Scheduling regular visits to the dentist for deep cleanings as well as whitening treatments is the most effective method of maintaining a healthy vibrant smile you can be proud of. However, indulgences such as coffee and tea can dull and stain your teeth between dental visits, so it's a good idea to implement your own teeth whitening habits at home. Flossing and using a commercial whitening product can help – you can also make use of foods like strawberries to brighten your smile between professional whitening treatments. Strawberries are full of astringents that work to get rid of surface stains, and their vitamin C content is effective at clearing plaque away. You can eat them fresh by the handful often or incorporate them into tasty tooth whitening recipes the whole family is sure to enjoy. Try one or more of these strawberry-filled recipe options:
Berry Fresh Toothpaste
This berry toothpaste is sure to be a tasty compliment to your morning routine, and it's safe for the kids to use daily too. This recipe takes just a couple minutes to make and will hold up in the fridge for up to a week between uses. Here is how to make a batch for your household:
Simply put your strawberries into a small reusable container and use a fork to mash them well until they turn into a slightly chunky and thick paste. Then add the water and baking soda to your berries and stir the mixture with your fork until all of the ingredients are well blended and resemble the consistency of traditional toothpaste.
Dip your toothbrush directly in the paste if you'll be the only one using it; otherwise, you can use a small spoon to saturate the bristles before brushing. It's a good idea to quickly rinse your mouth with clean water after brushing just to be sure that no strawberry seeds get stuck between your teeth.
Berry Mint Mouthwash
You can certainly use hydrogen peroxide by itself as a whitening mouth rinse, but adding a few extra ingredients to the mix will make the treatment more palatable as well as effective. The strawberries in this mouthwash recipe offer flavor and whitening power, while the peppermint essential oil will help keep your breath fresh throughout the day. In addition to a reusable mason jar or bottle, you will need the following ingredients to put together this cost-effective tooth whitening recipe:
Place your berries in a small bowl and smash them with a fork until they get mushy and watery. Pour the berry mixture and their juices into a cheesecloth or nut milk bag and strain the juice of the berries into another small clean bowl. Simply throw the mushed berries in the compost or garbage after you've strained the juice from them.
Next, pour the strained berry juice into your jar or bottle along with the rest of the ingredients. Place the lid on your container and shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds so all the components have a chance to thoroughly mix with one another. Make sure to shake the bottle a few times before each use to ensure the ingredients are well mixed. You can keep the bottle right on your counter for about a week between uses.
Using these recipes on a regular basis should help keep the entire household's teeth looking great between dental visits. You may even find that you save a noticeable amount of money on commercial dental products by replacing some with these homemade options. If you still want more information on methods to keep your teeth looking healthy, contact a local dentist.
Share29 March 2016
