HEALTH

The importance of good oral hygiene has been stressed on us all since we can remember. Brush twice a day, floss after every meal, use mouthwash, change your toothbrush often, see your dentist twice a year. Sometimes though, even when you stick with your dental routine to a tee you find your smile looking more sunrise yellow than pearly white. While *totally* embarassing, it's completely reversable, and no need to shell out unnecessary cash on whitening strips either. Here are five DIY hacks to bring back the sparkle to your smile.

1. Activated Charcoal 
You've probably heard this term floating around lately. Activated charcoal is about as trendy these days as avocados and fidget spinners. Luckily, trendy as it is, activated charcoal actually works. As well as being *super* detoxifying, charcoal is really good at binding with all that gross bacteria causing your teeth to yellow. Mix the charcoal with a bit of water to form a paste. Rub the paste on your teeth and let it sit for two minutes, then rinse with water until all the charcoal is gone. Your teeth will be completely black which can make for a pretty funny selfie, its a win win situation we think.

2. Baking Soda/Hydrogen Peroxide Paste 
Combine about two tablespoons of peroxide with one of baking soda and stir it into a paste, making sure the mixture isn't grainy. Brush with the paste as usual and let it sit for one minute. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to get all of the paste off of your teeth. Additionally, don't use this method more than two to three times a week, the baking soda can begin to break down the enamel on your teeth and cause sensitivity. 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar 
Apple cider vinegar is one of those household items whose use you never really figured out. Turns out it has many health benefits, one of which is natural teeth whitening properties. Mix the cider with a ratio of three parts water to one part apple cider vinegar and use as a substitue for mouthwash along with your regular dental routine. It can also be mixed with baking soda and made into a paste for more immediate effects.

4. Coconut Oil and Peppermint Leaf Paste 
Coconut oil, once again showing us that we don't deserve it or any of its many health and beauty benefits. According to Colgate, coconut oil contains lauric acid which helps to break down the gross bacteria that yellow your teeth. Mix it with a small amount of mashed peppermint leaves (for a nice minty finish) to start whitening. Similar to the apple cider vinegar rinse, this method doesn't have immediate effects, but unlike the baking soda pastes it won't erode your teeth and can be used as often as you like. *Win.*

5. Banana Rub 
Yup, you read that correctly. A banana rub! You can use the inside of a ripe banana peel to whiten your teeth. The peel is rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium which are absorbed into the enamel of your teeth and help whiten and brighten your smile. After you brush and floss, take the peel and rub it on your teeth for two minutes, then risne and repeat again before bed time.

It's important to note that these whitening hacks are not a substitute for your regular dental routine. Use these remedies along with brushing and flossing as normal to make sure your teeth are not only sparkling white but healthy, too.

Which one of these whitening hacks will you try? Let us know in the comments. 

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by Cydnii Jones | 11/5/2018