We live in an age that is almost ruled by coffee, which happens to be one of the biggest contributors to staining teeth and making them yellow. While step number one for whiter teeth would be to limit coffee intake, for some of us that may not be what we are ready for. So we’ve compiled a list of natural ways you can whiten your teeth at home.
Dental hygiene is important. It can be a contributing factor to many diseases in other areas of the body if not properly taken care of. One of the biggest ways we can damage our teeth is through acidic foods and drinks. In fact, a lot of times, the reason for yellow teeth is due to the consumption of an acidic diet that causes the enamel to wear away on teeth if they are not properly taken care of.
Disadvantages of Whitestrips & Bleaching
There are a number of whitening options one can explore via dentists, whitening professionals or the drugstore. These include bleaching trays, professional bleaching treatments and products like Whitestrips. There is no doubt that these products do work, but there are reported disadvantages to these options that don’t exist with doing the methods below correctly.Often times the treatments above utilize harsh ingredients that can have quite powerful effect of gums and teeth. This can create sensitivity for both even after first use. For example, studies suggest that between 1/3 and 1/2 of all people who use Whitestrips will notice some degree of gum tissue irritation. [1] If you’ve tried these products in the past, you may have seen great results and had no irritation, but if you did experience irritation, try the options below for a more natural approach that is more in-line with a sustainable option as well.
Home Remedies For Yellow Teeth
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is known as being one of the most effective options for whitening teeth. It’s why you see it added to a number of toothpaste brands. Simply add some to your toothbrush while it is fairly wet and then brush your teeth. Make sure the baking soda is wet enough and not dry as in a very dry state it can scratch your enamel. But once wet, it becomes soft and dissolves. *I’ve personally used this method and found that it worked very well. Make sure you don’t use it dry! Also consider trying it as a mouthwash. Add more water to it and swish it around)
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which helps to make your teeth whiter. You can do this by crushing a few berries and then applying them to your teeth. Let it sit for about 3 -5 minutes and then rinse out your mouth well.
3. Lemon
Lemon has a solid bleaching power, many have used it for their hair but it can be used for the teeth as well. Squeeze lemon juice into a small bowl and add some sea salt to it. Grind it down to a pit so you produce a soft paste. Apply that to your teeth and let sit for 3 – 5 minutes. Rinse well. It’s important to rinse this well as you don’t want to let it sit over long periods of time and break away enamel.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide can be used quite effectively to whiten teeth. Due to its very mild bleaching properties, it can be put on the teeth topically to help remove stains. Create a 30/60 mix of hydrogen peroxide to water. Use it as a rinse for about 60 seconds and then spit it out. *I have also tried putting it directly on my teeth with a q-tip and letting it sit for 60 seconds. This worked well also.
5. Banana Peel
This one is controversial and I personally wouldn’t say this should be your go to option. Some health professionals say it works, while other say it doesn’t. In the end, the gritty surface, which is rich in magnesium and potassium, may polish teeth and helped remove some stains on the enamel. Results vary greatly and given the other options available, it’s probably best to stick with them, but this could work according to some. To do it, simply rub your teeth with the inside of a ripe banana peel for 2 – 5 minutes. Rinse when finished. Do this twice a day.
Sources
http://www.animated-teeth.com/whitening_strips/a4_teeth_whitening.htm
http://www.pantryspa.com/beauty-remedies/mouth-remedies/dr-oz-teeth-whitening-home-remedy-baking-soda-lemon-juice/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/15795-whiten-teeth-peroxide/
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/08/24/home-remedies-for-yellow-teeth/
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