Between morning (and let’s face it, afternoon) cups of coffee and evening glass(es) of red wine, those pearly whites may have started to lose their luster. Fearless grins turn into to closed-mouth smiles, or lead to costly teeth-whitening inquires at the dentist office.
Fear not! We’ve rounded up quick and easy tips on how help restore your sparkling smile, and also improve overall oral health using everyday household ingredients.
BAKING SODA + HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Anyone with little kids knows that hydrogen peroxide is a go-to for cleaning out cuts and scrapes. But did you know that this antibacterial staple can also be transformed into a DIY mouth rinse? Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water, add a few drops of tea tree oil if you like, swish around in your mouth for one minute, and rinse thoroughly. Good ‘ole HP helps keep breath fresh by eliminating unnecessary odor-causing bacteria.1
When mixed with a bit of baking soda, a paste forms that can help remove plaque build-up. To ensure you’re using these products safely, first brush your teeth as you normally would, and then rub the paste on to your teeth for about 30 seconds and rinse well. Make sure your paste is more runny than gritty – you don’t want to scratch or scrape your enamel!
COCONUT OIL
A jar of virgin, unrefined coconut oil is as versatile in the kitchen as it is in bath and body products. The practice of daily oil pulling, a method where you swish oil in your mouth for 5-20 minutes a day, has become a wider-known remedy that helps remove teeth stains and contribute to a healthier mouth2. To try it out, simply put a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and swish away. Spit and rinse when done.
If you’re not ready to dive into the world of oil pulling (or if you don’t have the time), we hear you. Our JĀSÖN® Simply Coconut™ Oral Care Line leverages the benefits of virgin, unrefined coconut oil, along with other plant-based ingredients like bamboo powder, aloe vera juice, and pineapple enzymes, to help keep your mouth and teeth extra fresh. Check out our four toothpaste options here, including the Simply Coconut™ Whitening Toothpaste in Coconut Cream. Don’t forget to rinse afterwards with our unique Simply Coconut™ Total Protection Mouth Rinse in Coconut Mint. It’s quite refreshing, and is free from saccharin and alcohols.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Another versatile household staple, apple cider vinegar – ACV from here on out – is a naturally effective teeth/gum cleanser. The acidity, along with potassium, magnesium, probiotics, and enzymes in ACV are particularly helpful when breaking down stubborn stains and getting rid of germs.
Consistency is key with ACV. Try to use it regularly – whether doing a quick rinse or brushing with it as a liquid. Be sure to follow up with a solid rinse-out using water or the aforementioned hydrogen peroxide mixture so that the acid doesn’t remain on your teeth.
And lastly, when in doubt – always do a quick brush or rinse after eating or drinking anything particularly colorful.
Smile on!
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