Specialists told about natural ways to whiten teeth

A healthy and beautiful smile is a source of pride and self-confidence. Each of us understands the need for thorough oral care and prevention of dental diseases. However, sometimes, even in the absence of serious problems with the teeth, their colour does not seem white enough. This circumstance upsets many people and makes them feel embarrassed.

Often, the colour of tooth enamel is genetically determined, but in some cases it depends on lifestyle and can change. Referring to the opinions of experts in the dental field, GoodtoKnow has published a selection of natural ways to whiten teeth.

The reasons that lead to discolouration of tooth enamel can be different. For example, it can lose its whiteness with age, while following a certain diet, or as a result of excessive brushing. In addition, certain foods and drinks can also stain your teeth.

Professional cleaning and whitening under the supervision of a dentist is the best and most effective way to improve the colour of your tooth enamel. However, there are also natural remedies that you can use on your own.

Activated carbon

Activated charcoal powder can remove toxins from the oral cavity and remove stains from teeth. However, its use should be treated evenly. Doctors focus on the abrasiveness of charcoal, because an abrasive product can not whiten the enamel, but can strip it to yellow dentin and cause dental problems.

Instead, you should use a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, a mineral that blocks open pores and smoothes enamel.

Toothpaste and baking soda

Baking soda is the cheapest and easiest way to whiten your teeth at home. Studies have shown that it can remove plaque caused by bacteria, which in turn helps to improve colour and reduce tooth damage.

Dentists note that ordinary baking soda is not suitable for cleaning due to its high abrasiveness, and it does not help protect teeth from caries. The best choice would be a paste with baking soda as an active ingredient. This paste removes plaque and stains without damaging the enamel, as well as saturates the teeth with minerals and prevents bad breath.

Use some foods and avoid others

Food and drinks can both stain your teeth with each use and help whiten them. For example, curry, red wine, tea or coffee contain tannins that make the colour stick to your teeth. In this case, you can whiten your teeth by regularly brushing immediately after eating or by reducing the amount of these foods in your diet.

At the same time, strawberries can make your teeth whiter. This is due to the fact that the berry contains citric and malic acids, which can prevent enamel staining. Papaya can have a similar gentle effect in cleaning stains, and pineapple contains bromelain, a special enzyme that helps to break down plaque and remove stains.

Of course, you don't need to constantly rub your teeth with fruit, but adding certain foods to your diet and avoiding others can improve your teeth.

Good oral hygiene

With good dental care, whitening may not be necessary. The thing is, yellow teeth are caused by plaque build-up. At first, it is transparent, but as it accumulates, it begins to turn yellow. That is why it is important not only to take care of your teeth regularly, but also to take care of them properly.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, remembering to floss and clean your tongue.

Rinsing with oil

This method involves rinsing the mouth with vegetable oil for 15-20 minutes, followed by regular oral hygiene. A positive effect can be achieved due to the content of lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties. Rinsing can help fight bacteria that lead to plaque and stains on the teeth, but it works only from the outside, without penetrating deep into the tooth.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is used to treat certain dental conditions, such as gingivitis or ulcers. This chemical compound can have an antifungal and antiseptic effect, which is why it is also used for whitening.

It should be noted that hydrogen peroxide should be used with caution to prevent excessive tooth sensitivity and gum damage.

Struggling with bad habits

Smoking not only harms the whole body, but also affects the colour of your teeth. This is due to the resins that are absorbed by the enamel during inhalation and lead to yellow or brown stains. Although nicotine is colourless, it turns yellowish when it interacts with oxygen.

Reducing the number of cigarettes or quitting smoking completely will not only improve your teeth, but also protect you from many serious diseases.

As you can see, we can use many simple ways to whiten our teeth at home, but it is worth remembering that professional whitening and expert advice is the best choice, because it will not only give you a snow-white smile, but also help you understand and eliminate the causes of tooth enamel discolouration.