Having white teeth is something we all want. However, many people think that we must spend a lot of money on expensive dental treatments. What would you say if we told you that it is unnecessary? Many home care and tricks use effective natural ingredients to whiten teeth.
How to Whiten Teeth at Home Naturally
To naturally whiten your teeth at home, you can explore 6 effective methods that utilize common household items:
1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Create a paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. This combination helps remove plaque and whiten teeth, thanks to the abrasive nature of baking soda and the bleaching properties of hydrogen peroxide. Brush with this paste daily and rinse thoroughly with water.
2. Baking Soda and Water
For a milder approach, blend half a teaspoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of water. This simple mixture serves as a gentle scrub for your teeth, helping to lift surface stains.
3. Banana Peel
Surprisingly, the underside of a banana peel can contribute to whiter teeth. Rub the peel on your teeth and allow the natural minerals—magnesium, potassium, and manganese—to absorb for at least 10 minutes. Follow up by brushing with a clean, dry toothbrush.
4. Coconut Oil Pulling
Swish one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15–20 minutes. This ancient practice, known as oil pulling, is gentle on your enamel and helps to remove bacteria, leaving your teeth brighter. Ensure you spit the oil into a trash can to avoid clogging your pipes.
5. Strawberries
Harness the natural power of strawberries, which contain malic acid, an enzyme known for its teeth-whitening properties. Mash a few strawberries with a pinch of baking soda and salt to form a paste. Apply this mixture to your teeth for about five minutes each night.
6. Chewing High-Fiber Foods
Incorporating high-fiber vegetables and legumes like spinach and beans into your diet can promote dental health. These foods stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth and protects against acid that can cause staining.
How to maintain white teeth?
To maintain your teeth white, you can follow these 6 key practices that contribute to maintaining a bright smile.
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque and keep your mouth clean. Consider using an electric toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning, especially if reaching the back of your mouth is challenging.
2. Avoid Staining Substances
Limit your intake of drinks like coffee, cola, and sour fruit juices, which can stain your teeth. To minimize staining, try drinking water between these beverages, or carry a water bottle to sip on throughout the day.
3. Eat Calcium-Rich Foods
Incorporate calcium-rich foods into your diet, such as milk, strawberries, apples, carrots, celery, nuts, and seeds, as these dietary choices for whiter teeth help strengthen your tooth enamel and promote overall dental health. Strawberries, in particular, contain malic acid, a natural bleaching agent, and can boost saliva production, offering additional protection against germs.
4. Use Whitening Products
Use whitening toothpaste to help remove surface stains. Additionally, mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide, a common ingredient in teeth-whitening products, can enhance your whitening routine.
5. Avoid Smoking and Wine
Refrain from smoking, as tobacco and nicotine can quickly cause your teeth to yellow. Alcohol, especially red wine, contains substances that can stain your teeth over time.
6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Schedule regular cleanings with your dentist to maintain your dental health and keep your teeth looking their best.
DIY Teeth Whitening Methods That Do Not Work
Here are some Teeth Whitening Myths that involve DIY methods, which not only fail to work but may also harm your teeth:
- Lemon juice and baking soda: The citric acid in lemon juice and the abrasiveness of baking soda can wear down tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay and sensitivity.
- Fruit juices: Natural acids in fruit juices can erode tooth enamel, leading to long-term damage.
- Activated charcoal: Though believed to remove stains, research suggests it’s likely ineffective and could be abrasive on teeth.
- Apple cider vinegar: There’s no evidence it whitens teeth, and it may weaken enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
- Kaolin clay: This method is unproven and lacks scientific validation.
- Wood ash: Hardwood ash contains potassium hydroxide, which can damage teeth over time.
For safe and effective teeth whitening, it’s best to consult a dental professional.
What Do Dentists Use to Whiten Teeth?
Dentists whiten teeth using professional-grade bleaching agents, primarily hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These agents penetrate tooth enamel to break down stains. Techniques include laser whitening, which activates the gel with light, and Zoom whitening, which is highly effective and provides immediate results.
Is in Chair Teeth Whitening Better Than Natural Teeth Whitening Methods?
Yes, in-chair teeth whitening is superior to natural methods, offering faster and more dramatic results through high-concentration bleaching agents safely applied by dentists. While natural alternatives like baking soda are gentler and affordable, they often provide limited effectiveness and can potentially damage teeth if overused. Combining professional teeth whitening with natural maintenance methods can optimize and prolong whitening results.
