Teeth become yellow or discolored due to several factors: eating certain foods, taking medications, age, or even drinking too much tea or coffee. To rectify this problem and whiten their teeth, many flock to dentists and undergo different medical procedures. But you will be surprised to know that there are several ways to naturally whiten teeth at home. The following tips will bring back your teeth’ shine and save you a lot of time and money.
- Make some dietary changes
First and foremost, eliminate foods from your diet that cause teeth staining. These include foods and beverages rich in tannins, such as wine and tea. Besides these, coffee, dark soda, and packaged juices also cause the teeth to become discolored. In addition, highly-acidic foods can wear down the teeth’ enamel, causing discoloration. Avoiding these foods or having them in small portions can help in keeping the teeth white naturally. - Quit smoking
Smoking tobacco through cigarettes and cigars can cause severe discoloration of teeth by leaving behind nicotine stains. So quitting smoking and tobacco is another natural way to retain your teeth whiteness. This will also help prevent oral health issues, such as gum diseases and tooth decay. - Try oil pulling
Oil pulling has become an increasingly popular natural way to whiten teeth. The technique involves washing your mouth with oil to remove debris and bacteria from the teeth and gums. Although this method is not a substitute for flossing or brushing, it can be a useful addition to your oral healthcare routine. It is recommended to do oil pulling for about a minute after brushing and flossing. Just rinse your mouth with oil and spit it out. Common oils used for this purpose include sesame, coconut, and sunflower oil. - Chew fruits and veggies
Another lesser-known way to naturally whiten teeth is to eat fruits. Papaya and pineapple are two common fruits used for this purpose. These fruits contain enzymes like bromelain and papain that can remove mild teeth discoloration. Strawberry is another fruit that can help you with the problem. It contains malic acid that is effective in removing tooth discoloration. Besides fruits, chewing crunchy raw veggies can also help remove plaque and maintain good oral health. - Brush with baking soda
Brushing your teeth with baking soda has a polishing effect as it removes the stains and discoloration. However, do this cautiously and gently since baking soda is highly acidic and can damage the teeth’ enamel. To be safe, start with very small amounts of baking soda. - Use hydrogen peroxide
A chemical used for bleaching purposes, hydrogen peroxide is another useful and natural way to whiten teeth. This, too, must be used with caution as it can erode teeth enamel and cause sensitivity and gum irritation. Heavily diluted concentrations are safer to use. Also, do not overuse this chemical.
