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8 Tips to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth at Home
Below are simple, affordable, and effective at-home teeth whitening solutions to naturally brighten your smile:
Tip #1: Brush Teeth Gently After Meals
One of the simplest ways to keep teeth pearly white is to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Be sure to brush gently after each meal for 2 minutes using circular motions. This prevents stains from setting in by removing food debris and plaque buildup before they harden into stubborn tartar.
Opt for a soft or extra-soft toothbrush to avoid wearing down enamel over time with overly abrasive brushing. If you have taken acidic foods or beverages, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Acidic items soften your teeth enamel, and brushing right after taking them can erode your enamel or cause sensitivity.
Tip #2: Floss Thoroughly Once Per Day
While brushing cleans tooth surfaces, don’t neglect flossing. Daily flossing helps remove food debris and plaque between teeth and below the gumline. Allowing plaque to remain in these areas feeds bacteria and can lead to gum disease, which can cause receding gums and even tooth loss.
Tip #3: Limit Staining Foods/Drinks
Beverages like coffee, black tea, cola, and red wine are notorious for staining teeth due to their dark pigments called chromogens. Other culprits include dark berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, curry, and artificial colors/dyes.
When possible, use a straw to drink staining beverages to minimize their contact with teeth. Be sure to clean your teeth shortly after consumption before stains set in. Wait for at least 30 minutes to brush if you have taken acidic items. Rinsing with water immediately helps as well.
Tip #4: Don’t Smoke Cigarettes
Aside from the major health risks, tobacco smoke is very staining due to its tar and nicotine content. Smoking causes brownish intrinsic discoloration inside the tooth structure itself, making stains very hard to remove or clean. Such stains related to lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking wine, or drinking coffee are entirely preventable by making better choices for your oral and overall health.
Tip #5: Protect Teeth from Acids
Acidic foods and abrasive products wear down tooth enamel, allowing the underlying yellowy dentin to become exposed. Foods and beverages high in acids include citrus fruits, vinegar, pickles, sodas, and sour candies. Stomach acid from conditions like acid reflux or bulimia can also erode your teeth enamel, causing stains.
When enjoying acidic foods/drinks, use a straw to minimize contact with teeth. Be sure to rinse with plain water afterward. Also, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing after exposure, as softened enamel is temporarily vulnerable to abrasion.
Tip #6 Eat teeth-whitening Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help protect and remineralize tooth enamel or gentle fruit acids that lift stains. Apples, pears, carrots, and celery act as natural stain-removing scrubs. Strawberries, pineapples, oranges, and lemons have mild whitening fruit acids and vitamin C. Greens like spinach provide calcium and magnesium for healthy enamel.
Tip #7: Try Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil around the mouth for up to 20 minutes to draw out toxins. Coconut oil contains lauric acid with antimicrobial effects to reduce stains and break down plaque.
Sesame and sunflower oils also work, but coconut oil has the most oral health benefits. Just swish 1-2 teaspoons around your mouth first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, then spit out the oil.
Tip #8: Brush Teeth with Baking Soda
Baking soda is another remedy for removing surface teeth stains thanks to its abrasive nature. It also neutralizes acids in the mouth and discourages bacteria growth, promoting a healthier smile.
Make a paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with a bit of water. Gently brush for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to scrub aggressively as baking soda is abrasive. Limit use to 1-2 times per week. Regular use can erode your enamel, resulting in dental issues like sensitivity and cavities.
Conclusion
With excellent oral care techniques and lifestyle adjustments, you can gradually brighten your smile over time without damaging enamel or gums. Follow these tips to keep your pearly whites clean, healthy, and sparkling!
