How To Whiten Teeth Naturally

Are your teeth losing their luster because of those annoying yellow and grey stains? Well, stained teeth can happen as we age, but some foods, drinks, and even mouthwashes can stain our teeth. There are several teeth whitening kits that are available in the market today. However, there are also natural ways that can help remove those stains and protect your tooth enamel. That is why we are going to help you find out what those natural ways are to help bring back the shine of those pearly whites.

Why Do Our Teeth Turn Yellow?

Our teeth turn yellow for two reasons, and both of them tend to quicken as we age. The first reason is that the enamel of our teeth gets thin through time. If most of you do not know, the outer layer of our teeth is made up of enamel. These are almost white, and it helps protect the deeper structure of our teeth. Under the enamel is a layer of tissue named dentin and it is yellow-brown in color. That is why when the enamel layer of our teeth thins, and our teeth tend to look darker. Aging, acidic foods, and gum disease can help wear down the enamel in our teeth.

On the other hand, certain foods such as coffee and soda can contribute significantly when it comes to staining our teeth. Some foods can also help to wear down enamel which increases the yellowing of the teeth. Other factors, such as smoking and taking antibiotics, can also contribute to making our teeth yellow.

How to Whiten Teeth Naturally

  • Use hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild bleach that can help whiten stained teeth. If you want to see obvious results, you can try brushing your teeth with hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda at least 1 to 2 times a day for one week. However, you should only do this occasionally because hydrogen peroxide can increase tooth sensitivity. That is why it is not advisable for long-term use.
  • Oil Pulling – Oil pulling is where you wash your mouth with oil to effectively remove bacteria, dirt, and debris. However, this is not supposed to be a substitute for regular flossing and brushing. The American Dental Association said that there are no scientific studies that oil pulling really whitens teeth or improves oral health. But if you want to give this method a try, you can rinse your mouth with coconut oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil after a minute of brushing then spit it out.
  • Change your diet – Cutting down on foods that help stains the teeth can prevent further staining. For starters, food and drinks that contain tannins such as wine, tea, soda, and coffee can stain your teeth. Dentists often recommend that you wait for 30 minutes after eating before you brush your teeth. This is because acids can weaken the teeth’s enamel and brush immediately can also contribute to the damage. Smoking can also contribute to staining the teeth because of nicotine stains.
  • Use baking soda – Baking soda can gently help in whitening the surface of the teeth. Some people think that baking soda can be quite harsh, and they can grind away enamel. But research done in 2017 states that baking soda can help safely remove stains. It can also fight bacteria, prevent tooth decay, and reduce plaque.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene – Having excellent oral health is probably one of the best natural ways of making your teeth whiter. Regular brushing, as well as flossing, can help prevent gum decay, protect the teeth’s enamel, and remove stains.
  • Excellent oral hygiene consists of brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. You should also use a fluoride toothpaste that can help fight and reverse tooth decay. And flossing between the teeth to help remove plaque.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regularly having dental checkups is still one of the best ways to keep your pearly whites shiny and bright. Natural remedies can help you whiten your teeth at home, but a dentist can also help you to maintain your teeth white professionally.   If you need a recommendation, you can set up an appointment to get a healthy smile with teeth whitening in chatham.