6 Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening
We all want white teeth but at some point in time, most of us end up with yellow teeth. This occurrence of yellow teeth is considered bad both hygienically and aesthetically. The good news is that the yellowing can be reversed with these simple techniques. Let us first understand how teeth become yellow.
Teeth are predominantly white because the outer layer of teeth called enamel is white. Over time the outer layer gets thin due to wear and tear. It exposes the layer under it called dentin which is yellow. Teeth also get yellow because of stains of certain food items such as coffee.
Non Maintenance of oral hygiene is a major factor in yellowing of teeth.
Here are 6 home remedies for teeth whitening
#1 Using Fruit Peels
The inside of fruit peels is rich in nutrients. The best peels to use are banana and orange. Peel the fruit and use the inside of the peel. Rub the inside on your teeth. Follow the motion you follow while brushing.
These peels are rich in magnesium, potassium and manganese. These nutrients act on the enamel and help in rebuilding it.
Follow it up brushing normally so that the traces are removed. This method is very effective.
Rub your teeth with orange peel. Image Credits: Pixnio
#2 Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Indian technique which has been around for a long time. The principle of the technique is to fill your mouth with oil and swirl it around as fast you can and then spit out. This process will remove the bacteria which cause plaque and cause yellowing of teeth. The following oils are believed to be effective:
Sesame oil
Sunflower oil
Coconut oil
Use one tablespoon of coconut oil for oil pulling. Image Credits: wikimediacommons
Ensure that you use edible oils and that you spit them out without ingesting them. Use one tablespoon at a time.
#3 Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is an ingredient in many different types of kinds of toothpaste. It is believed that it acts as a whitening agent.
Apply baking soda on your toothbrush and brush with it. Baking soda also has an abrasive effect which is helpful in removing stains. The abrasive nature rubs them off.
Baking soda is alkaline and creates an alkaline environment in the mouth. An alkaline environment reduces the growth of bacteria which helps in preventing yellow teeth.
The use is like that of normal toothpaste and be sure to spit it out after using and rinse your mouth.
#4 Apple Cider Vinegar
Caption: Apple cider vinegar has a disinfectant and whitening action. Image Credits: Pxhere
It is one of the oldest disinfectants in the world. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which has a disinfectant action on teeth and prohibits the growth of bacteria
A recent study on animal teeth has also suggested that it has a bleaching action as well.
It has been used for centuries and is believed to be one of the most effective ways to get shining white teeth.
Rub your teeth with its solution and follow it up by rinsing.
Use it for a short period.
#5 H202
H202 or hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent which is available in powder form. It can be used by rubbing it on your teeth. It has an effective whitening action.
You should brush with it for 1-2 minute daily. Its long term use is not recommended. Although, it is very effective in short term use.
Use it for a week and see the result.
H2O2 whitens teeth because of its bleaching action. Image Credits: Flickr
#6 Changing Your Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in the yellowing as well as whitening of your teeth. Their foods that you should eat are crunchy vegetables and fruits. Their crunchy nature will rub against your teeth and help in removing stains.
Eating milk and milk-based items helps in remineralising the teeth which result in the rebuilding of the enamel. It is recommended to increase your milk intake.
Avoiding certain stain-causing foods will also be helpful in whitening your teeth faster.
The following things can stain the teeth and should be avoided:
Coffee
Soda
Tobacco products
Citrus fruits
Takeaway
The most important thing for your teeth is maintaining your oral health. Once you do whiten your teeth, your focus should be on maintaining your oral health properly. Brush twice a day and floss once a week.
If you are not satisfied with home remedies for teeth whitening then you can visit a dentist and they can help you whiten your teeth.