Whitening your teeth is the simplest way to improve your smile. And while a professional teeth whitening session is a great way to get guaranteed results, you can also try out many teeth whitening home remedies to get a bright and beautiful smile.
Did you know that your smile is the first thing people notice when they see you for the first time? A recent study conducted by Orbit Complete also uncovered some surprising results. The survey found that 69% of individuals find women a lot more attractive when they smile as compared to when they are wearing makeup.
Scientists have also shown that smiles are contagious, can reduce stress, and even boost the immune system. If you find yourself smiling less due to your stained or yellowing teeth, don’t worry.
We will be exploring several teeth whitening home remedies in this article to help you restore your beautiful smile and attract happiness.
2 Types Of Teeth Stains
People usually opt for teeth whitening treatments if they notice staining or discoloration in their teeth. These are primarily due to two sources of stains:
- Extrinsic stains
- Intrinsic stains
Extrinsic Staining
Extrinsic staining refers to stains that are present on the surfaces of teeth. There are various causes of extrinsic staining, including:
- Dental plaque
- Calculus or dental tartar
- Tobacco (smoking/chewing)
- Colored foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, etc.)
Extrinsic stains are usually taken care of by the process of professional teeth cleaning.
Intrinsic Staining
Intrinsic staining is discoloration that occurs inside the tooth. Some causes of intrinsic stains are:
- Aging and wear
- Tooth decay
- Fillings
- Injury
- Fluorosis
- Genetic conditions
- Certain medications
Intrinsic stains cannot be removed by simple physical removal. They require chemical treatment such as professional teeth whitening.
What Can I Do To Whiten My Teeth? Can I Try Out Teeth Whitening Home Remedies?
The most important thing you can do to care for your oral health and keep your teeth looking clean and bright is brushing and flossing daily.
Brushing twice a day and flossing once goes a long way in maintaining good oral health. It also helps remove plaque before it hardens, keeping your teeth looking (and feeling) fresh.
Aside from professional chemical treatments, there are many teeth whitening home remedies you can try out. We will discuss them in greater detail below.
5 Useful Teeth Whitening Home Remedies
- Practice Oil Pulling
- Brush with Baking Soda
- Use Hydrogen Peroxide
- Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Prevent Stains Before They Happen
Teeth Whitening Home Remedies
A 2016 survey shows that about 80 percent of American adults between 18 and 49 want whiter teeth. Furthermore, they reportedly spent over $1.4 billion on at-home whitening products.
You can whiten your teeth at home using natural products from the grocery store. However, the science behind these methods is insufficient.
Having said that, if you want to whiten your teeth without using harsh chemicals, you’ll find many exciting options below.
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Practice Oil Pulling
Originating in India, oil pulling is a traditional remedy meant to remove toxins from the body and improve oral hygiene.
The practice involves swishing oil around your mouth to remove plaque-causing bacteria. Coconut oil is popular because it tastes relatively pleasant and offers many health benefits due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
A few studies show that regular oil pulling reduces bacteria in the mouth, removes plaque, and prevents gum disease. It’s one of the most beneficial teeth whitening home remedies out there.
While no scientific studies prove that oil pulling whitens your teeth, it is a safe practice and worth a try. Many people claim to have whiter and brighter teeth after practicing oil pulling daily.
- Put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth to pull and swish it around.
- You may need to wait a few seconds for the oil to melt since it is solid at room temperature.
- Continue pushing and pulling the oil through your teeth for 15-20 minutes.
- Make sure you spit the oil into a trash can or the toilet since it can solidify and clog your drain pipes.
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Brush with Baking Soda
Owing to its natural whitening properties, baking soda is a popular ingredient in commercial toothpaste.
It is also a mild abrasive that helps scrub away surface stains on the teeth. Furthermore, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in the mouth, preventing bacteria from growing.
While it isn’t an overnight remedy for teeth whitening, you should notice a difference over time.
Science hasn’t proven the effectiveness of baking soda in whitening teeth, but many studies show that toothpaste containing baking soda can improve dental health.
Toothpaste containing baking soda significantly reduces plaque, gum inflammation, and bleeding more than regular toothpaste.
To make the most of this ingredient, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with the paste. You can do this a couple of times per week.
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Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that kills bacteria in your mouth. People have used hydrogen peroxide for years to disinfect wounds because of its antibacterial abilities.
Most commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, although at a much higher concentration than the one you might use at home. Even professional teeth whitening procedures use the ingredient to “bleach” teeth.
There aren’t any studies investigating the effects of brushing or rinsing with hydrogen peroxide alone. However, several studies analyze the impact of commercial toothpaste containing peroxide.
A study reveals that toothpaste with a higher concentration of the agent is more effective at whitening teeth than another toothpaste with a lower concentration.
However, there are many questions regarding the safety of peroxide.
While heavily diluted concentrations are safe, substantial concentrations or overuse can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
One safe way to use hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening home remedies is to use it as a mouthwash before brushing your teeth. Ensure you use a 1.5% to 3% solution to be safe.
Another way to use hydrogen peroxide is mixing it with baking soda to make toothpaste. Combine 10 ml of peroxide with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and gently brush your teeth with the mixture.
Do not use this more than a few times a week, as overuse can erode the tooth enamel.
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Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
A diet high in fruits and vegetables is good for your body and teeth. However, they aren’t a substitute for brushing. Crunchy and raw fruits or vegetables can help rub plaque away as you chew.
Strawberries and pineapple are two fruits you can chew to whiten your teeth.
While not backed up by science, mixing strawberries with baking soda is a natural remedy widely acclaimed for whitening teeth.
If you decide to try this, mash a strawberry, mix it into baking soda, and brush your teeth with it.
Limit the usage to a few times a week.
You can follow the instructions for using pineapples in DIY teeth whitening home remedies (no evidence exists to support the same).
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Prevent Stains Before They Happen
Your teeth will inevitably turn yellow as you age. However, you can do the following to help prevent stains from forming on your teeth:
- Limit the consumption of colored foods and drinks
- Limit your sugar intake
- Get plenty of calcium in your diet
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
Get Professional Teeth Whitening at River’s Bend Family Dental
While teeth whitening home remedies may seem simple, the only way you get guaranteed teeth whitening results is through professional treatment. You can opt for an in-office service by our dental expert, Dr. Andrea Wimmergren. Alternatively, you can get take-home kits dispensed by our dental office.
The latter works over an extended period, but you will see a significant change in the whiteness of your teeth. To schedule an appointment at River’s Bend Family Dental, please call us at (763) 576-1855.
