The beautiful thing about Mother Earth is that she helps us take care of ourselves naturally! With these natural teeth-whitening ingredients, you'll be smiling from ear to ear. 

The Best Natural Ingredients for Teeth Whitening

Coconut Pulling Oil

'Kavala' or 'Gundusha', (oil pulling) is an ancient Ayurvedic detoxifying technique to support not only dental health, but also to detoxify the body and encourage systemic health! (It's detoxifying effects on the whole body allow it to reduce headaches, joint pains and hangovers - and that is in addition to its positive effect on dental health!). 

Coconut oil doesn’t whiten teeth by bleaching, but rather, it is composed of lauric acid which breaks down plaque and bacteria, making your teeth naturally cleaner and whiter, without any negative effects.

For a spearmint fresh oral cleanse, take a tablespoon of the Ozonated Oil Pulling Oil , with ozonated organic coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for 15 - 20 minutes daily to keep your pearly whites gleaming and your breath fresh as a daisy!

Apple Cider Vinegar

This treat is excellent for removing plaque in those hidden places in your mouth, and for killing harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease and cavities. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) contains natural compounds of acetic acid, potassium, magnesium, probiotics and enzymes that are excellent for oral health. Like most natural products, ACV not only helps dental health, it also has benefits for the whole body! 

Remember that not all Apple Cider Vinegars are equal! When using Apple Cider Vinegar, always choose an organic product 'with the Mother'. Earth Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother contains collagen strands (called 'the Mother') that remove arterial plaque, bodily toxins and infections. This holistic product is brilliant for swishing around the mouth for a sparkly finish. Remember to dilute the vinegar in half a glass of water: the acidity in the vinegar can be harmful to your teeth if you use it too often or if you brush your teeth with a hard toothbrush straight afterwards! It's best to gargle with a mouthful of clean water and wait a while before you brush your teeth!

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Though many may think that baking soda is chemically produced, it is actually a salt composed of sodium and bicarbonate ions. Baking soda is a white chrystaline solid that often appears as a fine powder. 

The granules make a fine way to remove stubborn plaque off of teeth. Add a pinch to your clean toothbrush and brush gently. Remember again that over-brushing with baking soda can lead to the break down and deterioration of tooth enamel, so keep the habit gentle and limited to once a week!

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years and is a major part of  Ayurveda, Siddha medicine. Unani and traditional Chinese medicine. In many cultures, it's used as a clothing dye, howver it seems to have the opposite effect on teeth! When you apply it to your teeth and gums and leave it to "do its magic" for about 5 minutes, you'll wash it off and notice that your teeth are significantly whiter! 

Try it at home by applying some to your toothbrush, brushing your teeth, leaving it to set for a few minutes and then rinse it off and follow up by brushing with your normal toothpaste! 

DO BE WARNED, however, that Turmeric stains everything it touches. So be mindful when handling the stuff! Avoid getting it on your clothes and hands!

 6 Worst Substances for your Teeth

• Tea and coffee
• Smoking cigarettes
• Soft drinks like coca cola and sprite
• Candy and toffees
• Excessive antibiotic use
• Excessive fluoride intake, especially if this habit starts when you’re a child.
• Toothpaste containing the ingredient Triclosan (which is most commercial toothpastes in South Africa!) In 2016, the FDA banned the use of Triclosan in OTC cosmetic and hygiene products. This followed recent studies that suggested that Triclosan is hazardous to human health. Research has shown that triclosan:
  • Alters hormone regulation in animals
  • Might contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant germs
  • Might be harmful to the immune system

 Simple Homemade Toothpaste Recipe

It's quick, effective and affordable! Concoct your own toothpaste at home and be satisfied with the sterling results!