Your teeth can turn yellow or brownish for several reasons, thus losing their sparkle. The good news is that you can use various strategies to reverse teeth staining or slow the process. Strategies for making your teeth whiter range from occasional brushing with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to tooth-whitening kits or professional teeth whitening. Some natural remedies can also effectively remove stains and protect the tooth enamel.
Some of the natural ways of teeth whitening include:
High Fiber Foods
When you eat sugary food, the bacteria in the mouth feed on the food particles, producing an acidic by-product. This acid can erode the tooth enamel, exposing the inner yellowish tooth layer known as the dentin. By consuming high-fiber legumes and vegetables, you can neutralize this acid and protect the tooth enamel. Beans or leafy greens like spinach can make your mouth produce more saliva, which assists in cleaning your mouth of acid.
Consuming Certain Types Of Fruits
Bromelain and papain, enzymes that are present in pineapples and papayas, respectively, can aid teeth whitening. Tooth-bleaching gels containing papain and bromelain also have a significant clinical capability to make your teeth white.
Teeth whitening with a mixture of baking soda and strawberries is also a natural solution that celebrities have made popular. Proponents of this strategy allege that the malic acid in strawberries can clear discoloration on the teeth, while the baking soda can buff stains away. Unfortunately, science has not entirely supported this method.
A mixture of baking soda and strawberry can enhance tooth color change, though less effectively than commercial whitening products. However, you should limit this method to a few times every week if you decide to use it. Baking soda and strawberry paste have little effect on teeth enamel, but too much can cause damage. To use this method, combine baking soda with smashed fresh strawberries and use the mixture to brush your teeth.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide
In addition to brightening your teeth, hydrogen peroxide can kill the bacteria in your mouth since it is a natural bleaching agent. People have used hydrogen peroxide for many years to disinfect wounds because of its potential to kill bacteria. Most commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, but at a much higher concentration than it is used at home.
Toothpaste containing more hydrogen peroxide is more effective in making the teeth whiter than toothpaste with lesser amounts. Abrasive and charcoal-containing toothpastes are the best at removing discoloration caused by coffee. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of hydrogen peroxide. Some claim that heavily diluted hydrogen peroxide is safe, but highly concentrated or overused can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Other people also claim that high doses of hydrogen peroxide can cause cancer, but these allegations have not been proven.
The typical concentration of hydrogen peroxide in tooth whitening pastes is 3%, but you can dilute it to 1.5% by mixing equal amounts of peroxide and water. You can also use hydrogen peroxide by combining it with baking soda to make toothpaste. This is done by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda and two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and brushing gently using the paste. However, you should limit this paste to a few times weekly because overuse can erode the teeth’s enamel.
Making Dietary Changes
Avoiding foods that mark the teeth can prevent further staining. Beverages and foods that contain tannins, like tea and wine, can stain the teeth. Juices, sodas, and coffee can also stain the teeth.
Consuming acidic foods can stain your teeth and wear down the enamel. You should avoid excessive consumption of soda, coffee, and citrus if you are concerned about the color of your teeth. Alternatively, you should brush your teeth after consuming staining foods.
Dental experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes to an hour after eating before brushing your teeth. Doing this gives the tooth enamel enough time to rebuild and remineralize itself, especially after consuming acidic food. Brushing your teeth immediately after eating can cause tooth damage because acids can weaken the enamel. Avoiding tobacco products and smoking can lower the risk of nicotine stains. This can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can damage the enamel and cause oral health problems.
Brush With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular ingredient in commercial toothpaste because of its natural whitening properties. It is a mild abrasive that can remove stains on the teeth. Baking soda also provides an alkaline environment in the mouth that prevents bacteria from multiplying. This method might whiten your teeth immediately, but you will notice a difference in your teeth over time.
Toothpaste containing baking soda prevents gum bleeding, inflammation, and plaque buildup more than regular toothpaste. Additionally, toothpaste containing baking soda is more effective at clearing stains and whitening teeth than other types of toothpaste. To use this method, mix two teaspoons of water with one teaspoon of baking soda and brush. Use this strategy a few times a week.
Practice Oil Pulling
Oil pulling originates from India, a traditional method aiming to remove toxins from the body and improve oral hygiene. It entails swishing oil around your mouth to remove bacteria that can become plaque and cause teeth staining.
Coconut oil is the best because it has many health benefits and a pleasant taste. It also has high lauric acid, which is popular for its potential to kill bacteria and lower inflammation. Dentists claim that daily oil pulling can reduce mouth bacteria, gingivitis, and plaque. Streptococcus mutans is a common bacterium in people’s mouths, which causes gingivitis and plaque. Swishing with coconut oil can significantly reduce Streptococcus mutans and is as effective as an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Oil pulling involves putting coconut oil in your mouth and pulling and pushing the oil through your teeth. You should wait for the coconut oil to melt because it is solid at room temperature. Perform the oil pulling for 15 to 20 minutes. Spit the coconut oil into a trash can or toilet because it can solidify once in your drain pipes and cause a clog.
