Here are some home remedies that can help with white teeth and bad breath:
For white teeth:
- Baking soda: Baking soda has alkaline properties that can help remove stains from teeth. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, and brush your teeth with it once or twice a week.
- Oil pulling: Swish a tablespoon of oil (such as coconut, sesame, or sunflower) in your mouth for 15-20 minutes a day to remove toxins and bacteria that can cause stains on teeth.
- Strawberries: Mash a few strawberries and mix with baking soda to form a paste. Brush your teeth with this paste once a week to remove stains.
For bad breath:
- Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste, especially after meals. Floss at least once a day to remove food particles from between your teeth.
- Tongue scraping: Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue to remove bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath.
- Salt water rinse: Gargle with warm salt water (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) to kill bacteria and freshen breath. Repeat as needed.
In addition to these remedies, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can also help improve your oral health.
Home remedies for whitening teeth with strawberries
There are several home remedies for whitening teeth with strawberries that you can try at home. Strawberries contain citric acid, which may help give teeth a whiter appearance.
Here are a few methods:
- Strawberry and baking soda mixture: Mash a ripe strawberry into a pulp and mix it with baking soda until blended. Apply the mixture to your teeth with a soft toothbrush and leave it on for five minutes. Then, brush your teeth thoroughly with toothpaste to remove the berry-baking soda mix and rinse with water. You can do this a few times a week.
- Strawberry and salt mixture: Mix a ripe strawberry with a pinch of salt to form a paste. Apply the mixture to your teeth and leave it on for five minutes. Then, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and brush your teeth with toothpaste. You can do this once a week.
It’s worth noting that a study published in 2025 in Operative Dentistry showed that the idea of using strawberries to whiten teeth may be misinformation. The study concluded that strawberries are not an effective teeth-whitening agent. Additionally, using strawberries to whiten teeth may be damaging to your teeth. It’s always best to consult with a dentist before trying any home remedies for teeth whitening.
Home remedies for whitening teeth with lemon
Lemons are known for their acidic properties and may help to whiten teeth. However, it’s important to note that the acidic nature of lemon can erode the enamel on teeth if overused. Therefore, it’s recommended to use this remedy sparingly.
Here are some home remedies for whitening teeth with lemon:
- Lemon and baking soda: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice to form a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth with a toothbrush and leave for a minute or two. Rinse with water thoroughly. [2]
- Lemon and salt: Mix a teaspoon of salt with a few drops of lemon juice to form a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth with a toothbrush and leave for a minute or two. Rinse with water thoroughly. [2]
- Lemon and water: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water. Swish this mixture in your mouth for a few minutes and then rinse with water. [10]
It’s important to note that lemon should not be used as a standalone remedy for teeth whitening. It’s recommended to use it sparingly and in combination with other natural remedies such as baking soda or salt. It’s also important to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after using any of these remedies to avoid any damage to your teeth.
