Conventional, store-bought teeth whitening products are quite abrasive. They can end up doing more harm than good for your teeth. When you use a store-bought teeth whitening product, you end up with some adverse side effects. In this article, we will provide you with a few different natural teeth whitener choices that make good alternatives.
Why Do Teeth Yellow?
Teeth end up becoming yellow, beige or otherwise discolored due to the abundance of staining foods and drinks that people consume. This can get even worse if you are a smoker or chew tobacco. Tooth enamel wears away to expose the pale brown bit underneath it. This substance is called dentin. Dentin becomes more visible as the enamel wears down over time. This is a very common occurrence.
The erosion of your teeth comes from a loss of hard dental tissue that can be removed inadvertently by those who have acidic diets. Other risk factors for thinning enamel include genes, ageing and consumption of certain foods and drinks. It is unrealistic to expect that your teeth will always be white and shiny as you age, but there are some things that you can avoid to let your teeth stay whiter for longer:
- drinking less coffee and tea
- quitting smoking or chewing tobacco
- quitting breathing through your mouth and drying out the mouth by doing so
- taking too many antibiotics
- taking in excessive amounts of fluoride
- eating a diet that is not healthy for you
Some of the factors that you cannot control include:
- aging
- genetics
Regardless of the reason that you are experiencing discolored teeth, it makes sense that you want to keep them as white as possible. Below, you will find some healthier natural teeth whitening alternatives to standard, abrasive, store-bought choices.
How to Naturally Whiten Teeth
In the section that can be found below, we will offer a few different ways for you to whiten your teeth without using chemically rich items. These very simple home remedies for teeth whitening are quite safe and include ingredients you likely have in your home.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can help as well. Baking soda and peroxide acts as more than just a natural teeth whitener. Peroxide is an antibacterial agent. It is a great way to clean your gums and help keep your mouth germ free. A good mouthwash for you can be one that is made using hydrogen peroxide. All you need to do is swish a little bit of it mixed with water and swish it around like you would with mouthwash from a bottle.
Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide can keep your breath fresh and whiten your teeth at the same time thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. You can also mix it with some baking soda to make a paste that gets rid of the plaque from teeth. Finally, brush your teeth like you normally would and then apply baking soda to the teeth. First, mix it with the hydrogen peroxide and then rub it onto the teeth. After around 30 seconds, rinse it out well. This will help keep your teeth looking whiter than ever.
Brush After Drinking or Eating
Brush your teeth as often as you can after you eat or drink. This is the best way to naturally whiten them, even if it is not always the easiest to do. It can take a lot of persistence but it can go a long way. If you cannot do it while at work or school, be sure that you are doing it as soon as you get home.
Drinking too much coffee or soda can also stain the teeth, especially if you do not have access to the ability to brush your teeth right after you drink one of them. If you do drink beverages that stain your teeth regularly, it is important that you are drinking them through a straw to try and let them skip over your teeth. You can also help by drinking plain water after drinking something that is acidic or staining to reduce the effect that it can have on your teeth.
Most food won’t stain the teeth directly, but you will likely have staining due to avid coffee drinking or smoking. Having your teeth cleaned every few months may be able to help this.
Coconut Oil Pulling
Coconut oil pulling is something that has been practiced for centuries now and is finally gaining traction again. This technique is used as a natural teeth whitener that can also get rid of any bacteria in the teeth. All that you have to do in order to make this work for you is to put some coconut oil in your mouth. It is recommended that you use a large spoonful or at least a tablespoon to do this with. Swish it around in your mouth for around five to 20 minutes. You can also put a few drops of it onto your toothbrush and brush with it.
You can put some coconut oil on the corner of a cloth. Then, use the coconut oil that way. Coconut oil can pretty much be used in any way that you want to use it. We’ve talked about coconut oil as a teeth whitening remedy at length.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural gum and teeth cleaner. It is also a natural antibiotic. It is able to remove the most stubborn stains on your teeth as well, making this a good catchall. If you smoke cigarettes or drink coffee, this option is especially useful for you. It can remove even those stains.
It is important that if you use apple cider vinegar to whiten your teeth, that you use it consistently. Just be mindful that you do not do it too much or brush your teeth vigorously with it or it can wear down the enamel.
Conclusion
In this article, we have provided you with natural teeth whitener alternatives to abrasive store-bought varieties. Have you tried any of these out before? Do you have recommendations for a natural teeth whitener that we have neglected to mention? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
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