Over time you may observe slight changes in teeth colour. This discoloration or staining can occur due to several reasons. Addressing those reasons is very important to leverage some effective strategies to lower the rate and reverse the outcome. You may think of professional treatment for teeth whitening in London.
But apart from that some natural remedies are there which you can try out from the comfort of your home. This blog will introduce you to 6 such strategies to whiten your teeth naturally. So, here they are……
6 ways for teeth whitening naturally
Here are 6 natural ways to whiten your teeth.
1. Make necessary dietary changes
You can stop further staining by refraining from stain-inducing foods. Such edibles contain tannins like tea, wine, coffee, juices dark sodas, and so on. Enamel wears down due to the consumption of acidic foods and hence teeth appear yellow or dark in colour.
If you are conscious about your teeth colour then limit the consumption of soda, coffee, and citrus fruits. Even, brushing the teeth right away after having them can do the work for you.
According to the dentist, you must wait half an hour after having anything to brush your teeth. Acids weaken down the enamel and brushing instantly can cause irreversible damage to the teeth. You can diminish the risk of nicotine stains by quitting tobacco products and smoking.
This drastic step will reduce the risk of gum disease and decay, which are anyway harmful to the enamel and overall dental health.
2. Oil pulling is effective
This jargon refers to swishing the mouth using oil for the removal of residues like debris, bacteria and dirt. Don’t consider it as a substitution for regular flossing and brushing but you can include it in your daily routine to retain the whiteness of the teeth to some extent.
However ADA (American Dental Association) states oil pulling as unconventional dentistry as there is no enough relevant studies which can prove that it enhances overall oral health, whitens teeth and alleviates cavities. But, there is no adverse effect in trying this hack. Just rinse your mouth using oil for 20 minutes after you brush and then spit off.
Suitable oils to use for this remedy are:
Sesame oil
Sunflower oil
Coconut oil
3. Baking soda to brush
Before visiting a reputed dentist for the best teeth whitening in London you can try this hack! It is believed that baking soda gently polishes surface stains on the teeth. Many think that this substance is abrasive in nature and can erode the enamel which is not correct at all. Furthermore, baking soda has the ability to combat against bacteria keeping the chances of plaque and decay at bay.
4. Use hydrogen peroxide
This substance acts as mild bleach to lighten the color of the teeth. To get visible results, you can brush the teeth with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for 2 minutes a day for 7 days. Remember, you should do this trick occasionally as you may experience high tooth sensitivity. Also, if you have sensitive teeth then a dentist consultation is a must before starting to use it.
5. Whiten using fruits
Pineapples and papayas have bromelain and papain respectively that assist in teeth whitening. In a study in 2020, it has been found that bleaching gel for tooth with papain and bromelain have the clinical ability to whiten the teeth.
However, extensive research is essential to verdict if these are highly effective or not. Moreover, you should not rub the fruit pieces directly on the teeth as it can discolour the teeth because of the presence of acid.
6. Chew on high-fiber foods
Veggies and legumes loaded with high-fibre content can neutralise the acid in the mouth giving much-needed protection to teeth enamel. Leafy greens or beans trigger saliva production that will wash away the acid from the mouth.
Why do teeth become yellow?
There are 2 main reasons behind the yellowing of the teeth. They are in the following:
Thinning of enamel
Enamel comprises the outer teeth layer. This white hardest layer protects the internal dental structures. When it comes to structure enamel is followed by a yellow-brown tissue layer called dentin. In case the enamel wears down or thins out then dentin comes out. As a result, teeth start appearing darker than ever.
Aging, gum diseases, and acidic foods wear down the enamel. However, some people have naturally thin enamel which is why they are more prone to stain and discoloration of teeth.
Staining
Certain drinks and foods like coffee induce stains on the teeth. Many foods are there which erode the enamel exposing the yellow dentin and making the teeth appear yellow. Other causes of stains are medications, tobacco products and smoking.
Non-effective teeth whitening methods
There are lots of natural remedies for whitening the teeth which are not efficient at all. Moreover, they can damage the teeth in several ways. Such methods are:
- Activated charcoal
- Apple cider vinegar
- Oranges
- Lemons
How can you prevent staining?
To alleviate the staining all you can do is to maintain the best oral hygiene. Flossing and brushing regularly are prime practices that will protect the teeth from stains, gum decay and enamel thinning.
A proper oral hygiene routine involves:
- Flossing once a day for removal of plaque in between the teeth.
- Brushing 2 times every day and make sure to clean the areas around the gums and back of teeth.
- Using fluoride toothpaste to brush as it can reverse decay. There are many people who don’t prefer using it but according to dentists of top teeth whitening clinic in London, it is absolutely safe and fruitful for dental health.
FAQs
Here we answer some of the most commonly asked questions on teeth whitening treatment.
Which are some other things leads to discolouration?
High blood pressure medications, antipsychotics and antihistamines can make the teeth dark. You can get the same effect after cancer treatment too. Even kids who had to take several antibiotics at a small age can experience teeth stains when grow up.
How can you whiten the teeth overnight?
There is not a single remedy or treatment which can give white teeth overnight. Still, you can look for the faster options. OTC or natural ways are going to consume more time that in-clinic treatment. Also professional whitening methods need multiple sessions in order to obtain the desirable result.
Which substance dentist uses for teeth whitening treatment?
Most of the time, dentists use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide for whitening the teeth.
Conclusion
Only a few percentages of people naturally possess white teeth. Teeth become yellow with aging. Therefore, it becomes essential to maintain good oral hygiene while opting for dental checkups regularly to retain the whiteness. Although slight yellowish teeth are not problematic at all yet it is better to visit a dentist who will check for tooth decay and enamel loss. With natural methods you can whiten the teeth while sitting at home. But dentists at Smile Clinic London, Invisalign London provide professional Smile Clinic teeth whitening treatment for effective results in a short span of time. So, if you want white teeth in a go, make an appointment with the dentist.