White and bright teeth usually reflect a beautiful smile. On the other hand, yellow teeth look dirty and gross and affect the way people smile. Therefore, a correlation between whiter teeth and healthier smiles exists. Studies reveal that bright teeth are also associated with attractiveness.
People having whiter teeth are perceived to be more friendly and sociable. Therefore, you need to pay extra attention to the way your teeth look and opt for procedures in order to brighten them if they are stained or discolored.
There are various professional teeth whitening options that you can choose from, but people also opt for natural home remedies in order to minimize expenses and achieve long-lasting results. If you are looking to whiten your teeth at home, here are some remedies that would certainly help you.
1. BRUSH TEETH WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND BAKING SODA PASTE
Baking soda consists of various teeth-whitening properties; that’s why it is frequently used in the making of various kinds of toothpaste. It significantly helps remove discoloration and stains from the tooth surface due to its abrasive nature. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent and helps in fighting off bacteria.
In order to create a perfect teeth-whitening solution, mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of baking soda; you will get a smooth mixture or paste. Then, try to brush your teeth with this mixture regularly. However, people usually do not get immaculate and shiny teeth just after one-time use. Try to use this paste daily, and gradually, you will begin to see a significant difference.
You can also make a mouthwash with the same percentage of both of these agents by adding some water. Both substances are harmless, but if you feel any sensitivity in your teeth, consult your dentist immediately.
2. APPLY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar offers a lot of healing qualities and is considered a natural antibiotic. It can also prove to be great for your mouth. It can act as a scrubber for your teeth, removing bacteria and stains. It is rich in magnesium, acetic acid, potassium, probiotics, and enzymes. All of these elements effectively help eliminate harmful bacteria.
Since this vinegar is naturally acidic, it also helps break down plaque, tartar and other substances stuck in the crevices of teeth. In short, the high pH level of this vinegar can remove stains and discoloration from your teeth, making your teeth cleaner and brighter.
3. PERFORM OIL PULLING
Oil pulling is another conventional home tooth whitening remedy but can also be used to improve your overall oral health. You have to squish oil in your mouth to perform oil pulling. Any oil could be used for this purpose, but sunflower oil and sesame oil are mostly preferred. Coconut oil is also a popular option as it tastes good and offers various health benefits.
Oil pulling proves to be quite effective in eliminating bacteria from the mouth. If not removed, these bacteria can result in the yellowing of teeth. For this teeth-brightening procedure, try to take one tablespoon of any of the above-mentioned oil and squish it in your mouth. Make sure to continue this procedure for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
4. EAT VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
Crunchy fruits and vegetables are considered effective in eliminating plaque from teeth while a person chews them. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are also known to be very useful for our overall health.
Two of the fruits considered to whiten stained or discolored teeth are strawberry and pineapple. Pineapple consists of an enzyme named “bromelain” that effectively removes stains and proves to be beneficial in overall tooth whitening. Strawberries, conversely, contain malic acid, which can also help remove discoloration on your teeth and make them brighter.
5. USE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Using activated charcoal is another effective method in order to remove stains from yellow and discolored teeth. Because of its highly absorbent properties, charcoal can effectively help in the elimination of pigments from your teeth. In addition to that, it can also eliminate many types of bacteria and toxins from the mouth. There are multiple kinds of toothpaste that constitute activated charcoal in their composition. However, you can also purchase it from any store.
In order to use it, put the contents of charcoal on your toothbrush. Then, brush your teeth gently using small circles for at least 2 to 3 minutes. Try to be extra careful in the area around your gums, as it can be abrasive or cause sensitivity. After 2 to 3 minutes, spit it out.
If your teeth are prone to sensitivity issues, then you can limit the abrasiveness of activated charcoal. To do so, just dab it on your teeth for 2 minutes rather than brushing.
6. APPLY PEELS OF CITRUS FRUITS
A mixture of lemon juice and water can also help restore the brightness of your teeth by completely disinfecting your oral cavity. In order to do this, mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of water. Then, place this mixture on your teeth and brush them thoroughly. After a few minutes, rinse them out. You can also use orange peels in this process.
However, the effectiveness of orange peels is very inconsistent. It might prove to be beneficial for some people and may not work for others. Even if the product does work for you, it can take a significant amount of time to show clear results. Nonetheless, orange peel is a milder teeth-whitening product than lemon juice which is usually known for its enamel-eroding properties.
Moreover, some home teeth-whitening remedies can also exert some sort of side effects. The most prevalent side effect of ]teeth whitening remedies is temporary sensitivity in teeth and around gums. This reaction is usually caused by excessive use of hydrogen peroxide.
In case none of these above-mentioned remedies give you the desired results or your teeth are continuously becoming more and more stained or yellowish, it might be time to let a dental professional manage this situation.