What causes yellow teeth? Several factors can cause teeth to become dull and lose their shine and whiteness. Some foods can stain the enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth. In addition, plaque buildup on your teeth can cause them to turn yellow. In this article, we’ll explain 7 easy ways to whiten your teeth at home.
This type of discoloration can usually be treated with regular cleanings and whitening treatments. However, sometimes teeth appear yellow because the hard enamel has worn away, exposing the underlying dentin. Dentin is a naturally yellow, bony tissue that lies beneath the enamel.
Here are 7 easy ways to naturally whiten your teeth at home. You may want to choose a few treatments and do them throughout the week.
Your first step should be to brush your teeth more regularly. It is especially important to brush after consuming foods and drinks that can cause your teeth to yellow.
However, be careful about brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods and drinks, as brushing too quickly can cause the acids in the food to erode more enamel and lead to erosion.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Make sure to clean all the gaps and crevices between your teeth with your toothbrush. Brush your teeth gently in a circular motion to make sure you are protecting your gums. Brush the inside, outside, and front surfaces of your teeth well.
Use a whitening toothpaste that contains mild abrasives that clean teeth to remove surface stains and are completely safe for your teeth. Using an electric toothbrush may also be more effective at removing surface stains.
A paste made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is said to help break down plaque and bacteria to remove stains.
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. After brushing with this paste, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. You can also use the same ratio of ingredients to make a mouthwash. Or you can mix baking soda with water.
Research has shown that people who use toothpaste containing baking soda and peroxide get rid of stains faster and whiten their teeth. They saw significant changes after 6 weeks.
A 2017 review of research on toothpaste containing baking soda also concluded that they are an effective and safe way to remove stains and whiten teeth, and can be used daily.
Rubbing coconut oil on the surface of your teeth is said to remove plaque and bacteria in your mouth, which helps whiten your teeth. Always buy organic, high-quality oil that is free of harmful ingredients.
Rub 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid coconut oil on your teeth for 10 to 30 minutes. Do not let the oil reach the back of your throat. Do not swallow the oil, as it contains toxins and bacteria that can be in your mouth.
Rinse your mouth with water, then drink a full glass of water. Then brush your teeth. Using coconut oil to whiten your teeth can reduce inflammation of the gums caused by plaque. Oil pulling can have a whitening effect on teeth, as plaque buildup can cause teeth to turn yellow.
Apple cider vinegar can be used in very small amounts to whiten teeth. Make a mouthwash by mixing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 tablespoons of water. Swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then rinse with water and brush your teeth.
It should be noted, however, that apple cider vinegar has the potential to damage the surface structure of your teeth. Therefore, use it with caution and only for a short period
Some people claim that rubbing lemon, orange, or banana peels on your teeth will whiten your teeth. It is believed that the compound d-limonene and/or citric acid, found in the peels of some citrus fruits, helps whiten your teeth.
Gently rub the fruit peels on your teeth for 2 minutes. Make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly and then brush your teeth.
People who brushed with a toothpaste containing d-limonene along with a whitening formula twice a day for 4 weeks significantly reduced cigarette stains, although it did not remove stains from long-term smoking or tea stains.
A 2017 study tested the potential of citric acid extracts from four different types of orange peels as teeth whiteners. They were found to have varying abilities to whiten teeth, with tangerine peel extract producing the best results.
Be careful when using this remedy as the fruit is acidic. The acid can erode and damage your tooth enamel. If you notice that your teeth have become more sensitive after a while, please stop using this method.
You can use charcoal toothpaste to remove stains from your teeth. Charcoal is believed to be able to remove pigments and stains from your teeth because it is highly absorbent. It is also said to get rid of bacteria and toxins in the mouth.
Some toothpastes contain activated charcoal that whiten teeth. Open an activated charcoal capsule and place the contents on your toothbrush. Brush your teeth gently using small circles for 2 minutes. Be especially careful around your gum line as it can be abrasive. Then spit it out and remember not to brush too hard.
If you have sensitive teeth or want to limit the abrasiveness of the charcoal, you can swish it around your teeth. Leave it on for 2 minutes. You can also mix activated charcoal with a small amount of water to make a mouthwash. Swish this solution around for 2 minutes and then spit it out. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after using activated charcoal.
More scientific evidence is needed to test the effectiveness of activated charcoal for teeth whitening. A 2019 article found that charcoal toothpaste can whiten teeth within 4 weeks of use, but it’s not as effective as other whitening toothpaste.
Research has shown that activated charcoal can be abrasive on teeth and tooth-colored restorations, leading to the loss of tooth structure. This wear and tear can make your teeth appear yellower.
If you remove too much enamel, more of the yellow dentin underneath will be exposed. Be careful when using charcoal and charcoal-based toothpaste
It is said that eating raw fruits and vegetables that have a high water content can help your teeth stay healthy. Their water content is thought to help cleanse your teeth and gums of plaque and bacteria that cause yellowing.
Chewing on crunchy fruits and vegetables at the end of a meal may increase saliva production, which can help remove food particles stuck in your teeth and wash away harmful acids.
While there is no doubt that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial for your dental health and overall well-being, there is not much scientific evidence to support these claims. However, eating these healthy foods throughout the day certainly won’t do any harm.
A review published in 2019 found that a vitamin C deficiency in the body can increase the severity of periodontitis. While this study did not look at the whitening effects of vitamin C on teeth, it does link high plasma levels of vitamin C to healthy teeth. Research suggests that high levels of vitamin C can reduce the amount of plaque that causes teeth to yellow.
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