Teeth tend to become yellow as one grows older. There are ways to slow this down or whiten the teeth again. One can try teeth whitening solutions suggested by the dentist or use some natural remedies that tend to be less expensive.
Some of the natural remedies or tips to whiten teeth are:
Changing your diet
There are certain foods that can stain the teeth. Tannins, found in tea and wine along with other beverages like juices, dark sodas, coffee, etc, can cause staining. The enamel of the teeth can get worn out when consuming foods that are acidic like coffee, citrus, and soda in large quantities. To reduce the damage, one should brush after consuming such foods. It’s best to quit habits like smoking or having other products that contain tobacco, as nicotine can cause staining. This also reduces the chances of dental health issues like tooth decay, which can harm the enamel.
Oil pulling
This method involves swishing oil around the mouth for about a minute and then spitting it out to get rid of bacteria, dirt, etc. Coconut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil are some of the options that can be used for oil pulling. Some research into this method suggests that it does lead to teeth whitening. However, it can be used in place of flossing or brushing. This method in dentistry is rather unconventional. Additionally, the American Dental Association have not found any proper scientific studies which prove that using oil pulling helps improve dental health by whitening teeth or reducing cavities.
Using baking soda instead of a toothpaste
Baking soda helps to slowly remove stains on the teeth. There have been concerns that the harshness of baking soda may damage the enamel. However, recent studies have found that baking soda can be safely used to get rid of stains.
Hydrogen peroxide
Teeth can be whitened with hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleach that is mild on the teeth. For best results, one can mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. This mixture should be used for about two minutes, two times every day for one week. Ensure that this is not done frequently since hydrogen peroxide can make the teeth sensitive. This is not a good option for those who already suffer from teeth sensitivity.
Fruit for whitening
There are certain enzymes known as bromelain and papain that are present in fruits like pineapples and papayas which can help with teeth whitening. There was a study conducted in 2012 that found some evidence that these enzymes could whiten teeth to some extent. However, the results are not conclusive and further research is needed.
Good oral hygiene
Having a good oral hygiene routine keeps the teeth from turning yellow. One should brush properly two times a day, floss to remove plaque, and use a toothpaste with fluoride. Taking care of the gums and teeth reduces dental problems and keeps the teeth healthy and white.
