Orange Peel Teeth Whitening and 7 Other Weird Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth

“How can she resist these pearly whites?” is perhaps one of the best lines in Stranger Things, the hot new television series that captured audiences across the country.

But the ever-endearing Dustin does have a point: most people can’t resist the allure of flashy white teeth, and everyone wants in on the secrets of how to obtain them.

Here, we’ll share the squeaky clean secrets of the orange peel teeth whitening method and throw in seven others just for show.

Are you ready for white teeth? Read on to figure out exactly how you can get your own set of pearly whites.

Who Doesn’t Want White Teeth?

We sincerely doubt anyone’s raising their hand here. Teeth whitening provides a sparkling (pun intended) first impression, enhances your appearance and boosts self-confidence. Who wouldn’t want white teeth?

However, the sad fact of the matter is that fewer Americans are able to afford the maintenance that comes along with white teeth. In fact, the American Dental Association has found that the percentage of adults visiting the dentist has been on the decline since the early 2000s.

It’s speculated low income is one factor exaggerating the decline, but the great thing about our wacky tips is that they’re inexpensive.

In fact, many times you’ll have everything you need in your kitchen or bathroom cupboard.

Let’s start with the most famous of the list, the orange peel method.

What Is Orange Peel Teeth Whitening?

D-Limonene is the secret ingredient here.

This natural scent and solvent is found on the white side of an orange peel. According to a 2010 study, researchers found that toothpaste containing 5% d-limonene was significantly effective at inhibiting smoking stains. When coupled with Perlite whitening formulation, it was extremely effective in preventing further stains and removing long-lasting stains.

Because using this method means only using the d-limonene found in orange peels, users should expect results to take longer.

To use the orange peel method, peel an orange and scrub the white side of the peel against your teeth. Some recommend using table salt as well; it may act as an abrasive material that will help scrub the teeth clean.

Avoid brushing your teeth for an hour after this. The enzymes in your mouth take time to break down small bits of citrus and other acidic foods. If you brush directly after eating acidic items, you may unintentionally scrub the enamel off your teeth.

Seven Weird Ways to Make Those Pearly Whites Shine

The orange peel method may be the most famous, but there are other, even stranger, methods of getting those teeth sparkling new.

1. Strawberry Paste

If you like the taste of strawberries, this may be the one for you.

Strawberries contain malic acid, a tooth whitening agent. To utilize this method, crush one strawberry and mix it with half a teaspoon of baking soda. You should get a gooey, pulverized blob of red.

Dip your toothbrush in it, then use the brush to spread the mixture all over your teeth. Let it sit for five minutes before brushing it away, then rinse. Repeat this once a week for results.

A study published in Operative Dentistry found that this mixture does help to remove plaque and other substances on teeth, giving the illusion of a whiter smile.

It may look gross, but at least it’s tasty and effective.

2. Banana Peels

Yes, there seems to be a trend: apparently, rubbing bits of healthy foods across your teeth enhances their brilliance. Like strawberries and oranges, however, bananas also have secret ingredients to make your smile brighter: manganese, potassium, and magnesium.

Peel a banana and rub the inside of the peel on your teeth for two minutes. Brush with regular toothpaste and you may be on your way to whiter teeth.

3. Pineapple

We can practically hear the protests. Yes, pineapple is quite acidic. However, the enzyme bromelain acts as a natural stain remover.

On top of making those whites whiter, bromelain also helps restore the pH levels in your mouth and even aids in the healing process. Research by PK Chakravarthy and S Acharya from Manipal University found that bromelain and papain extracts are more effective at removing stains than regular Colgate toothpaste.

To use the pineapple method, all you have to do is eat it. Doing this after a meal will help avoid plaque buildup.

4. Charcoal

Prepare to look like the living dead, at least for a few minutes.

Some whitening-seekers claim charcoal capsules can brighten teeth. Open a capsule, pour the contents into a bowl, dip in your toothbrush and apply the mixture to your teeth. Leave it to sit for five minutes.

Finally, rinse and brush your teeth normally.

Experts warn charcoal’s effects have not been widely studied, and the abrasive nature that may make your teeth appear whiter could also be damaging your enamel.

If you use this method, use it rarely and with caution.

And don’t forget to pop out of the closet to terrify anyone you live with while it’s in your mouth.

5. Oil Pulling

It sounds painful, right? We promise it’s not. It was used 3,000 years ago and it has recently found its place as a trendy way to brighten that smile.

Take one tablespoon of oil (coconut, sesame or sunflower works best) and swish it in your mouth for about 20 minutes. Do not swallow any of the oil. When you’re finished, spat it out in the trash can.

While its whitening properties are disputed, dentists agree oil pulling does fight gingivitis, plaque, and micro-organisms that cause bad breath.

6. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

It might sound like your making a homemade volcano mixture for your mouth, but baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can work together for an effective at-home remedy for dirty teeth. The gentle but abrasive nature of baking soda coupled with peroxide’s lightening agent and antimicrobial properties make this mixture a popular one.

Place half a teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl and drizzle with hydrogen peroxide until it makes a paste. Use it as you would normal toothpaste, but avoid swallowing. Do this every day for one to two weeks.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar strikes again! Among its many benefits is the liquid’s ability to fight plaque, which causes discoloration.

Make a mouthwash by mixing two teaspoons with 150 milliliters of water and swish for a minute. Spit it out, and you’re done!

Ready for Even Stranger Things?

You might have heard about the orange peel teeth whitening method, but did you know about the others?

Try them for yourself and see which one works for you. While you’re swishing and brushing to brighter places, take a look at our article, “9 Bizarre Types of Alternative Medicine That Actually Work.”

If you thought this article was strange, you have another thing coming.

Weirdomatic is the place where all weird things come to life through the amazing world of photographs – a corner of our wild imagination or the whimsical face of the reality?