Tips & Tricks to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth
If you’re looking for a beautiful set of pearly whites, this article can help you whiten your teeth at home.
Although brushing your teeth regularly is crucial, you don’t need to rely on toothpaste alone — there are many ways to whiten your teeth with natural products.
First, let’s examine why our teeth start to yellow in the first place.
Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?
There are many factors that can affect the color of your teeth. Your diet and lifestyle can significantly change the color of your teeth — for better or worse.
Some foods or drinks can stain your enamel, which is the outermost layer of your teeth. Coffee, tea, and red wine are some of the worst culprits. Try to avoid consuming them regularly to keep your teeth white for as long as possible.
Other foods to avoid in excess include soda, curry, soy sauce, dark berries, beetroot, and tomato-based sauces.
Smoking is another major contributor to yellowing teeth. Tar and nicotine are stick substances that are difficult to remove. The sooner you quit smoking, the easier it will be to keep your smile looking white and bright.
Now, let’s take a look at how you can naturally improve your smile without the use of bleach or chemicals.
Natural Ways to Brighten Your Smile
1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an old Indian remedy to pull bacteria and plaque from your teeth.
The process is simple — pick an oil (common choices are sesame, coconut, or sunflower oils) and swish it around your mouth for around 15 minutes.
Oil pulling can successfully remove bacteria from your teeth which can reduce plaque and gingivitis.
Another benefit of oil pulling is that is doesn’t expose your teeth to acids that can weaken your enamel.
2. Brush With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural whitener and mild abrasive that can help remove surface stains on your teeth. It also creates an alkaline environment which makes it difficult for bacteria to grow.
For the best results, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with the paste. Use this trick a few times per week.
With regular applications, you should notice your teeth becoming whiter.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide bleaches your teeth naturally and can kill many types of bacteria.
You can use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash before brushing your teeth. It’s best to stick to 1.5% or 3% solutions to avoid any potentially negative side effects.
You can also combine hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to make your own toothpaste — use 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Use the mixture in place of toothpaste and gently brush your teeth.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which is naturally antibacterial. Combine the apple cider vinegar with water and swish the mixture around your mouth for a few minutes.
However, you shouldn’t use apple cider vinegar every day — the acid content can weaken the enamel on your teeth.
Make sure you rinse your mouth with plain water to remove any leftover apple cider vinegar when you’re finished.
5. Brush Your Teeth After Eating/Drinking
If you can, the best way to keep your teeth white is by brushing after a meal. By brushing immediately after eating or drinking, you can prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque.
It isn’t always possible but a quick rinse and brush goes a long way to a bright and healthy smile.
Use some of these tricks at home to naturally whiten your smile.
The Denture & Implant Centre also offers professional teeth whitening services if you’d like to kick start your journey to whiter teeth. Contact our offices today to learn how we can help!
