White teeth are something everyone desires, and there are plenty of natural ways to keep them that way.
Baking soda is an all-natural whitening agent with alkaline properties and coarse particles to gently exfoliate away stains from skin surfaces. Compared to charcoal, it is less abrasive and should be applied several times every week for optimal results.
Oil pulling involves using sesame, coconut or sunflower oil for about twenty minutes every day to swish around in your mouth to remove bacteria that cause gum diseases and plaque accumulation. This method has proven very successful at helping with these conditions.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a highly effective natural teeth-whitening remedy that works by buffing away surface stains. Unfortunately, however, its abrasive qualities can damage tooth enamel.
Other natural teeth-whitening home remedies touted by DIYers include brushing with activated charcoal, using kaolin clay to scrub the mouth and rubbing fruits like strawberries or orange peels on teeth—none of these methods have yet been proven safe or effective.
Studies have revealed that eating dairy products is beneficial for teeth because they contain lactic acid, which may help break down bacteria in your mouth and prevent cavities from forming.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an all-natural bleaching agent with antibacterial properties that also helps increase saliva production, creating an alkaline environment to ward off bacteria growth. Swish a tablespoon in your mouth daily for several minutes, or use it in toothpaste form for maximum effectiveness.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another natural bleaching agent that helps whiten teeth by eliminating bacteria and breaking down plaque build-up. Be wary not to over-brush, as this could erode your tooth enamel. It may be best to trust a dental professional instead of using hydrogen peroxide. They will be trained to use the correct concentrations to optimize cosmetic results without collateral damage to your oral health.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and legumes can naturally whiten teeth by rubbing away food residue and stimulating saliva production. Also, avoiding foods that stain your teeth, as well as snacking on high-fibre fruits like strawberries and pineapple, may help whiten your smile faster than anything else can.
In addition, using hydrogen peroxide-containing mouth rinse or toothpaste containing natural enzymes, such as Bromelain or Papain may be of assistance in making the difference in smile whitening more noticeable.
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Stains
Remember, at-home whitening products only address extrinsic stains on the outside of your teeth caused by food and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine and smoking.
Unfortunately, they will not remove intrinsic stains, which impact the dentin inside your teeth—a trip to your local dentist for teeth whitening in Sarnia may be the appropriate course of action if your teeth appear especially yellow.
Ginger
To naturally whiten your teeth, the optimal approach is to maintain a healthy diet, attend regular dental cleanings and practice good oral hygiene habits. For optimal results, stick with dentist-recommended whitening methods instead of DIY methods like whitening kits that may lead to further discoloration of teeth, or other popular suggestions such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
In general, it’s best to trust the professionals for optimal teeth whitening solutions. Get in touch with our team if you’re considering enhancing and brightening your smile!