Walk into any grocery or drug store, and you’ll see a myriad of tooth whitening products on the toothpaste aisle. There are whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, and entire tooth whitening systems. Some of the toothpastes use natural ingredients such as baking soda, but most products use harsh chemicals that many of us would think twice about putting into our bodies.
There are home treatments that can give us whiter teeth without the questionable chemicals. Baking soda has been used to whiten teeth for years. Some people use it directly from the box, while others find baking soda toothpastes more palatable. Either way, it is well known that baking soda is a great tooth whitener.
Another treatment that has received a large amount of praise is strawberries. The strawberry has an enzyme called malic acid that has been found to be quite effective at whitening teeth. And as a bonus, it tastes better than those store-bought treatments.
How to Whiten Teeth With Strawberries and Baking Soda
There are a few ways that you can include strawberries and baking soda in your dental care regimen. One way is to simply cut a strawberry in half, rub the pulpy side on your teeth, and then brush with baking soda. But you can also make mixtures that include the two ingredients, for added convenience and effectiveness.
One popular method is to puree the strawberries and apply to the teeth with your toothbrush or a cosmetic brush. Let this remain on your teeth for five minutes, then brush with the baking soda. You could also mash up a strawberry or two with a small amount of baking soda and apply, then brush with regular toothpaste.
Things to Consider When Using Strawberries
It is very important to brush your teeth well after using any strawberry treatment. Strawberries do contain natural sugar, and leaving them on your teeth for long periods of time could cause cavities. And the very ingredient that whitens our teeth, malic acid, can be harmful if left on too long. Any type of acid could eat through our teeth’s enamel, and that also provides ample opportunity for cavities to form.
Due to the strawberry’s acid content, it’s probably a good idea not to use strawberry treatments too often even if you do brush well afterward. Once a week should be sufficient. It’s also important to continue to go to the dentist for regular cleanings.
While it is important to take some precautions when using strawberries and baking soda to whiten teeth, these natural whiteners are less expensive than commercial treatments. The strawberries loosen the hold of the stains on the teeth, while the baking soda buffs the stains away. And best of all, the danger of using chemicals on your teeth is not a concern.
