Have you ever experienced teeth darkening? If you have trouble admitting to this somewhat disappointing truth, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Why? Because the darkening of teeth overtime is natural and happens to everyone.
For those that enjoy the pleasures of coffee or tea drinking, you may have experienced the darkening of your teeth. For those that also eat processed foods high in acid, this will also stain your crown jewels. Another common reason for the yellowing of teeth is smoking, but if you’re experiencing a deep yellow, beige or brown smile, this is a very probable indicator that you have bigger problems on the horizon. Unhealthy gums, the hard enamel eroding away and poor dental hygiene are issues you’ll need to discuss with your dentist immediately.
However, if you have healthy teeth that are suffering from discoloration issues, read ahead to discover how you can whiten them naturally at home!
Brushing and flossing
Teeth discoloration is largely a result of plaque build-up, so try to brush and floss your teeth whenever you can. Brushing and flossing regularly, after eating or drinking, reduces bacteria in your mouth and prevents plaque build-up.
Oil pulling
Another very popular method of teeth whitening is the so-called oil pulling. For oil pulling, you can use any oil, but coconut oil seems to be the most popular option because of its pleasant taste and other health benefits. In order to oil pull, take a spoonful of oil and swish it between your teeth for 5-20 minutes. This is a natural method of teeth whitening with no side effects.
Apple cider vinegar
By simply brushing your teeth with apple cider vinegar, you can begin the transformative process of whitening. However, be careful not to brush too hard or to use too much ACV. ACV’s main active ingredient is acetic acid which can erode the enamel on your teeth. If you do use ACV to whiten your teeth, make sure you rinse out your mouth well after brushing.
Baking soda
Baking soda’s natural whitening properties have been known for a long time; that is why it is a very popular ingredient of many toothpastes. Baking soda won’t whiten your teeth overnight but it can create an alkaline environment in your mouth which helps reduce bacteria, thus allowing surface stains to disappear.
Healthy foods for your teeth
Your overall diet is extremely important for your teeth and oral health, but have you ever heard that strawberries can help you whiten your teeth naturally? There are many people who use the mixture of strawberries and baking soda to whiten their teeth at home. However, this method hasn’t been backed up by science. So if you decide to try it, limit the use to a few times a week.
We’ve concluded our recommendations for at home natural whitening remedies, but it’s impossible for us to promise they’ll work. Every smile is unique and sometimes, it takes a trip to your Tampa dentist to fully restore your smile. The best part about a teeth whitening appointment is that one session makes ALL the difference.
Feel free to schedule an appointment at the North Pointe Dental Associates and see what our team of professionals has to say about teeth whitening. Call us today at (813) 961-1727. Don’t forget to keep smiling!