Having a picture-perfect smile with bright white teeth boosts our confidence and self-esteem. These two elements allow us to deal with any situation. However, as we age, the shine of our teeth dims, they turn yellow, and our precious smiles become spoiled and stained.

What Causes Teeth to Turn Yellow?

Bacterial and plaque buildup, as well as hard enamel erosion, can all cause your teeth to look yellow. The second layer of calcified yellow tissue, i.e. Dentin, becomes more apparent as the outer enamel wears away, reducing the shine of your white teeth.

If consumed in large quantities and combined with poor oral hygiene, a few food products can stain and discolor your teeth.

Are Teeth Whitening Products Worth it?

There are many whitening tool kits and products available at drugstores and dental clinics to whiten teeth and teeth whitening treatments. However, these items have a high concentration of chemicals, which most people avoid because using acids for bleaching is not commonly recommended. Teeth whitening treatments are successful, but they are mostly a bite to the wallet (costing about $650 on average).

According to research, Americans invest more than $1 billion a year in tooth cavity treatments and teeth whitening products. However, although these products can temporarily whiten your teeth, they contain a large number of chemicals that cause tooth damage and harm to your gums.

So, how can you whiten your teeth without spending a fortune and risking your oral health? To achieve natural-looking white teeth, try some healthy at-home remedies.

6 Effective Ways to Whiten Your Teeth at Home

One of the primary advantages of whitening your teeth naturally is that no harmful chemicals can be used. To whiten your teeth and remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, there are some basic home remedies that have been proven to be successful and healthy.

1. Brush and Floss Your Teeth on a Regular Basis

Never underestimate the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis, as these two actions are the first line of protection in preventing harm to your teeth and keeping them sparkling brightly.

Brushing your teeth regularly can help remove stains, and flossing can help destroy the sticky layer of bacteria on your teeth, known as plaque. If you have not been brushing your teeth daily, start ASAP.

However, be cautious and avoid brushing or flossing immediately after eating or drinking anything acidic, as this can weaken the tooth enamel and cause it to be eroded by the rough strokes of a toothbrush.

Wash and floss your teeth twice a day if they continue to turn yellow. Use fluoride-containing toothpaste since fluoride has many benefits.

• It rebuilds weakened tooth enamel
• Slows down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel
• Reverses early signs of tooth decay
• Prevents the growth of potentially harmful oral bacteria

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way you can whiten your teeth.

2. Try a Traditional Method of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a traditional folk remedy used in ancient India to naturally and effectively whiten teeth. Oil pulling is the practice of washing one’s teeth with essential oils. Despite the fact that India’s forefathers invented this process, it is still used in modern India to extract dirt, bacteria, and debris from the mouth.

Oil pulling also cleanses the body of toxins and enhances oral and general health. According to some studies, the oil pulling method will help whiten teeth by removing plaque and gingivitis from the teeth.

The three most commonly used oils for oil pulling are sunflower oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil:

• Sunflower oil may be used to dilute the dense plaque and tarter.
• Sesame oil contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that aid in the prevention of dental gingivitis.
• Coconut oil contains antibacterial properties that dilute bacteria while also reducing inflammation. Since it has good taste, it is the most common option for oil pulling.

To practice oil pulling, use 1 tablespoon of oil and swish/push and pull through your teeth. Continue for 15-20 minutes before spitting.

3. Use Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is a popular ingredient in toothpaste due to its teeth-whitening properties. Toothpaste containing baking soda is much more powerful than toothpaste that does not contain baking soda.

According to a 2017 study, using baking soda as a paste with water acts as an alkaline mixer, preventing harmful bacteria from developing in the teeth and removing yellow stains.

You can make this paste by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Baking soda can be bought at any local drugstore for a very low cost. Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes with this paste, and then thoroughly clean your mouth. This paste is safe to use up to three times a week.

It is a slow-progress process, but it is one of the most successful and healthy natural teeth whitening methods.

4. Make Dietary Adjustments

We’ve all heard how a healthy diet will improve your overall health, whether it’s your skin, digestion, or hair. It can also help to enhance your oral health and naturally whiten your teeth. A few tannin-containing foods and beverages can cause tooth discoloration and staining. Acidic foods can also break down tooth enamel, exposing dentin and reducing the shine of your teeth.

You can avoid tooth discoloration by avoiding red wine, fruit, coffee, tea, soda, and dark berries.

To keep your teeth from turning yellow, avoid chewing tobacco and smoking.

5. Eat Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Including vegetables and fruits in your diet is an excellent way to maintain your health and wellbeing. Chewing raw vegetables and fruits will help extract bacterial plaque from your teeth, resulting in smooth, bright-looking teeth. Physicians also recommend this for maintaining healthy teeth.

Strawberries, pineapple, and papaya are the most effective fruits for teeth whitening.

• Strawberries are high in malic acid and can effectively whiten the teeth. It’s a natural astringent that aids in the removal of surface tooth discoloration.
• Pineapples contain a proteolytic enzyme called bromelain, which has the natural ability to remove the pellicle coating on teeth that are mostly clogged with bacteria.
• Papaya also contains a proteolytic enzyme called papain. It aids in the reduction of the pellicle layer and the removal of stains, thus preventing plaque formation.

Many of these fruits have the most potent teeth whitening properties.

6. Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that is well-known for reducing tooth discoloration by killing bacteria.

To prevent side effects, use a 1.5 percent or 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. You can also whiten the teeth by combining hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Make a paste with 1 tablespoon baking soda and 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide. Brush gently with this mixture a few times per week to achieve the desired results.

To Sum up All

Using successful home remedies safely will assist you in killing bacteria, removing plaque, reducing discoloration, and preventing tooth damage. You don’t need to spend a fortune on teeth whitening treatments to get a gleaming smile. To avoid any side effects, please check with your dentist before using any of these home remedies.

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