Smiling is not only an indication of sporadic happiness but a display of self-confidence and emotional well-being. Most people yearn for a wide set of pearly whites, but achieving the results you want at home isn’t always feasible.
Over-the-counter teeth bleaching kits can cause toothaches, enamel wear, gum irritation or recession and weakness, particularly for patients who have sensitive or damaged teeth. And, the costs add up quickly. Americans spend over $1 billion on teeth whitening products annually. Fortunately, you can whiten your smile at home the natural, safe and affordable way with turmeric.
Turmeric Benefits
Turmeric is a spice of the ginger family commonly found in Indian cuisine and even yellow mustard. While flavorsome, the spice offers benefits that go beyond the taste buds. The main and active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is a dominant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
One study published in the October 2007 issue of Alternative & Complementary Therapies uncovers its anti-inflammatory properties, shown to help fight chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and cancer.¹ Curcumin is also said to lessen the risk of heart disease by nurturing the lining of blood vessels and improving oxidization. In another study, curcumin was shown to relieve depression levels similarly to the prescription drug Prozac.²
Despite its yellow color, turmeric is an all-natural teeth whitener. It stains fabrics, food and household surfaces, but has the opposite effect on your teeth. You can buy all-natural toothpaste with turmeric added, but creating your own paste with ingredients from your pantry is easy:
- Combine one tablespoon of coconut oil, two capsules of turmeric powder and a few drops of peppermint oil (for taste) in a small mixing bowl.
- Dip a wet toothbrush into the mixture and brush as normal.
- Then, allow the solution to sit for three to five minutes before your rinse.
- Repeat daily until you achieve your desired shade.
- To maintain your whiter smile, brush with turmeric every two weeks.
While many professional whitening treatments, including Zoom!, are safe and effective, turmeric helps maintain optimal results in between appointments. Aside from its aesthetic benefits, turmeric’s antibacterial properties prevent and fight gum infections. And, thanks to healing properties, turmeric also improves pineal gland health and function. The pineal gland is responsible for melatonin production, which protects the body from free radical damage and regulates your body’s circadian rhythm to keep your body clock in check. Fluoride, found in everything from toothpaste to tap water, accumulates in the pineal gland and causes calcification and impairment. The side effects of long-term pineal gland calcification include obesity, kidney damage, mood disorder, vision loss, digestive problems and insomnia. Fluoride is a known neurotoxin that disrupts proper brain function, but curcumin is a recognized neuroprotective agent to help curb cognitive damage.
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in India, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and later, the United States. There are over 600 documented benefits of the spice, including its positive impact on oral health. Whether you’re looking to whiten your teeth, prevent oral infection fight the toxic effects of fluoride, turmeric is your holistic answer.
¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18462866
² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433
