Research is naturally uncovering different methods to help people whiten their teeth at home, and one of those potential methods uncovered is whether people can use turmeric for teeth whitening. Turmeric is something that you naturally find as an ingredient in food and drink, but how can it be used as a remedy for whitening teeth?
Let’s first understand what is contained in turmeric, which has made this remedy a consideration for teeth whitening.
What Is Turmeric, And What Does It Contain?
Turmeric has been used as a safe healing remedy for many years. Turmeric contains Curcumin, an organic chemical molecule that gives it a bright yellow colour, but turmeric also contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant effects.
Turmeric can be found anywhere, particularly in your food and drink. The ingredients contained in turmeric have been analysed in research and have found that turmeric is a treatment for those who struggle with periodontal disease and any oral health conditions. Turmeric is also contained in mouthwashes, teeth whitening treatments, and a dental sealant to reduce tooth decay.
How Can I Apply Turmeric For Dental Care?
There are a few ways you can use turmeric and add it to your oral care routine. They’re also quite easy to adopt as well. Let’s take a look at the different ways you can apply turmeric.
Turmeric Toothpaste
Turmeric toothpaste involves two separate methods. You can either apply turmeric with water to create a thick paste or dip your toothbrush into the water before adding it to the turmeric powder. Simply brush your teeth naturally as you would when you’re using normal toothpaste. You don’t need to do anything different when brushing your teeth. Once you’ve used turmeric, rinse your mouth and then brush your teeth with regular toothpaste. Check our list of the best teeth whitening tooth paste.
Turmeric-Based Whitening Toothpaste
Commercial teeth whitening products may contain substances that cause gingivitis, gum discomfort, gum recession, and tooth enamel erosion. Turmeric is a natural, organic, and safer alternative to teeth whitening treatments.
Furthermore, you can make your toothpaste at home instead!
You need to have three separate ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1-2 drops of Peppermint extract (for flavour)
- 1/8 teaspoon melted Coconut Oil
Although using turmeric to whiten your teeth won’t deliver as fast results as with commercial teeth whitening treatments, turmeric can help scrub the surface off your teeth. To speed up results, you can consider using a small amount of baking soda in the paste as well. You must rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth with regular toothpaste afterwards.
Turmeric Toothpaste For Your Gums
You may produce a turmeric ointment that you can spread on your teeth and gums to prevent gum disease or get treatment for gingivitis or Periodontitis.
Mix the following:
- One teaspoon of turmeric
- ½ teaspoon of salt and
- ½ teaspoon of mustard oil.
These ingredients help minimise any sensitivity in your teeth and gums, reducing plaque and bleeding. You need to rub the paste on your teeth and gums twice a day.
Turmeric Mouthwash
Gargling this turmeric mouthwash every day can help you keep normal, healthy gums! It’s simple to put together.
You’ll need the following ingredients to make your mouthwash:
- 1 cup distilled water
- One teaspoon turmeric powder
- One teaspoon cloves
- 2-3 drops of peppermint
To prepare a mouthwash, combine the first three components in a pot and bring to a boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the contents to a jar. When using mouthwash, gargle for about 1 minute and then spit it out. Do this once a day.
How Effective Is Turmeric For Teeth Whitening?
There are no specific studies that suggest that turmeric can be used for teeth whitening. Although, its antibacterial and antioxidant properties mean that it can support healthy teeth and gums whilst supporting the removal of any stubborn stains. This means that it can be a very useful home remedy for dental care whilst reducing those yellow stains.
Whilst the results may not be as strong compared to commercial teeth whitening, it is a home remedy worth trying. We strongly suggest Night Guard to whiten teeth.
If you’re seeking support whitening your teeth, you can contact our dentists in Woden for any available treatments.