Want to know how a Registered Dental Hygienist gets a beautifully whiter smile with just three common household ingredients? There are several professional teeth whitening methods, but this all-natural tooth whitening paste is an economical solution.

One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a Registered Dental Hygienist is, “how can I get a whiter smile?”. There are several different professional methods available that will enhance and brighten smiles. However, there are also many natural, and less expensive ways to get a whiter smile. What’s even better though, this method uses ingredients that most of us already have on hand!

Baking Soda is a mild abrasive substance that is effective in removing surface stains on teeth. It is a highly soluble substance which enables it to seep into the small crevices in teeth. Unlike baking powder, Baking Soda is a base so it does not contain acid. Acids cause enamel erosion, so avoiding direct contact is ideal.

Aside from whitening, baking soda also has other health benefits. Since baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt, it contains natural antimicrobial elements. These antimicrobial elements are great for keeping bad oral pathogens at a minimum. Bad oral pathogens are responsible for periodontal (gum) disease, and even cavities.

Coconut Oil: Some may have heard of the phenomenon called “oil pulling” by now. As a registered dental hygienist, I was very skeptical of this practice at first. Oil pulling is a method where Coconut Oil is swished around in the mouth for several minutes. By several minutes, I mean 15-20 minutes for the method to be effective!

About 1-2 tablespoons of unrefined, organic coconut oil is used for oil pulling. It is believed that the oil pulling draws out toxins in the mouth and body. Lauric acid is the fatty acid found in coconut oil. That fatty acid attracts bad pathogens and bacteria, and they essentially stick to the oil as you’re swishing (the not so scientific explanation)!

As mentioned, oil pulling is only effective if it is done for a long period of time. The idea is that the blood circulation cycles several times and more and more toxins stick to the fatty acid.

Let’s face it though, swishing something around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes is a LONG time! Furthermore, this is not sufficient enough to maintaining oral health. It is always a good idea to spit the oil out, and brush as you normally would to help disrupt plaque and bacteria.

Coconut oil works to enhance the effectiveness of the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This helps lift staining to achieve a whiter smile.

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective ingredient to aid in teeth whitening because it is oxygenated and can easily pass into and through teeth. The oxygenation is able to permeate the pores of the teeth and break down complex molecules. This process helps get rid of surface stains caused from everyday foods and drinks.

Combine:

Combining these ingredients will form a paste that is thick enough to adhere to teeth. Once the paste is formed, brush teeth with it for at least 2 minutes.

Our oral cavity is separated into 4 quadrants; upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left. So essentially, brush each quadrant for 30 seconds to complete the full 2 minutes.

After brushing, spit the paste out and brush with your normal toothpaste. Repeat this method everyday for 2 weeks, or until desired whiteness is achieved.

Teeth may become sensitive when using the paste to get a whiter smile. If teeth start to become sensitive, stop using the paste until the sensitivity subsides.

We hope this information from SoFabFood Home Chef, Tamara from Razzle Dazzle Life, helps you in your quest for a happier, healthier you! For daily recipe inspiration, like us on Always consult with a dentist or physician prior to starting a new home-care regimen.