Unlike most whitening options, oil pulling will not expose the patient’s teeth to other components that can erode the tooth enamel. In this case, you can use it daily.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are common dental products that can be used to clear stains from and whiten the teeth. They are not as effective as dental treatments, but are a cheap and simple option. However, you should first check the contents of the strips and apply them carefully.
White teeth can enhance a person’s self-image. Unfortunately, our teeth start to yellow with age. You can use whitening strips to prevent this. Teeth whitening strips are easily accessible over the counter, and you can apply them directly to your teeth. Strips have chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The American Dental Association (ADA) claims they are effective and safe if they have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
The ADA claims that teeth whitening options, like strips, can effectively clear both external and internal stains. Unfortunately, these products do not work on fake teeth. Teeth whitening strips are an effective over-the-counter agent that works better than other over-the-counter whitening agents like whitening toothpaste. At-home whitening strips have lower concentrations of whitening content than the products dentists provide. Individuals with high expectations or heavily stained teeth might not achieve the desired results using over-the-counter whitening strips.
Additionally, the effectiveness of the strips depends on the period you keep them on your teeth and the strength of the chemicals. However, some dental experts claim teeth whitening products containing hydrogen peroxide can adversely affect your teeth. You should first consult your dentist about the use of these products.
You should take the following into account when shopping for whitening strips:
- Customer Reviews — You can check online reviews to see what people comment about whitening strips. The previous and current photos can reveal the truth about a specific brand of whitening strip. Additionally, you can seek advice from your dentist.
- Dentist Approval — You should go for products approved by dental organizations, like those with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Ingredients — You should go for products with proven effective content, including hydrogen peroxide and carbamide.
Before using whitening strips, you should carefully read any information and instructions on the product’s packaging. However, you can apply it directly to your teeth. Most manufacturers recommend avoiding brushing your teeth immediately after applying the strips. You should leave the strips on your teeth for a designated period. The time can vary with the products, but you should leave the strips for a period that does not exceed 30 minutes.
The manufacturers also provide the frequency of use of the whitening strips. You should apply twice daily for two weeks. However, these instructions can differ based on the product. You should follow the guidelines on the packaging and not wear the strip beyond the manufacturer’s suggestion.
Whitening strips have the following advantages:
- Affordable
- No need to visit the dentist
- Ease of use
- Effective whitening
Some of the disadvantages include:
- Whitening sessions can be lengthy, roughly 30 minutes, so you require sufficient time and patience when using them.
- Keeping the strips in place can be hard, so using them can be fiddly.
- Sometimes, it is hard to get the desired outcome with at-home whitening strips, which do not have adverse effects. You must perform several sessions to get noticeable results.
- Overusing whitening strips can damage the teeth because bleaching agents are used to achieve their effects.
- Whitening strips often have side effects like gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
You are likely to experience side effects if you fail to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for a product. It is essential to consult a dentist before trying over-the-counter whitening strips, especially if you have gum or another dental disease.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is performed at a dental clinic. Dentists use highly concentrated bleaching gels that are not available over the counter. Therefore, professional teeth whitening yields better results than at-home tooth whitening. Dentists often use gels that contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The gel is applied using special trays that fit like a mouthguard on the mouth. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the porous outer tooth layer, breaking down the stain particles through a chemical reaction. Your dentist will apply a protective gel on the gums or place a rubber shield to protect them during the procedure.
Professional tooth whitening can remove all types of stains, including stains associated with tobacco use, aging, and staining from foods like dark-colored fruits and vegetables, wine, coffee, and soda.
Other Artificial Teeth Whitening Options
Other teeth whitening products are available through the dentist and over the counter. The products available over the counter include:
- Whitening powder
- Whitening trays
- Whitening gels
- Whitening mouthwash, and
- Whitening toothpaste
You can also secure whitening products or services through your dentist. The dental products supplied by dentists are often more concentrated. Some of the products your dentist can provide include:
- Powder bleaching
- Light-activated bleaching is an in-office procedure.
- Dental trays with tooth bleaching gels for either in-office or at-home application
Other Natural Teeth Whitening Methods
Other natural remedies are used for teeth whitening, but no scientific evidence shows their safety and effectiveness. The following are some of the non-proven methods:
Apple Cider Vinegar
There is no substantial proof that using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash can make your teeth white. Apple cider vinegar is only known for weakening the enamel since it is acidic and can also enhance tooth decay.
Fruit Peels
Some people allege that rubbing banana, lemon, or orange peels on your teeth can make them whiter.
Kaolin Clay
Proponents of this remedy allege that brushing with clay can clear stains from your teeth.
Activated Charcoal
It is alleged that brushing your teeth with powdered charcoal can remove toxins from your mouth and clear stains from the teeth, but most dentists claim that this is ineffective.
Find an Experienced Dentist Near Me
Stained teeth can rob you of your confidence and affect your self-esteem. The good news is that you can choose from a wide range of effective tooth whitening options. At The Lakewood Dentist, we have experienced dentists who can perform various cosmetic dental procedures, including teeth whitening. Contact us at 562-423-1441 to speak to one of our dentists.