Last Updated on: 27th June 2024, 05:12 pm
Q.F. Nayibe Cubillos Morales
Dr. Gustavo Assatourians D.D.S
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How to whiten teeth naturally? In this article, you will learn the home remedies that may help you to achieve white teeth and also the preventive tips to avoid tooth stains.
Americans spent $1.4 trillion in 2016 to purchase teeth whitening products. A survey from the same year showed that 80 percent of the adult population in the United States (ages 18 to 49) wanted whiter teeth. In other words, most of the population wanted a bright smile. A significant investment was made to achieve the goal. Faced with this scenario, two questions arise: How to whiten teeth naturally? Is it possible to find other options for teeth whitening at home?
The figures mentioned above are the results of a study carried out by Thair Takesh and other oral health professionals on the effects of whitening formulas on tooth enamel. We now can answer the two questions and share information on the six natural alternatives for whiter teeth, while suggesting products that can whiten teeth at home.
However, it should be noted that natural does not mean healthy. That is, not all natural products are beneficial. Before going into detail about each natural tooth whitening possibility, it is important to know why teeth look yellow.
Why do we have Yellow Teeth?
Some foods will stain the enamel, the outer layer of teeth. Also, when considering the topic of ‘is it safe to whiten teeth,’ it’s important to address that the accumulation of bacterial plaque produces that yellow hue in the teeth we dislike. In other circumstances, teeth appear yellow because the enamel has eroded, leaving dentin, the yellow-colored bone tissue beneath the enamel, visible.
Six Home Remedies that Whiten Teeth Naturally
1. Mouthwashes with oil (sunflower/sesame/coconut or any other kind)
It helps remove the bacteria that will later become plaque, giving teeth a yellow hue. In addition, such mouthwashes prevent gingivitis. Due to its pleasant flavor, coconut oil – which has a high content of lauric acid – is the most used.
Of note, lauric acid helps kill oral bacteria.
How are these rinses made? Coconut oil at room temperature is solid. To use it, take a spoonful of oil and put it in your mouth. It should move smoothly between the teeth; a few seconds later the oil should have melted and you can rinse for 15 or 20 minutes. The oil should be spat out in a trash can or external container; when it returns to its solid state it can clog drains and pipes.
2. Brushing with baking soda
It has natural abrasive and bleaching properties. For this reason, baking soda is an essential ingredient in commonly used toothpaste. Baking soda helps remove surface stains from teeth and creates an alkaline environment in the mouth that prevents the growth of bacteria.
How is it used? Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water. Beat to form a paste and then proceed to brush your teeth. This can be done several times a week, without excessive use. This alternative does not whiten the teeth in a short time, but regular practice will show changes in the appearance of the teeth.
3. Rinse with hydrogen peroxide before brushing your teeth
Hydrogen peroxide should be mixed with water in equal amounts, that is, half hydrogen peroxide, half water. Another way to use this mixture is to add baking soda to the hydrogen peroxide. Two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide are mixed with one teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste. Brushing should be gentle. Excessive use of this teeth-whitening mixture can affect the enamel of the teeth. This helps to whiten teeth naturally.
4. Strawberries mixed with baking soda
The malic acid in the strawberry removes plaque bacteria and discoloration from the teeth, and the baking soda helps remove stains. Mash the fresh strawberry and mix with a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. Then the brushing of the teeth is done. Lastly, rinse your mouth. This method should not be used too often since overuse can erode tooth enamel.
5. Eating celery
It has great nutritional and medicinal properties. Its crunchy consistency makes it an effective tool for removing plaque bacteria, and polishing teeth, and helps to whiten teeth naturally. It has the following functions:
• Helps remove food debris that stains teeth.
• Increases saliva production and promotes the elimination of bacteria that do not help oral health.
• Provides the body with a greater amount of vitamin C.
• Prevents gingivitis.
6. Rubbing the teeth with banana peel
The peel must be somewhat green. The procedure is to be performed before brushing the teeth:
• Rub the teeth with the peel.
• Then place it on the teeth, gently massaging them for a few minutes before removal.
• Finish regular brushing.
With daily practice, the unwanted yellow color gradually disappears.
You can also whiten your teeth naturally using the power of nature. Ginger, lemon, and perilla balm are just a few of the many natural products that can help whiten teeth naturally. To use ginger, simply grate a little and brush your teeth with it.
Lemon, on the other hand, can be used in two ways.
You can squeeze the juice of one lemon and mix it with some baking soda to create a whitening paste. Or, you can cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on your teeth, but be careful not to expose your teeth to citric acid for too long, as it can damage the enamel.
Lastly, perilla balm is an herb that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to whiten teeth. You can use perilla balm by chewing directly or by making mouthwashes with an infusion of the herb.
But wait, there are even more natural ways to whiten your teeth! Baking soda and lemon can also be used together to create a stronger whitening solution. Simply mix some baking soda with the juice of half a lemon to create a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
You can also use orange peel powder to whiten your teeth naturally. Orange peel is rich in vitamin C and contains acids that can help remove stains from your teeth. You just have to grind the peel into a powder and mix it with a little water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth and brush gently for a few minutes before rinsing.
How to Prevent Tooth Stains?
• Brushing at least twice a day and using dental floss is essential.
• Eat a diet high in calcium. Milk, cheese, and broccoli protect the enamel of the teeth.
• Use toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
• Quit smoking or reduce tobacco consumption.
• Limit the consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and soft drinks.
• Limit sugar intake
• Do regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and surface stains.
How Often Should You Do It?
Natural is not always healthy. It should be taken into account that the natural acids of fruits and the chemical properties of sodium bicarbonate or hydrogen peroxide can erode tooth enamel, exposing the yellow dentin. In other words, the excessive practice of these home remedies to whiten teeth naturally can result in a result contrary to what was expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Quickly Whiten My Teeth at Home?
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that can help brighten stained teeth. For effective whitening, try brushing with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1-2 minutes twice daily for a week. This method should only be used occasionally to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
How can I remove yellow teeth naturally?
Rub Banana, Orange, or Lemon Peels
To try this method, take a banana, orange, or lemon peel and gently rub it on your teeth for about 2 minutes. Afterward, thoroughly rinse your mouth and brush your teeth. These fruit peels contain citric acid, which is believed to aid in teeth whitening.
How Long Does It Take to Naturally Whiten Yellow Teeth?
For best results, use an electric toothbrush to remove as much staining as possible. Brushing twice daily with a whitening toothpaste may yield noticeable results in as little as two weeks. However, it may take up to six weeks to see significant improvement.
How to Whiten Teeth Without Hydrogen Peroxide?
Baking soda removes surface stains on your teeth, while lemon juice contains natural components that can brighten them. Simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste. This mixture can work wonders in just two minutes.
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References
1. McDonnell Kayla (June 9, 2016) Why Coconut Oil Is Good for Your Teeth / healthline.com / Retrieved December 28, 2022 from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-and-teeth
2. Mouthhealthy / ADA (sf) Natural Teeth Whitening / Retrieved December 28, 2022 from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/natural-teeth-whitening
3. Thair, Takesh, Anik Sargsyan, Afarin Anbarani, Jessica Ho Petra Wilder-Smith (April 2017) Effects of a Novel Whitening Formulation on Dental Enamel / National Library of Medicine/ Retrieved on December 28, 2022 from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5505690/
4. WebMd (February 2022) Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth / Retrieved December 28, 2022 from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-natural-teeth-whitening