Everyone desires a perfect smile. A beautiful set of pearly white teeth to charm the onlookers. Though genetics play a part in shaping the color of one’s teeth, external factors such as the food and drink consumed as well as oral hygiene has an effect too. Essentially, a tooth is made out of four tissues as follows.
Enamel- the strong external white outer covering.
Dentin- a hard yellow material carrying the nerves.
Pulp- contains the lymph and blood vessels.
Cementum- covering of the tooth’s root.
Dentin and enamel are majorly responsible for the color. Some medications, food and drinks can directly affect the enamel by staining it. But in the long run, the real culprits are the unhealthy food and drinks which break down the enamel thus weakening it as time passes.
When this happens, dentin comes into view revealing the yellow discoloration in the teeth. Luckily, there are natural ways to whiten teeth at the comfort of your home.
Prevention is the best method to keep your teeth white and free of staining. Regular and proper brushing is the first step to keep stains and discoloration from forming. Brushing 30 minutes after meals is important and something most people don’t do.
This requires persistence as it could be difficult to adhere when at work or someplace inconvenient. It is best to avoid the regular intake of staining or acidic beverages. Use a straw when having them and follow it up by drinking plain water in order to avoid the negative effects.
A paste made by mixing hydrogen peroxide with baking soda in small quantities would help in removing plaque from the teeth. Studies indicate that hydrogen peroxide being a natural antibacterial agent helps keep the breath fresh eliminating bad bacteria. Ensure that the paste remains runny and not gritty. Rub it on your teeth for 30 seconds and rinse well.
Coconut oil pulling is another technique used in teeth whitening. Simply swish a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth for about 5-20 minutes. This is great for cleaning and protecting the gums as well since coconut oil has antimicrobial properties.
Looking for a way to remove the stubborn stain of nicotine or coffee on your teeth? Try apple cider vinegar. It contains several compounds such as enzymes, probiotics, magnesium, potassium and acetic acid which aids in killing germs and enable the growth of probiotic bacteria. Being naturally acidic, it also helps in breaking down plaque and substances stuck on teeth. For best results, use apple cider vinegar consistently for at least a month.
Some claim that citrus fruits such as lemon and orange or lemon essential oil has the same effect as the apple cider vinegar. Due to the high acid content found in them, it is always best to rinse your mouth after using the peels to avoid any unwanted discomfort.
Some celebrities use strawberries to whiten their teeth. Model and TV show host Tyra Banks is reported to have tried this trick on her show. Since berries contain beneficial antioxidants, they can benefit your teeth. All you have to do is mash up 4 or 5 strawberries with a little baking soda and rub the mixture all over your teeth using a soft toothbrush. Wait 5 minutes before rinsing and brush with regular toothpaste.
This is a method that might or might not work for most but we though it was worth a mention. It seems to be the least effective method out of the others listed.
Although these natural home methods can be effective, you should consider visiting us at Trinity Dental Care to get professional results that are much more noticeable and longer lasting.
We use the latest and most effective teeth whitening products and techniques that produce the greatest results.
Make an appointment with us today for a free consultation on how we can give you a beautiful pearly white smile.