Recently, my dentist told me that I shouldn’t use commercial tooth whitening kits from the drugstore. I was worried because I am a coffee drinker, and a performer, and image matters. Nowadays, fans snap photos with their phones and post them on Facebook before you can blink an eye, and having yellow teeth in a photo with a fan can be somewhat embarrassing.
Shortly thereafter, I stumbled upon information about using turmeric as a natural tooth whitener. I also had been reading about coconut oil being used in what is called the “oil-pulling method”. This is when you literally ( I know, it sounds gross, and trust me, it tastes gross too) keep oil in your mouth for 20 minutes or so, as it pulls out bacteria from your gums.
Ever the doubter, I tried first the oil-pulling method because I had some tooth pain and no appointment in site to get work done at the dentist. I didn’t have any coconut oil, so I used olive oil. I held the oil in my mouth for as long as possible. The pain was totally gone afterward. I was pleasantly surprised, although it made sense, since I have been cleaning my skin with oils for years. So, I tried it again a few weeks later, and it worked a second time. Thankfully, that tooth has since been worked on, but that was a lifesaver instead of popping Ibuprofen every day.
The turmeric is oddly effective as well. Turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory, healing element in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. As we all know, it stains everything it touches yellow. But not your teeth. I had trouble using it, however, because there was no ‘gumming’ agent or gel to help it adhere to my teeth.
So, my newest invention is a mixture of coconut oil, baking soda, and turmeric. I mix these elements together, then fill a tooth guard, and leave it sitting on my teeth for about 10 minutes. Then I brush. This promotes shiny, white teeth without the use of peroxide or chemicals.
So, if you’re not afraid to try new things, are not worried about taste, and want to use natural ingredients to stay healthy and beautiful, give it a shot! Let me know how it works for you by posting results on our Facebook page. (Monave Friends), or via email if you don’t use Facebook.
I hope this was helpful!
Teporah
Helpful links:
http://authoritynutrition.com/oil-pulling-coconut-oil/
Daisha
This is interesting and I have Tumeric. I’m going to try it! I’ve already been using my baking soda, coconut oil, xylitol mix. I was looking for whitening products and cam across Activated Charcoal on different blogs, however, it does look a bit messy. With the Turmeric, it seems I can add it directly into my homemade tooth polish. Thanks for sharing!
Erica
Wow! Turmeric to whiten! I have a bunch at home I used for clothing dye… 🙂
Deborah Bilezikian
I have been using it now for a while, and it doesn’t stain the teeth. Funny right?