We all greatly admire pearly white teeth. White healthy teeth can enhance your appearance and uplift your personality.
However, certain factors such as food habits, lifestyle and poor oral hygiene can make your teeth appear dull and unattractive. The outer layer of your teeth can turn yellow with advancing age and with habits such as smoking.
Dull and stained teeth can affect your appearance and lead to lower self-esteem. Therefore, it is important to prevent any discolouration of your teeth.
It is not always necessary to opt for in-clinic treatments for teeth whitening. Mild stains and discolouration can be managed with home remedies. Let’s look at a few effective ones!
Home Remedies For Teeth Whitening
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common ingredient in your kitchen. It has natural whitening properties and also is a mild abrasive agent. Therefore, it helps in scrubbing away mild stains on the teeth.
Additionally, baking soda also creates an alkaline environment in your oral cavity and curbs the growth of bacteria.
You can mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and use this paste to brush your teeth.
Some studies have also revealed that using toothpastes with baking soda removes plaque more efficiently compared to the other regular toothpastes.
2. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional method that helps improve oral hygiene and remove toxins from the body. This method involves swishing an edible oil in your mouth to remove harmful bacteria from the oral cavity.
Oil pulling also helps buff the stains from the surface of the teeth, thus, making them appear brighter. However, it should not be considered as a replacement for your regular oral hygiene measures such as brushing or flossing.
Coconut oil is the popular choice for oil pulling due to its innumerable benefits. Other oils that can be used for oil pulling include sunflower or sesame oil.
To practice oil pulling, take 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth and swish it well for 5 to 10 minutes and spit it out. This can be done in the morning regularly before you brush.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that helps in whitening your teeth.
At higher concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to the teeth and gums and therefore, you should make sure that it is properly diluted before use.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mouthwash and for this purpose, make sure that you use a 1.5% or 3% solution to avoid any side effects.
It can also be mixed with baking soda to form a paste. You can mix two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of baking soda and use this paste to brush your teeth.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar (AVC)
Apple cider vinegar acts as a potent cleanser and it also has natural bleaching properties. It is considered a superfood as it improves digestion and also helps in weight loss. For a long time, it has also gained popularity as a chemical-free natural teeth whitener.
AVC also helps break down the plaque accumulated around the teeth, improving your oral health. It maintains the pH in your oral cavity and helps get rid of the harmful bacteria that can lead to bad breath and cavities.
To use AVC for teeth whitening, mix a half spoon full of vinegar with two spoons of baking soda to form a paste and use it to brush your teeth. You can also dilute apple cider vinegar in water to use it as a mouthwash.
These home remedies can effectively whiten your teeth and make them appear brighter. However, make sure that you follow proper oral hygiene measures and visit your dentist every 6 months for regular dental check-ups.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.