I’d love to connect with you on Instagram, where I share home, health and lifestyle tips!

A close friend of mine ended up in the ER once… from whitening her teeth (NO joke!). I’ve heard beauty is pain but I don’t believe you should have to endure pain to have your teeth a few shades whiter. Also, some whitening systems work by removing/bleaching the outermost layer of enamel. Your teeth are temporarily much brighter but this just leaves them more susceptible to getting coffee/tea/wine stains more quickly in the future. Although these tips require a bit of persistence, the results are similar to that of a whitening system, but won’t damage your enamel.

Coconut Oil Pulling for Whiter Teeth

This tip requires the greatest amount of persistence, but also has the best payoff. Swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 10 minutes first thing in the morning ‘reduces plaque and leaves teeth whiter, brighter and your mouth detoxified.’ It takes a little getting used to so start off with a small quantity and you can build up to closer to a tablespoon. I used $10 liquid coconut oil from Whole Foods, but they also make fancy coconut oil for pulling that is $2 a packet and flavored (Coco Mint, Coco Colada and Coco Vanilla).

Brush with Baking Soda for Whiter Teeth

This is one of the easiest whitening tips because you are (hopefully) doing most of this already. All you do is sprinkle a little baking soda on your toothpaste once applied to your toothbrush! Also the cheapest way to whiten your teeth!

Coconut Floss

Lastly, COCOFLOSS! I love a thick floss that really cleans between my teeth (but it’s a pet peeve when the floss gets stuck). This floss is made of coconuts (have you picked up on the fact yet that I LOVE COCONUTS?!) and glides between my tight teeth to leave them feeling extra fresh. I discovered it in Real Simple (where I love to get a lot of tips) but my dental hygienist also raves about it. I also love their tiny sizes so I can stash little flosses everywhere (gym bag, car, purse, travel bag, etc.). You can find it at Anthropologie, Sephora, or (my favorite) directly from the company.