Many people want whiter teeth. Having a bright smile is a sign of good health and makes you more attractive, instilling confidence as you move through the world.

Several methods can achieve white teeth. However, some teeth-whitening methods are safer than others. In this article, we'll explore some of the common dangers of teeth whitening and how to avoid them to brighten your smile without causing harm to your dental health.

The Dangers Of Whitening Strips

Several decades ago, whitening strips hit the shelves at most major retailers, right next to the floss and toothpaste. To use them, you simply apply the strips to the teeth for a set period of time. In this way, they offer a convenient and cost-effective way to whiten teeth at home. It's easy to understand what makes whitening strips so tempting. However, before you reach for them the next time you're at the drugstore, consider the risks.

Dental Bleaching

Most whitening products contain bleaching ingredients, usually in the form of hydrogen peroxide. This chemical works to break down the grime on the surface of the teeth that is the reason for discoloration. In the process of removing unwanted debris, though, it can also strip away tooth enamel,

Enamel provides crucial protection to the teeth. When the enamel is removed by bleaching whiteners, the teeth become susceptible to cavities and other serious problems.

Under the right conditions, dental bleaching may not cause serious dental problems. It all depends on the individual ingredients in the products and how frequently they are used.

An experienced dentist is trained to notice the signs of damage caused by teeth whiteners. Your dentist may suggest and perform professional teeth whitening at your annual visit.

How To Safely Whiten Teeth

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t some teeth-whitening methods you can try at home.

Oil pulling is one popular method. Ancient dental practitioners relied on this tried-and-true technique for removing harmful bacteria that sticks to teeth and discolor them. Coconut oil works well. Simply put a small amount of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for 10 to 20 minutes.

Another option for DIY teeth-whitening is using baking soda. This amazing household item has numerous health applications outside of the kitchen, including whitening teeth. You can either make a paste by combining the baking soda with water, or you can add a little baking soda to your usual toothpaste. Brushing your teeth with either of these will help remove stains quickly.

Finally, you can use apple cider vinegar to fight dental stains. The high acid content in ACV is proven to kill the bacteria that often cause discoloration. Use diluted vinegar to brush your teeth, and let it sit for a while. Later, brush your teeth again with your normal toothpaste.

Lastly, the most common culprits of tooth discoloration are smoking, drinking coffee, and drinking red wine. If you can limit those activities or stop them completely, you will likely notice a rebound in brightness when it comes to your smile.

When you implement these common, safe, and effective teeth whiteners into your daily routine, you'll have a whiter smile in no time.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colo. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.