If you are thinking of whitening your teeth using natural methods, there are still some precautions that you should take. Even when traditional chemical whiteners are not being used in your whitening process, you should not just throw caution to the wind. Here are a few things you should avoid doing when whitening your teeth with natural substances.

Don't Leave Strawberries or Vinegar on the Teeth for Long Periods

Strawberries and vinegar contain a substance called malic acid that is known to remove dental stains. Malic acid softens the colorants that cause the discoloration to make stains easier to brush away, but it should not be left on the teeth for prolonged periods. To use strawberries or vinegar on the teeth for teeth whitening, simply mash the strawberries into a paste and apply it to the teeth, or rub vinegar over your teeth. It is best to use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar since the pH of white vinegar tends to be lower.

After allowing the strawberries or vinegar to remain on the teeth for a few moments, rinse your mouth thoroughly to dilute or neutralize the acid. Then, brush in your normal manner.

It is important not to leave the strawberries or vinegar on longer than a few moments because the acid can start to demineralize the tooth enamel in a manner similar to bacterial acid. As the minerals within the enamel dissolve, tooth decay occurs.

Don't Swallow the Oil After Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is also an effective method of whitening the teeth. The oil dissolves dental stains that may be deep within the pores of the teeth.

During oil pulling, a spoon of edible oil (such as sesame seed oil, olive oil, or coconut oil) is placed in the mouth and swished about for a few minutes. When you feel the need to release the oil, you spit it into a trash receptacle. Afterwards, you rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth.

If you swallow the oil, it can be damaging to your health. The used oil is not only filled with displaced pigments that may have been trapped in your teeth, but it is also full of oral bacteria.

To learn more about natural methods of whitening the teeth and the precautions that should be taken during the process, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in your area. He or she can also advise you of other safe methods to whiten your teeth. Visit a dentist's website, such as http://www.larsen-haslemdental.com, to make your appointment.