Are you worried that a previously white tooth is turning yellow? Teeth begin discoloring with age; however, there are different methods to adopt that will make the process slower. Some of these methods can even reverse the discoloration completely.
Various tooth-whitening products are sold in most pharmacies. However, most of them contain chemicals that bleach the tooth. This is a major concern for many people. Therefore, if you want to try teeth whitening at home, there are natural methods that are safe to use.
Tips for Natural Teeth Whitening
The following are things to do to whiten your teeth naturally:
1. Make Changes to Your Diet
There are some foods that leave marks on the tooth, resulting in further staining. Beverages and foods containing tannins, like tea and wine, stain the tooth. Also, dark sodas, juices, and coffee are known to mark the tooth.
Additionally, foods containing a high concentration of acid result in yellowing because they will make the enamel wear down easily. Hence, if your tooth color bothers you, you may want to avoid consuming soda, coffee, and citrus in excess. Alternatively, you should brush after taking them.
Generally, dentists recommend that people should give a space of thirty minutes before brushing after a meal. Acidic foods can weaken your enamel. So, when you brush too soon, it could result in a lot of damage.
Quitting tobacco products or smoking reduces your chances of acquiring nicotine stains. Also, it prevents gum disease and tooth decay from occurring. Both can damage your enamel and lead to serious oral health problems.
2. Try Oil Pulling
Washing your mouth with natural oil in order to get rid of debris, dirt, and bacteria is referred to as oil pulling. This method is not an alternative to flossing or regular brushing. However, some studies suggest that using certain oils to wash your mouth may assist in teeth whitening.
The American Dental Association does not consider this practice as conventional dentistry. This is because the research carried out does not hold enough evidence to prove that it can reduce cavities, whiten teeth, or improve well-being and oral health.
However, if you still want to try oil pulling, rinse your mouth with the oil two minutes after brushing before spitting it out. The suitable oils to use are:
- Sesame oil
- Sunflower oil
- Coconut oil
3. Baking Soda
This is a powerful ingredient that is found around bakers. It has a lot of uses such as stain removal and neutralizing bad smell. You can use it to gently polish your tooth’s surface to remove the stains.
If you are worried that this ingredient could be harsh and damage your enamel, you need not fear as scientists have proven that it is safe to use. You may want to click here to read about it.
Additionally, baking soda has anti-microbial properties that fight bacteria. This implies that it can prevent the occurrence of tooth decay and plaque. You can mix a teaspoon of the ingredient in two teaspoons of water to make a paste.
Use this paste to brush twice every week until you are satisfied with the result. Baking soda is found in grocery stores or can be purchased online.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
This is a bleach that is mild but helps in the whitening of a stained tooth. It can also kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and people have used it for several years to dress and disinfect wounds. Most commercial teeth whiteners contain this bleach but at a very high concentration.
Unfortunately, no researcher has investigated the effect of brushing or rinsing with only hydrogen peroxide. But many studies have investigated commercial toothpaste that contains the chemical. One of those studies discovered that toothpaste containing one percent hydrogen peroxide and baking soda resulted in significantly white teeth.
Also, another study discovered that using a toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide and baking soda two times each day for 6 weeks resulted in 62 percent whiter teeth. However, scientists have not proven whether the bleach is safe to use or not.
Diluting the concentration heavily may seem safe but a strong concentration or overusing it can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Also, there is a growing concern that a high dose may be cancerous, but this is yet to be proven. However, if you must use hydrogen peroxide alone, ensure it is a 3 percent or 1.5 percent solution to prevent side effects.
You can also mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth for one or two minutes two times every day for one week. Do this often until you see your desired result. Because hydrogen peroxide can increase the sensitivity of the teeth, this method is unsuitable for a long period of use or for those whose teeth are already sensitive.
5. Use Vegetable and Fruits
Bromelain and papain are enzymes that are present in pineapples and papayas respectively. They both help in teeth whitening. Also, the mixture of baking soda and strawberry is popularly used by celebrities.
They claim that the malic acid, which is found in the fruit can eliminate discoloration on the tooth while baking soda will buff the stains away. But this method does not have the full backing of science. What we know is that strawberry can exfoliate your tooth, making it look whiter, but it may be unable to penetrate deep stains.
Additionally, you should ensure that your diet has a high number of veggies and fruits because they are good for your body as well as your teeth. As you chew on those crunchy, raw veggies and fruits, they rub against plaques, thereby, eliminating them. But you still have to brush and floss regularly.
Conclusion
One side effect of aging is teeth discoloration. However, maintaining good oral hygiene as well as regular dental visits can keep the teeth bright. So, yellowing does not mean a health condition, but your dentist can examine you for tooth decay and enamel loss. The natural remedies shared in this article can help you whiten your teeth at home.