Introduction
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment that can be expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are numerous cost-effective, efficient, and natural ways to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home. In this article, we’ll guide you through a range of methods on how to whiten your teeth using household items, natural remedies, and professional treatments. Our goal is to help you achieve pearly whites safely and effectively.
10 Surprising Household Items You Can Use to Whiten Your Teeth
Did you know that several household items can make your teeth shine brighter? Here are ten such items:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural tooth whitener and removes stains from teeth caused by coffee, tea, or red wine. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply this paste to your toothbrush and brush the teeth for two minutes. Rinse and brush with your regular toothpaste.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide effectively whitens teeth by breaking down the stains on the surface. You can mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide (3%) and swish it around in your mouth for a minute. Spit it out and rinse your mouth. Don’t swallow the solution and avoid overusing it as it can cause tooth sensitivity and irritations.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has become a popular teeth whitening method recently. It’s believed to absorb the toxins and stains from teeth and improve their brightness. Mix a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder with water to make a paste. Brush your teeth with this paste for two to three minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and brush your teeth with your regular toothpaste.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps to remove the stains and kill the bacteria in the mouth. But be careful as too much intake may weaken the tooth enamel. Use it sparingly. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and swish it around in your mouth for a minute. Rinse your mouth with water and don’t forget to brush with your regular toothpaste.
Strawberries
Strawberries contain malic acid and Vitamin C, which aid in breaking down the stains on teeth and brightening them. Mash a few fresh strawberries and spread the paste on your teeth. Leave it for five minutes and rinse. You can also mix the strawberry paste with baking soda for better results.
Fruits and Vegetables
Certain fruits and vegetables like carrots, celery, and apples can help whiten your teeth and promote oral health. These foods are excellent for scrubbing away the stains and plaque from teeth, producing more saliva, which washes away any food debris and reducing bacteria in the mouth.
Coconut Oil Pulling
Coconut oil pulling is an ancient Indian remedy that helps to whiten teeth, freshen breath, and improve gum health. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15 minutes, then spit it out and rinse with water. Do not swallow the oil as it may damage your digestive tract. Repeat the process daily for better results.
Salt
Salt is known for its antibacterial properties and its ability to whiten teeth. Mix a teaspoon of salt with a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply this paste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth for two minutes. Rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth with your regular toothpaste.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges contain Vitamin C, which works as an excellent natural bleach and removes the stains from your teeth. But remember that citrus fruits contain high acids that can erode tooth enamel, so use them sparingly. Rub the citrus fruit peel on your teeth for a minute and then rinse your mouth thoroughly.
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a natural sweetener and helps to remove the stains from teeth, improve oral health, and freshen breath. Add a few drops of vegetable glycerin to your toothpaste and brush your teeth as usual.
The Ultimate Guide to Whitening Your Teeth at Home
If household items aren’t working for you, then there are several teeth whitening methods that you can perform at home. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones:
Whitening Strips and Trays
Whitening strips and trays are popular teeth whitening options that can be bought online or at a pharmacy, and many people swear by them. These strips and trays contain peroxide, and you place them over your teeth for a specific amount of time. These treatments should not be overused as they can damage tooth enamel and cause gum sensitivity.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste contains special ingredients that help to scrub away surface stains and discolourations on your teeth. Though this type of toothpaste cannot change the natural colour of your teeth, it can help remove minor stains caused by food and drinks.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling can be an effective natural teeth whitening method that also improves your dental health. Use coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil to swish your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Spit it out and then rinse your mouth with water. Repeat the process twice a week for best results.
Banana Peel
Banana peel is an unusual way to whiten teeth. Rub the inside of the banana peel on your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse your mouth with water afterward. Repeat the process twice a week, and you can see the result.
Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is an in-office treatment that lightens the discoloured enamel. It is costly and typically performed after a dental cleaning. A bleaching gel is applied to the teeth, and then a laser is used to activate the bleaching agent. The process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and can provide instant results.
5 Foods That Naturally Whiten Your Teeth
There are several food items that can gradually whiten your teeth over time. Let’s look at some of them:
Cheese
Cheese is a great food item that stimulates saliva production and reduces the acidity in the mouth. This, in turn, helps to strengthen tooth enamel and whiten teeth over time.
Carrots are good for oral health and naturally whiten teeth by removing plaque. Its texture is perfect for scrub stains away and helps maintain oral hygiene.
Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down the protein stain on the teeth, providing a natural teeth whitening option.
Baking soda acts as a scrub that eliminated plaque and clean the teeth. It is an excellent option for teeth whitening at home.
Apples naturally help clean teeth and promote oral hygiene. By chewing and biting into apples, the rough surface naturally scrubs off bacteria and stains making it an excellent option to get a whiter smile.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Teeth Whitening
Here are some tips that will help you with a safer and more effective teeth whitening experience:
Consult With Your Dentist
Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening to make sure it’s safe for you and find out which methods would work best for you.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
Avoid coffee, tea, sugary drinks, and tobacco products, which can stain your teeth and undo the process you’ve worked for.
Avoid Overusing Whitening Products
Overusing teeth whitening products can damage your oral health and your teeth. Follow the instructions and do not overuse.
Know the Risks and Benefits
Knowing the risks and benefits beforehand will help you make an informed decision about teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening: Is It Worth the Cost?
Professional teeth whitening treatments can be expensive and cost upwards of $650 in Australia. While long term benefits include improved self-esteem and confidence levels, you should consider the costs, risks, side effects, and benefits before making a decision. For people on a tight budget, home remedies could be a better option, while for people who need immediate results or have major teeth discolourations, professional whitening should be considered.
Conclusion
Getting white teeth is not a rocket science concept. There are many treatments and simple remedies you can use to get the job done from the comfort of your own home. From daily brushing and flossing to incorporating teeth-whitening foods into your diet and using natural household remedies, there are many effective, safe and affordable teeth-whitening options available. Make sure to consult with your dentist before starting any treatment and following the proper way of using them. With a little patience, it’s easy to achieve a brighter, whiter smile.
