Turmeric, that golden yellow powder that stains skin and clothes, actually whitens teeth! How amazing is that?! Turmeric has incredible healing abilities, the root has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that removes bacteria and helps prevent or improve oral infections.
Because it’s a well-known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial herb, turmeric is very useful for home dental care. It’s very easy to incorporate this powdered root into your dental hygiene routine.
This study shows turmeric has a role in the treatment of periodontal diseases and oral cancers. Turmeric can also be used as a pit and fissure sealant, mouth wash, and subgingival irrigant in different preparations.
How Does Turmeric Help?
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, it’s a highly potent antimicrobial agent preventing gingivitis and other gum diseases. If gum diseases are present, turmeric improves these conditions.
Turmeric removes plaque, bacteria and inflammation compared to over the counter mouthwashes. This root also aids in relieving dental pain and can be used as treatment for periodontal disease.
What’s more, turmeric lacks the side effects of commercial teeth whiteners. These include increased risks of:
- gingivitis
- gum pain
- receding gums
- tooth enamel problems
Possible benefits you can get from using turmeric for teeth whitening are:
- teeth whitening
- reduced risk of gum pain and inflammation
- reduced risk of gum disease
The commercial whiteners you buy in the store have harsh ingredients and can actually harm your tooth enamel and gums. This recipe is so much gentler on your teeth and gums.
Turmeric Teeth Whitener
Warning! Turmeric will stain your toothbrush yellow. You might want to use an older toothbrush.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 -1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional see below)
- 5 drops peppermint oil
Directions
- Mix all ingredients together to form a paste
- Wet your toothbrush and dip it in the mixture
- Brush it on your teeth as you would toothpaste
- Allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes
- Spit and rinse well
- Brush your teeth with toothpaste after using the paste
- Continue daily for a few days or even a week until you see desired results
- Make sure you clean your sink so it doesn’t stain
Now I don’t use baking soda in this recipe because I find it irritates my mouth but there are many benefits to incorporating baking soda into your recipe. Feel free to leave it out if you find it bothers your mouth. Baking soda reduces the formation of plaque, helps prevent gum disease, and cleans your teeth. It’s also antibacterial and anti-fungal, and has been proven to kill Streptococcus mutans, which is linked to tooth decay.
Now you have an all-natural teeth whitening toothpaste that has many benefits for your oral health. This is a much better alternative to store tooth whiteners. It is organic and healthy for you. Give this a try, you won’t regret it.