Name: Turmeric Mouth Paste
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1-2 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/4 teaspoon L-Arginine; 1 teaspoon Cold-pressed Organic Coconut Oil

Everyone wants whiter teeth, but not everyone wants to deal with the potential side effects of conventional teeth whitening methods. And I get it.

Whitening toothpastes can be too abrasive, causing sensitivity and gum recession. Whitening trays can allow too much hydrogen peroxide to leech into the teeth, which can damage the pulp and cause pain. And because whitening strips aren’t custom fit, they can allow the whitening chemicals to come in contact with the gums and other sensitive tissues in the mouth.

But there is an all natural—and effective—way to improve the appearance of teeth, while also boosting overall oral health. Enter this DIY turmeric teeth whitening paste.

Turmeric has long been popular in wellness circles as a natural way to whiten teeth. While science definitely hasn’t proven this theory, turmeric may be effective in reducing the appearance of, or eliminating, dental stains.

And even if turmeric doesn’t give you a brighter smile, its oral health benefits still make it a must-use ingredient, in my opinion.

With centuries of use to prove its medicinal powers, turmeric has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Because of this, turmeric may be beneficial in removing plaque and preventing gingivitis. (1) It can also reduce dental pain and swelling, and may be beneficial in treating oral cancer. (2)

If turmeric isn’t a regular part of your diet, there are plenty of supplements on the market you can take to reap its full-body benefits. But if you’re looking to improve dental and oral health, a turmeric paste is the way to go.

Now, before we get to the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the other ingredients you’ll be using:

Baking soda reduces the formation of plaque, helps prevent gum disease, and cleans the teeth. It’s also antibacterial and antifungal, and has been proven to kill Streptococcus mutans, which is linked to tooth decay. (3)

L-Arginine is an amino acid supplement that helps prevents tooth decay while preserving the health of the oral microbial flora. (4)

Coconut oil– Helps kill bad breath, prevent cavities, reduce gum inflammation, and whiten teeth.

Turmeric Mouth Paste

Instead of brushing with it for a couple of minutes and then rinsing it away—like you would with a standard toothpaste—this paste should be massaged onto the teeth and gums and allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes. This is the best way to ensure that the active ingredients have time to work their magic.