Combine first kisses, a mouth full of metal, and your average middle schooler's insecurities, and you've got a recipe ripe for dental health obsession. At least, that's when mine started. I became super interested in finding the best natural teeth whiteners when braces made my mouth both extremely sensitive and insanely difficult to clean.
It only took about five short and painless years for the braces to come off (maximum level of sarcasm reached), but I still won't use any toothpaste, mouthwash, or whitener that isn't entirely natural. Now, though, I've got other reasons.
If you're concerned about what you put in your body, then what you put in your mouth should matter, too, whether you're swallowing it or not. Natural teeth whiteners include ingredients like charcoal or baking soda which help to remove stubborn stains from the surface of your teeth. But of course, natural or not, make sure not to overdo it — since using whiteners too often or scrubbing at your teeth can weaken your enamel.
Thankfully "natural" is no longer synonymous with being inferior. These teeth whitening alternatives are super up front with their ingredients. And, not only are they natural and pronounceable, but some of them work even better than the traditional options when it comes to achieving a brighter smile.
1This Bizarre Black Powder Formula That Actually Works
Tuxedo Charcoal Teeth Whitening Formula, $21, Amazon
This Tuxedo Charcoal Teeth Whitening Formula is a personal favorite of mine. It's made with a combination of activated charcoal and bentonite clay, both of which are extremely absorbent and capable of lifting stains from the surface of your teeth. However, it's extremely gentle on sensitive mouths. It's also got zero taste, lasts for months at a time, absorbs odors, and has over a thousand rave reviews.
2This Toothpowder That Whitens With Baking Soda & Sea Salt
Eco-Dent Extra Brite Tooth Whitener, $9, Amazon
This Eco-Dent Extra Brite tooth whitener combines the power of baking soda, sea salt toothpowder, and peroxide for a clean smile in powder form. It contains no dyes or sweeteners, and reviewers say that along with their coffee and wine stains, some dental issues are disappearing, too.
3Chew On These Arak Tree Sticks For Cleaner Teeth
Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit, $20, Amazon
People are absolutely loving this Miswak Club Kit. It's essentially just two sticks that come from the Arak tree, and they're organically grown without chemicals or pesticides. They've got all natural whitening agents that remove stains and discoloration while you chew and brush. "Miswak sticks are new to me, but I quickly am becoming addicted," says one fan. "I use mine on the commute to and from work and my teeth are cleaner and whiter (coffee stains beware!)"
4This Peroxide-Free Gel Pen Made With Gentle Ingredients
Just Pure Hut Dentist Teeth Whitening Pen, $14, Amazon
The Just Pure Hut Dentist Teeth Whitening Pen uses a gel that's apparently all natural and free from peroxide. The pen itself uses a sleek design and pointed tip that makes it easy to apply all over your teeth or to individual stains, and reviewers say, "I saw a difference the first day," and "There was absolutely no gum or tooth irritation."
5This Paleo-Approved Alternative For Fresh Breath & Polished Teeth
The Dirt All Natural Tooth Powder, $20, Amazon
All paleo and free from gluten, soy, and corn, The Dirt All Natural Tooth Powder is for the ultimate label-reader. It lifts stains away from your teeth using extra fine bentonite clay and baking soda, and it has a clean and refreshing taste from cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange essential oils. "My breath smells good after using it and my teeth feel super clean!... A little goes a LONG way," says one reviewer.
6This Whitening Kit That's Like Magic Erasers For Your Teeth
Dr. Whitening Natural Teeth Whitener System Tool Kit, $18, Amazon
The Dr. Whitening Natural Teeth Whitener System is designed for those with extremely sensitive teeth. It contains no peroxide or LED lights, and instead uses patented power swabs to remove stains, discoloration, and plaque. Simply add water and scrub away, and each brush can be used multiple times.
7Activated Charcoal In A Paste Form For A Fresh, Bright Mouth
Dental Expert Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste, $16, Amazon
The Dental Expert Toothpaste uses charcoal and other natural ingredients to brighten your smile. And the fact that it's in a paste form makes it way more convenient to use than most powders. "The toothpaste is amazing!" says one reviewer. "It makes your teeth feel so clean. You can see the change in the color of your teeth after the first use. It has a nice flavor as well."
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