7 WAYS TO WHITEN TEETH NATURALLY

DO YOU HAVE YELLOWED OR DISCOLORED TEETH?

Does the color of your smile make you feel ashamed or embarrassed? Many agree to “concealing their teeth in photos” due to the yellow coloring. The result is that many have resorted to whitening products to help restore their smile – with teeth whitening spending crossing the $11 billion threshold in 2015.

Even then, many of us remain concerned with the effect of whitening products (strips and paste) on our teeth. Staining foods, a build-up of plaque, dental erosion, and genetics could cause your teeth to yellow much faster than you expected. Can you get that white, beautiful, and confident smile without using all those damaging chemicals?

BEST TEETH WHITENING TECHNIQUES

In addition to professional treatments, there are also natural ways to whiten teeth. These include;

BRUSH AND FLOSS – ALL THE TIME

Teeth coloration is mostly a result of a build-up of plaque. Brush at least twice a day with a healthy toothpaste, and floss regularly to keep your teeth white removing stains and bacteria. Depending on your location, brushing after every meal is the most efficient way to keep your smile white.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

You need not wait until your teeth stains before working to restore them. Limiting your consumption of staining foods and beverages can naturally keep your teeth white. High sugar diets, red wine, coffee, soda, and cigarette smoking all contribute to yellow teeth. Using a straw while consuming staining drinks is ideal, or at least, brushing immediately after consumption.

OIL PULLING

Swishing around oil in your mouth helps remove bacteria, thus reducing plaques and gingivitis. The Indians traditionally used sesame oil for this purpose, but coconut oil is a great oil of choice in modern times, thanks to its pleasant taste and high lauric acid. Put one spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth; swish for between 5 and 20 minutes every day, and you are covered.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

A natural bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide is known for its ability to kill bacteria and has often been used as a disinfectant. This makes it an invaluable part of commercial toothpaste – which generally uses this product in very high concentrations. Some questions remain concerning the safety of hydrogen peroxide though. Be sure to avoid using too often or in high concentrations – twice a week is perfect. Hydrogen peroxide and water solution of equal parts swished around the mouth or used to swab the teeth is a natural antiseptic solution.

BAKING SODA + HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Baking soda is almost as abrasive as sandpaper, scrubbing off surface stains on the teeth when used while also creating an alkaline environment that prevents bacteria growth. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water – to reduce the abrasiveness and form a paste – and brush. You can also mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide for maximum effect; be sure to keep the paste non-gritty.

FRUITS

Lemon is known for its usefulness as a cleaning agent, but orange has also been found to have a similar effect – especially on the teeth. With beneficial acids present in these citrus fruits, mostly concentrated around the peels, they can be used as whitening agents. However, do not overuse this to avoid wearing off your enamel.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Yet another natural, well-known disinfectant and cleaning agent, apple cider vinegar is also antibacterial – thanks to the presence of acetic acid. The combination of these two properties positions it as a great teeth-whitening product. Use sparingly (dilute with water and do not leave in your mouth for too long) to avoid wearing off your enamel.