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We know that it takes thousands of rupees to get teeth whitened by a dentist! But how would you feel if we say that we know how to whiten teeth naturally?
Surprised? Well, don’t be. Our teeth can develop yellow patches due to various factors the unhealthy lifestyle we lead, and the high amounts of junk food we consume; it is no wonder that visits to a dentist for teeth whitening have been on the rise.
Cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and teeth whitening products can be extremely costly and sometimes could fail to provide the desired results. Sometimes treatment does not last long, or one has to take the treatment several times to get the desired results. And these are the many reasons that have made people search for options on how to whiten teeth naturally using home remedies.
If you are also someone who has been looking at options on how to whiten teeth naturally, then continue reading the article as we share with you all the available options and some preventive measures that will help you prevent the recurrence of yellow teeth.
How to Whiten Teeth Naturally: 3 Ways
1. Why Do Our Teeth Become Yellow?
Before we begin listing the ways to whiten teeth naturally, we should first know about the causes that make our teeth yellow.
Teeth usually turn yellow for two reasons, and these causes generally accelerate with age.
1.1. Enamel Thinning
The protective outer layer of teeth is known as enamel. The color of the enamel is almost white, and it is this layer that protects the deeper tooth structures. Beneath the enamel is the dentin, which is yellow-brown in color. When the enamel layer begins to wear off, that is when the teeth begin to look darker.
Enamel thinning is generally caused due to aging, acidic foods, or some gum ailments. Certain antibiotic usage and smoking and tobacco consumption can also cause erosion of the enamel. Also, some people may have naturally thin enamel from birth.
1.2. Diet
We know how diet plays a very important role in the general well-being of our body. What a person consumes affects the functioning of the body and affects the coloration of the teeth.
There are some specific foods and beverages that can cause staining of the teeth. Consuming an excess of processed foods rich in acidic content increases the speed of the teeth’ yellowing. Also, drinking excess coffee and tea can cause yellowing of the teeth.
2. How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally?
Now coming on to how to whiten your teeth naturally. There can be quite a few ways of making your teeth naturally white, and most of them include the basic kitchen ingredients. You will actually be quite surprised by seeing our ‘how to whiten teeth naturally’ list.
However, some of the most effective ways are:
2.1. Oil Pulling
The very first method on the list of ‘how to whiten your teeth naturally’ is a traditional teeth whitening remedy popularized by Indians known as the oil pulling method. This method is believed to help you whiten your teeth and improve overall oral health and hygiene.
The method is very simple. You have to swish the oil of your choice around in your mouth for a few minutes and then spit it out.
Any oil can be used for this method, but sesame, coconut oil, and sunflower oils are the popular choices.
Oil pulling increases saliva production and helps you to remove the harmful bacteria that grow in your mouth. These bacteria are generally responsible for the formation of plaque and make your teeth look yellow.
2.2. Baking Soda
Next is baking soda.
Baking soda is a popular ingredient to be used in toothpaste since it has been proven that it contains teeth whitening properties. It helps you to naturally whiten yellowed teeth. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and helps in removing off the stains from the surface of the tooth.
It helps in creating an alkaline environment in the mouth which prevents the growth of plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2-3 tablespoons of water and brush your teeth with the mixture.
Also, if you want to increase the effectiveness of the mixture, add two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to the mixture.
Hydrogen peroxide acts as a natural bleaching agent, which helps you in achievingachieve sparkly white teeth faster. You can also make a mouthwash out of the mixture and use it after meals or as required.
2.3. Fruit Peels
Fruits form an essential part of our daily diet to maintain our body’s proper functioning but to whiten teeth naturally is not fruits, but the fruit peels. This discarded part which is generally thrown away, can help you to whiten your teeth easily at the ease of your home.
The peels generally used are that of banana, orange, or lemon. The peels generally contain citric and malic acid, which helps in removing the stains from teeth surfaces.
To use this method, take a peel and gently rub it on your teeth for 2-3 minutes, and then thoroughly wash your mouth or brush your teeth.
3. Measures to Maintain the Color of Your Teeth
We know that prevention is always better than cure. The list mentioned above on how to whiten teeth naturally can help you remove the stains and yellowness of your teeth and help you achieve a brighter smile.
However, in order to prevent the recurrence of stained teeth, try to maintain the following measures.
- Follow good oral hygiene.
- Brush at least twice a day. Also, make sure to keep your gums and the back of your teeth clean and free of unhealthy bacteria.
- You can also use whitening toothpaste. Use fluoride toothpaste while brushing. It is believed that Florida can combat and reverse tooth decay and is considered safe for use.
- Always floss once a day to remove plaque between the teeth.
- Make some dietary changes as required. Limit your sugar intake and your tea or coffee consumption.
- Consume a balanced diet. Intake a diet that is rich in calcium and the other nutrients required for healthy teeth and gums.
- Do not smoke or consume tobacco-based products. And also limit daily alcohol consumption.
Now, there you go—everything you need to know on how to whiten teeth naturally. Include the above-mentioned practices and methods and dazzle the world with your smile.
Proofread by:
Dr. Foram Bhuta
Dentist (B.D.S)
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Last Updated on by Aditi Gautam
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