To help whiten teeth, it is important to brush twice a day and floss daily to remove bacteria that lead to plaque, how to whiten teeth naturally includes eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, which can help scrub away stains, and consuming high-calcium foods like strawberries, which can strengthen teeth.
Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice in which one swishes oil around their mouth for 15-20 minutes, can also remove toxins from the mouth and whiten teeth. Coconut oil is commonly used but olive or sesame oils can be used too.
Oil pulling
If you’re looking for a more natural way to whiten your teeth, try oil pulling. It’s an ancient oral hygiene practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil — usually coconut, sesame, or sunflower – in your mouth for about 20 minutes. This is said to improve oral health, reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, and even whiten your teeth.
While there’s limited scientific evidence that oil pulling actually whitens your teeth, many people report that it does. They also say it may help to alleviate bad breath, prevent cavities and gum disease, and improve overall dental health.
If you’re interested in trying this natural whitening method, be sure to use it sparingly as repeated overuse can damage your enamel. You should also brush and floss regularly for the best results. Moreover, don’t forget to visit your dentist for the best dental care.
Fruits and vegetables
Adding more foods that promote whitening to a healthy diet can help to brighten teeth naturally. Certain fruits and vegetables have lightening properties while others like strawberries and pineapples contain proteolytic enzymes that break down stains on the teeth.
Other foods that whiten include cheese, milk, and yogurt, which all provide calcium, phosphorous, and lactic acid that protect tooth enamel and help to keep them strong. They also stimulate saliva production that helps wash away food particles and bacteria that cause stains.
Crunchy vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower can act as natural abrasive scrubbers when chewed. They also take longer to chew, stimulating more saliva production. This helps to remove stains and plaque from teeth while preventing gum recession. Broccoli also contains iron, which fights stains and corrosion on the teeth. Orange peels also work as a natural substitute for harsh teeth whiteners because they contain vitamin C, which reduces plaque and whitens the teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that helps to whiten teeth by breaking down and removing organic compounds that cause discoloration. It is used as an ingredient in a wide range of over the counter and in-office teeth whitening products, including mouthwashes, gels, bleaching strips, and toothpastes.
However, high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide may damage tooth enamel or irritate the gums. The best way to avoid this is by diluting the solution with water before applying it to the teeth.
While there are many natural remedies that can help whiten teeth, it’s important to speak with a dental professional before starting any of these treatments. They can assess your dental health and recommend the safest and most effective whitening methods for your individual needs. Additionally, avoiding staining foods and drinks, using straws when drinking liquids, practicing proper oral hygiene, and limiting smoking can also help to keep your smile whiter. The key is to find a whitening method that works for you and stick with it.
Brushing
The main way to whiten teeth is through regular brushing. This helps remove surface stains and discoloration, as well as limiting plaque that clings to the enamel of the teeth. A dentist can recommend professional in-office treatments or use whitening products that are custom-fitted to your mouth for more effective whitening.
A popular at-home remedy is rubbing citrus fruit peels on the teeth. It is believed that the d-limonene and citric acid in these peels help whiten the teeth. However, scientific research supporting this claim is limited.
Another home whitening method is to brush the teeth with baking soda. This household item works as a scrubbing agent to remove bacteria from the surface of the teeth, and also reduces mouth odor. This is a low-cost option compared to other whitening methods.