free eggs
• mushrooms
• sweet potatoes, carrots or squash
• celery
• nuts like walnuts or almonds
7Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal, an
absorbing product used to trap
toxins inside the body, can help
whiten your teeth by absorbing
plaque and microscopic tid
bits that cause staining. To
whiten your teeth naturally with
charcoal, wet a toothbrush and
dip into powdered activated
charcoal. Brush teeth as normal,
paying special attention to areas
showing the most staining. Sip a
bit of water, swish through mouth
thoroughly and spit. Rinse well,
until spit is clear. For best results,
brush your teeth with activated
charcoal two to three times
per week, but avoid
using it if you
have crowns,
caps or porcelain
veneers.
References:
www.draxe.com
www.webmd.com
https://wellnessmama.com
54 Natural Health * October 2017 VOL 84