If you want to have a brighter smile without using harsh chemicals or expensive treatments, you might be interested in some natural ways to whiten your teeth at home. In this article, we will share with you six simple and safe methods that can help you achieve a whiter and healthier smile.
What Causes Teeth to Look Yellow?
Before we dive into the natural whitening methods, let’s first understand what causes teeth to look yellow. Two main factors affect the colour of your teeth: enamel and dentin.
Enamel is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that protects them from decay and damage. It is usually white or slightly yellowish, depending on your genetics and lifestyle. However, enamel can get stained by certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, wine, berries and sauces. Smoking, poor oral hygiene and ageing can also cause enamel to lose its lustre and become dull.
Dentin is the inner layer of your teeth that lies beneath the enamel. It is naturally yellow or brownish and gives your teeth their strength and structure. When the enamel wears away due to erosion or decay, the dentin becomes more visible and makes your teeth look yellow.
How to Whiten Teeth Naturally
Many natural ingredients can your teeth at home by removing stains from the enamel or boosting your oral health. However, keep in mind that these methods are not as effective or fast as professional whitening treatments and may not work for everyone. Also, be careful not to overuse them or use them incorrectly, as they may cause sensitivity, irritation or damage to your teeth and gums.
Here are six natural ways to whiten your teeth at home:
1. Oil Pulling (Coconut Oil)
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. The oil acts as a natural cleanser that removes bacteria, plaque and toxins from your mouth. This can improve your oral hygiene and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Oil pulling may also help whiten your teeth by removing stains from the enamel. Coconut oil is a popular choice for oil pulling because it has a pleasant taste and contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
To do oil pulling, put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around gently. Do not swallow the oil or gargle with it. Spit it out into a trash can or toilet after 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as usual.
You can do oil pulling once a day, preferably in the morning before eating or drinking anything.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) is a common household ingredient that has natural whitening properties. It is mildly abrasive and can help scrub away surface stains from your teeth. It also creates an alkaline environment in your mouth that prevents bacteria from growing.
Baking soda can be used as a natural toothpaste by mixing it with water. To make a baking soda toothpaste, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water. Apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth gently for two minutes. Rinse your mouth with water and spit out the paste.
You can use baking soda toothpaste once or twice a week, but not more than that.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a fermented product made from apples that contain acetic acid and various minerals and enzymes. ACV has many health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels, improving digestion and boosting immunity.
ACV can also be used as a natural mouthwash that can whiten your teeth by removing stains and killing bacteria. However, ACV is very acidic and can erode your enamel if used too often or too concentrated.
To use ACV as a mouthwash, dilute one teaspoon of ACV with one cup of water. Swish the solution in your mouth for one minute and spit it out. Rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth afterwards.
You can use ACV mouthwash once a day, preferably in the morning before brushing.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine and medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can benefit your overall health.
Turmeric can also be used as a natural tooth whitener by removing stains from the enamel and reducing inflammation in the gums. However, turmeric can stain your clothes and skin if you are not careful.
To use turmeric for whitening your teeth, make a paste by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth gently for two minutes. Rinse your mouth with water and spit out the paste.
You can use turmeric paste once a day until you see the desired results.
5. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a type of carbon that has been processed to have tiny pores that increase its surface area and adsorption capacity. Activated charcoal can bind to various substances, such as toxins, chemicals and stains.
Activated charcoal can be used as a natural tooth whitener by removing stains from the enamel and detoxifying your mouth. However, activated charcoal can be messy and may stain your sink or toothbrush if you are not careful.
To use activated charcoal for whitening your teeth, wet your toothbrush and dip it into activated charcoal powder. Brush your teeth gently for two minutes with the black paste. Rinse your mouth with water until the water runs clear.
You can use activated charcoal once or twice a week until you see the desired results.
6. Strawberries
Strawberries are delicious fruits that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that can benefit your overall health. Strawberries also contain malic acid, which is a natural enzyme that can help whiten your teeth by breaking down stains on the enamel.
Strawberries can be used as a natural tooth whitener by mashing them into a paste and applying it to your teeth. However, strawberries are also acidic and can erode your enamel if used too often or too long.
To use strawberries for whitening your teeth, mash one ripe strawberry with half a teaspoon of baking soda. Apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth gently for two minutes. Rinse your mouth with water and spit out the paste.
You can use strawberry paste once or twice a week until you see the desired results.
Other Methods
Besides using natural ingredients to whiten your teeth at home, some other methods can help you maintain a bright smile:
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Flossing daily
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash
Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
Avoiding smoking
Limiting foods and drinks that stain your teeth
Drinking water after eating or drinking anything
Chewing sugar-free gum
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables
Using whitening strips or trays occasionally
Conclusion
Whitening your teeth at home can be a natural and affordable way to improve your smile and confidence. However, not all natural methods are equally effective or safe for your teeth and dental work. Therefore, it is important to do your research, follow the instructions carefully and consult with your dentist before trying any of these methods. Remember that natural whitening methods are not a substitute for good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for life.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whiten-teeth-naturally
https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/how-to-naturally-whiten-your-teeth-at-home/
https://www.forbes.com/health/body/how-to-whiten-your-teeth/
https://www.dentaly.org/us/teeth-whitening/whiten-teeth-instantly/
Content created and supplied by: Joash (via Opera News )
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