Stained teeth are the most common problem and it can really affect our confidence. But how can you get rid-off with it at home? Here are 7 simple ways you can naturally whiten your teeth.
1. Baking soda
Baking soda is not only for cooking; its component has a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface stains on teeth. Additionally, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing.
One study found that toothpastes containing baking soda were significantly more effective at removing yellow stains from teeth than standard toothpastes without baking soda. The higher the concentration of baking soda, the greater the effect.
Moreover, a review of five studies found that toothpastes containing baking soda removed plaque from teeth more effectively than non-baking soda toothpastes.
To perform this method, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with the paste. You can do this a few times per week.
2. Oiling Pulling
In India, oil pulling is a traditional way to improve oral hygiene. Oil pulling is done by swishing oil around in your mouth to remove bacteria, which can turn into plaque and cause your teeth to look yellow .They supplement this method with sunflower or sesame oil for oil pulling, but any oil will work. But coconut is the most effective and offers other benefits for you.
How to do oil pull? Put 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and push and pull the oil through your teeth. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so you may need to wait a few seconds for it to melt. Continue the oil pulling for 15–20 minutes.
3. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that also kills bacteria in your mouth. Teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide but, unfortunately, no studies have found the effectiveness of rinsing or brushing with hydrogen peroxide alone, but several studies have analyzed commercial toothpastes containing peroxide.
One way to use hydrogen peroxide is as a mouthwash before you brush your teeth. Make sure you are using a 1.5% or 3% solution to avoid side effects. Another way to use hydrogen peroxide is by mixing it with baking soda to make toothpaste. Combine 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and gently brush your teeth with the mixture.
4. Apple cider vinegar
The antibacterial property of vinegar is what makes it useful for cleaning your mouth and whitening your teeth. One study on cow teeth found that apple cider vinegar exhibits a bleaching effect. However, it also found that vinegar may soften teeth.
The acetic acid in vinegar has the potential to erode the enamel on your teeth. For this reason, you should not use apple cider vinegar every day. You should also limit the amount of time that apple cider vinegar is in contact with your teeth. To use it as a mouthwash, dilute it with water and swish it around in your mouth for several minutes. Make sure to rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.
5. Fruits and vegetables
Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables can help rub plaque away as you chew. Strawberries and pineapple are two fruits that have been claimed to help whiten your teeth.
Some studies have found that the malic acid found in strawberries will remove discoloration on your teeth, while the baking soda will buff away stains. A recent study found that a strawberry and baking soda mixture produced very little color change in teeth, compared with commercial whitening products. To use this remedy, smash a fresh strawberry, combine it with baking soda, and brush the mixture onto your teeth.
Also study found that a toothpaste containing bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, was significantly more effective at removing tooth stains than standard toothpaste. However, there is no evidence that eating pineapples produces the same effect.
6. Prevention
Prevention is better than cure as they say. Coffee, red wine, soda, and dark berries are infamous for staining teeth. Everything is good but in moderation. If possible, drink beverages known to stain teeth out of a straw to prevent direct contact with your teeth. Brush your teeth soon after consuming one of these foods or beverages to limit their effects on the color of your teeth. Moreover, avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, as both can cause tooth discoloration.
7. Brushing and flossing
Regularly brushing and flossing can help your teeth stay white by reducing bacteria in your mouth and preventing plaque buildup. Toothpaste gently rubs out stains on your teeth, and flossing removes bacteria that lead to plaque. Regular dental cleanings can also help your teeth stay clean and white.
Some of the unproven methods include:
Activated charcoal. Brushing with powdered charcoal supposedly pulls toxins from the mouth and removes stains from teeth.
Kaolin clay. Proponents of this method claim that brushing with clay helps remove stains from teeth.
Fruit peels. Rubbing orange, lemon, or banana peels on your teeth is claimed to make them whiter.
Advocates of these methods claim they make teeth significantly whiter, but no studies have evaluated their effectiveness. This also means that they have not been tested for side effects when used on teeth.
However, most dentists offer whitening treatments that are much stronger than these natural remedies. They involve bleaching the teeth, which may be more effective for severe tooth discoloration. Overuse of any whitening product can damage your teeth.
