A bright, white smile is generally thought attractive and indicative of good health. There are of course many commercial products that will whiten teeth but with little nasty chemicals! Here are some popular natural methods for whitening teeth:
1. Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent and will make your teeth feel pristine, but it can only help lighten surface stains. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, which is good at removing surface stains on teeth. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda and several drops of hydrogen peroxide to make a thick paste for use as a whitening paste. Treat your teeth gently with this mixture for around 1 – 2 minutes and then rinse. This is an occasional method, used sparingly, about once a week, to avoid enamel erosion.
2. Coconut Oil Pulling
The use of Coconut oil pulling has been around for centuries and is believed to reduce plaque build up along with improving oral health. Swishing one tablespoon of coconut oil right in your mouth for 10 – 20 minutes could help with teeth whitening by removing stains and bacteria. Spit the oil out, rinse your mouth with water and then brush your teeth.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Because of its acidity, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has natural whitening properties. If you opt to consume ACV, then you may dilute one tablespoon of it in a cup of water and use it as a mouth rinse for a few minutes and only after that brush your teeth. This method however is acidic and should be used with moderation to prevent enamel erosion.
4. Activated Charcoal
Moreover, as everyone is aware, activated charcoal is famously well known for its absorbent properties and can help to remove stains from the teeth. Activated charcoal can be used to whiten teeth by wetting your toothbrush and dipping it in activated charcoal powder. Gently brush your teeth, for 2-3 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. This method can be used once or twice a week to prevent the damage to enamel.
5. Strawberries
Malic acid found in strawberries can help clear stains from the teeth. Use the ripe strawberry: you mash a ripe strawberry and you mix it with baking soda to make paste. Simply apply the mixture onto your teeth and leave it for about 5 minutes 10 minutes or until it dries and rinses and brushes your teeth. Once a week, this method can be used.
6. Banana Peel
Potassium, magnesium and manganese may all whiten teeth, and banana peels contain all three. To use this, rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes, then brush your teeth as usual. You can do this a few times a week.
7. Dietary Changes
Some foods can help whiten your teeth naturally. Fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots and celery, contain crunch, which scrapes away the plaque, and vectors out saliva in the mouth that neutralizes acids and helps prevent tooth decay. Also, cheese and yogurt can help keep their tooth enamel and give a healthy smile.
8. Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping teeth white and avoiding stains is best done with good oral hygiene. Clean your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily and see top dentists near you regularly for cleanings and checking on your teeth. You can also help to keep your teeth whiter by avoiding or limiting consumption of stain causing foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and sugary snacks.
Conclusion
Naturally whitening teeth can be safe and effective, if done correctly. These methods are just a few ways to attain a brighter smile without the use of harsh chemicals and can be easily implemented in your oral care routine. But as with all ‘miracles’, results vary, so the best way to take care of your teeth and make sure they are healthy and white is by keeping up good oral hygiene practices. If you have worries about having stained teeth, speak to your dentist in rawalpindi concerning the best suggestions and treatment selections to address this issue.
