Can Turmeric Whiten Your Teeth?

Turmeric, a bright yellow spice, can nourish and heal your body in so many ways! It has been popular across the globe for centuries, particularly in Asia and Central America where it originated. Turmeric’s claim to fame as a natural herbal remedy is becoming more and more well known.

But it’s latest known use is peculiar… Can this golden spice make your teeth whiter? Can it absorb the discoloration without harming your teeth or gums? It is an all-natural herb, which means it’s not harmful to the human body.

Wondering if turmeric can whiten your teeth? Here’s the inside scoop.

The benefits of turmeric

The health care world has gotten hype about turmeric (sometimes referred to as Indian saffron) over the past few years. Maybe it’s a superfood, maybe it is the key to weight loss, or perhaps it will drastically reduce inflammation. Why is this golden spice so healthy?

Curcumin is the potent active ingredient in turmeric. This super-spice has outstanding benefits for your health. Turmeric has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and also:

• Lessons pain associated with arthritis or joint pain
• Reduces plaque when used in a mouthwash
• Increases your body’s antioxidant capacity
• Fights against free-radicals
• Boosts your immune system
• Amps up your brain functioning
• Can soothe athlete’s soreness
• And can whiten your teeth.

Turmeric and your teeth

Turmeric’s recent claim to fame is that it can whiten your teeth. A yellow spice makes teeth less yellow? That seems counterintuitive! Yet it works.

Compared to commercial teeth whitening products, turmeric is all natural and doesn’t involve the common side effects of gum pain, sensitivity or receding gums. Obviously its teeth whitening capabilities are spectacular, but turmeric can also reduce gum pain, inflammation, plaque and bacteria, and may even prevent oral cancer.

Research on this popular spice is limited. But because it is a well known anti inflammatory and antimicrobial herb, it is completely safe to use and consume as a teeth whitening agent.

How to use turmeric to whiten your teeth

There are two methods of using turmeric as a tooth whitener.

Turmeric teeth whitening method #1:

1. After you finished brushing your teeth like normal with your usual toothpaste, pour ? of a teaspoon of raw organic turmeric powder onto your toothbrush. Brush across your teeth (especially the ones in the front).
2. Let sit for 2-5 minutes.
3. Rinse out your mouth and quickly brush your teeth again with regular toothpaste.
4. Repeat this once per day until you see results, roughly 7-10 days.

Notes: If the turmeric lingers on your teeth, that’s okay! It will break down throughout your day, especially when you eat. Also, be aware that this will stain your toothbrush yellow. Either use a separate brush for this technique, or throw it away after your whitening session. (The Dollar Store is an excellent place to buy a basic toothbrush!) It may also stain your sink, so I recommend spitting close to the drain and immediately wiping down your sink after each brushing with turmeric.

Turmeric teeth whitening method #2:

1. Brush your teeth like normal with your usual toothpaste.
2. Combine ? of a teaspoon of turmeric powder with ? of a teaspoon of coconut oil. Optional: add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda or 1 drop of mint essential oil.
3. Brush this paste onto your teeth and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
4. Rinse out your mouth and quickly brush your teeth again with regular toothpaste.
5. Repeat this once per day until you see results, roughly 7-10 days.

Note: See notes under method #1 regarding the staining of your toothbrush and sink.

Most people, regardless of the method, see results within 7-10 days. Try taking a before and after picture to see how many shades the turmeric erases.

Other ways to consume turmeric

Turmeric can be used for more than a tooth whitener. Try adding a teaspoon to your smoothies, like this anti-inflammatory tropical smoothie.

Turmeric is also a tasty addition to salad dressings. Hint: Your body absorbs turmeric best when it’s combined with black pepper, so make sure to add extra pepper to your mixture.

Of course, it is delicious in a curry (especially this butternut squash and lentil curry)!

To try turmeric, or not to try turmeric?

The bottom line: turmeric may not whiten your teeth so radically that you blind people with your pearly whites. It also may not completely turn around your health. However, it’s worth the try – you have nothing to lose! (Except for a pristine white sink. Don’t forget to clean your sink immediately after spitting out the turmeric paste.)

Turmeric is an enduringly popular natural teeth whitener. When used properly, turmeric is a safe option for your teeth and body. Have you tried turmeric as a natural teeth whitener? We’d love to hear your success stories!