Are you worried about the yellowish look of your teeth? In most cases, the change in color occurs gradually, not overnight. It’s common for people to experience such a change in the course of aging because of the gradual destruction of the enamel. Once the enamel starts wearing away, the tissue underneath is no longer hidden. This tissue, known as the dentin, is naturally yellowish.
Therefore, most people noticing the first signs of color change decide to try a teeth-whitening method. Nowadays, the opportunities for teeth whitening are endless, ranging from bleaching products to natural remedies. There is a myriad of teeth-whitening products online, such as the Amazon teeth whitening kit, safe for braces, veneers, crowns, and caps.
In case you wish to try a natural remedy, follow the tips below.
Use baking soda
One of the most popular, natural methods of teeth whitening is using baking soda paste. This miraculous ingredient is boasted for its whitening and mildly abrasive properties, capable of gradually restoring the natural color of teeth. Additionally, baking soda is sough-after for the effect it has on bacteria growth. By creating an alkaline environment, this ingredient impedes bacteria from growing inside the mouth.
Therefore, a large number of commercial toothpaste brands use baking soda as an ingredient. Unlike traditional toothpastes, those containing baking soda are believed to be more efficient in removing yellow stains and plaque.
Nevertheless, one can easily make a paste at home by mixing baking soda and water. Make sure you mix one teaspoon of this ingredient with two teaspoons of water. This paste shouldn’t be used every day but a couple of times a week. After a while, you’ll undoubtedly notice a reduction in surface stains.
However, the best dentist in Syracuse NY highly suggests consulting a dental professional first before trying this DIY treatment. Otherwise, it may harm your dental health.
Try hydrogen peroxide
Another natural teeth-whitening method worth trying is hydrogen peroxide. This agent is not only used for the purpose of bleaching but also for killing bacteria in the oral cavity. Nevertheless, overusing hydrogen peroxide is considered harmful for the teeth and gums. Strong concentrations of hydrogen peroxide tend to irritate the gums and increase tooth sensitivity. Click here to gain a better understanding of hydrogen peroxide.
In addition, hydrogen peroxide can be used as mouthwash prior to washing your teeth. Anyhow, in order to avoid adverse effects, always purchase a 1, 5 %, or 3 % solution. In case you don’t want to use it as a mouthwash, combine it with baking soda to create a paste. You need to mix a single spoon of baking soda with two spoons of this bleaching agent. The paste shouldn’t be used more than several times per week to avoid damaging the tooth enamel.
Give oil pulling a try
An interesting teeth-whitening method, native to the country of India is oil pulling. This remedy was invented for the purpose of improving dental hygiene through the removal of oral bacteria. The technique of oil pulling involves swishing coconut, sesame, and sunflower oil inside the oral cavity. Unless oral bacteria is removed regularly, it transforms into plaque and makes teeth look yellowish.
Sesame and sunflower oil aren’t as popular as they were in the past. Nowadays, coconut oil is widely preferred among individuals owing to its sweet taste and smell. Not only does coconut oil have a nice taste but it also prevents plaque and gingivitis. The high levels of lauric acid make it a powerful agent in the fight with inflammation and bacteria like streptococcus mutans.
In order for the oil pulling technique to be successful, make sure you swish a maximum of two teaspoons of coconut oil between ten and thirty minutes. The oil is neither supposed to touch the back of the throat nor be swallowed. Once you finish the process, don’t forget to rinse your mouth, as well as drink a glass of water. This natural method causes no damage to the tooth enamel, which means you can practice it on a daily basis.
Eat the right fruits
Certain fruits are claimed to aid teeth-whitening due to their ability to remove plaque while chewing them. Pineapple and strawberries are considered most beneficial as far as teeth whitening is concerned. Strawberries are abundant in malic acid, which is touted for its ability to reduce tooth discoloration. Since malic acid isn’t potent enough to penetrate the enamel, one can use it in combination with baking soda.
Moreover, the combination of these two ingredients isn’t considered harmful to the enamel, but one should practice it not more than several times a week. Similarly, pineapple is famous for its teeth-whitening properties. This tropic fruit is rich in bromelain, referring to an enzyme that plays a major role in stain removal.
Another teeth-whitening trick one can perform with fruits is using banana, orange, and lemon peels. All you need to do is rub a peel of one of these fruits on your teeth for approximately two minutes. These peels are rich in citric acid, which is believed to induce the process of teeth whitening. Those suffering from tooth sensitivity aren’t advised to try this method due to the possibility of wearing the enamel off.
Try activated charcoal
Another effective natural method you can try is activated charcoal. This powdery substance is considered beneficial for stain and pigment removal owing to its absorbing properties. In order to try this remedy, you should purchase activated charcoal capsules. The powder inside the capsule is supposed to be poured onto the toothbrush. Make sure you brush your teeth for at least two minutes while trying to avoid the gums.
Due to its abrasive nature, activated charcoal might not be a good idea for individuals with sensitive teeth and gums. Some people prefer using this powder in combination with water in the form of mouthwash. In this case, you are advised to swish the mouthwash for as long as two minutes. However, overusing charcoal is considered detrimental to the enamel, leading to dentin exposure.
Final word
Don’t let your smile fade away.
These natural remedies are worth the try! Don’t worry if these don’t work for you — you can always consult cosmetic dentist in chattanooga TN to achieve whiter teeth.
heather says
I am so going to try some of these methods. I drink a lot of tea and I see it on my teeth thanks for sharing this one.
bn100 says
helpful tips
Dana Rodriguez says
These are great ideas on how to whiten your teeth. Thanks!
Erin N says
Thanks for the ideas! I have been wanting to whiten my teeth, but not use chemicals because they just make my teeth more sensitive.