Did you know that more than 18 percent of people hide their teeth whenever it’s time to take a photo? So being ashamed or embarrassed at the appearance of your teeth isn’t an isolated concern. In fact, having great-looking teeth is so important to our culture today that it has sparked a multi-billion industry revolving around teeth whitening and teeth whitening products around the world.

Your teeth are one of the first things people will notice when meeting them for the first time. They are a sign of health and confidence, and they help you make a great first impression. The opposite could send a signal that you don’t really take care of yourself. Striving for a beautiful, healthy smile is definitely the way to go.

However, some people just can’t get the stains out – no matter how many times they brush their teeth. This could be for a variety of reasons, from poor lifestyle choices to genetics. That said, brown or yellow-tinted teeth could indicate a larger problem such as thinning enamel or unhealthy gums. This is why you should use any natural remedies in conjunction with regular visits to your dentist. Regular brushing and flossing is also vital to great overall oral hygiene.

What Causes Discoloration?

The main reason why teeth discolor – turning a brown or yellowish color – is stains that develop on the enamel, as well as deeper down in the tooth’s structure. Under the enamel is a layer known as dentin, which is pale brown in color. This tends to become more visible as the enamel gets thinner, which usually happens as you age.

Another cause for the excessive erosion of enamel is constant exposure to certain chemicals and acids, especially from foods. This includes tea, coffee, and processed foods that are high in acid, such as soda and candy. Smoking cigarettes also puts you at a higher risk of developing hard-to-remove stains on your teeth. Furthermore, some of these habits increase your chances of getting gum disease.

While you can’t expect your teeth to remain white, bright, and shiny as you age, you can avoid those factors that could accelerate the rate of discoloration.

Whitening your Teeth Naturally

The growing need for whitening paste or white strips shows that there is quite the hype around the cosmetic side of oral care. However, it is important to note that most of these products use chemicals in order to bleach your teeth. This has caused concern among many people, especially those that prefer a more natural or organic way of life. So, what can you do if you want whiter teeth but would like to avoid the chemicals?

There are many tricks to keep your smile white and bright as you age. One way is by making the right lifestyle choices consistently. Avoid drinking too much tea, coffee and soda, or use a straw whenever you do so. Stay away from cigarettes, eat a healthy diet and improve your overall oral hygiene to prevent staining.

That said, the best way to whiten your teeth naturally is this: just brush your teeth with the right toothpaste every time after you eat or drink something. You want to look for a product that does not have a high fluoride content, which can cause your teeth to stain. LED teeth whitening also works and doesn’t have any of the negative impacts that using chemical whiteners can have.

That said, here are 4 other simple ways you can whiten your teeth naturally:

1. Oil Pulling

This traditional Indian remedy has been around for thousands of years – and for good reason! It is meant to improve oral hygiene, as well as flush out the toxins from your body.
Oil pulling involves swishing natural oils around your mouth for between 15 and 20 minutes every day. This is done in order to remove the bacteria that can cause plaque and leave your teeth looking more yellow. Traditionally, sesame or sunflower oil was used for this practice, but any oil will work. Coconut oil is a great choice since it has a great taste and contains lauric acid, famous for its ability to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Daily oil pulling can help reduce plaque and brighten your teeth.

2. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide works very effectively as an antibacterial agent. It gives your mouth and gums a total clean every time you use it. Hydrogen peroxide also keeps your mouth free from germs, which can eliminate chronic bad breath. You can simply mix it with water to create the perfect mouth rinse. More importantly, it can protect your gums from diseases such as gingivitis.
However, its most common application in the dentistry world is in whitening teeth. All you have to do is mix it with a small amount of baking soda. The resulting paste is great at removing plaque from your teeth. In fact, it does this much more effectively than traditional oral care products.

If you choose to use this method, then you must be careful to do so safely. Baking soda is a very gritty powder, and so should be mixed in well with the hydrogen peroxide before use. Otherwise, it could easily scrub the enamel off your teeth. And, considering that it doesn’t grow back, this could be very bad news for your teeth.

3. Certain Fruits and Vegetables

As it turns out, fruits and vegetables aren’t just great for the general health of your body. Sure, there is no foolproof substitute to brushing your teeth regularly. However, the act of chewing raw and crunchy fruits or vegetables can help to rub the plaque away.

However, not just any fruit or vegetable will do for teeth whitening! Strawberries can help to improve the appearance of your teeth. All you have to do is mix strawberry and baking soda to remove discoloration and buff away any stains. Keep in mind that the use of this mixture should be limited to just a few times every week to avoid any damages to the enamel.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural cleaning product and disinfectant. This is because it contains acetic acid as the active ingredient, which is very effective in killing bacteria. This antibacterial properties are what make apple cider vinegar such a great option for cleaning and whitening your teeth.

However, it is vital to note that – like hydrogen peroxide – excessive use of this product can wear down the enamel on your teeth. Overcome this hurdle by diluting it with water before use, then swishing it around your mouth for a couple of minutes every few days.

Published: 2018-12-02 13:25:02