Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental treatments for a brighter smile. It can be done both professionally and at home through various methods. Anyone who goes for a teeth whitening solution does see results. But, these are not permanent and require touch-ups for a prolonged effect.
In this article we will talk about everything related to teeth whitening - home remedies to whiten your teeth, benefits of whitening your teeth, other methods of teeth whitening and products one can use to get whiter teeth.
Let’s begin!
How to whiten your teeth at home
Teeth whitening at home
1) Brush with baking soda
It is a popular ingredient in commercial toothpaste and has whitening properties. It is mildly abrasive on your teeth and thus helps remove surface stains from your teeth. Baking soda also provides an alkaline environment which prevents bacteria from growing. Although it has not been proven that baking soda whitens teeth, it does show significant whitening effects on regular usage.
To use this method, you can take one teaspoon of baking soda on your toothbrush, mix it with some water and brush your teeth with this paste. Use this method a few times a week for whiter teeth.
2) Try oil pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian remedy used for better oral hygiene. This method involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria which can turn into plaque and cause your teeth to turn yellow.
One can use any oil for this method- sunflower, sesame or coconut. People prefer coconut due to its better taste. Although no scientific study has proven that oil pulling whitens your teeth, it is nevertheless a safe practice and can be tried for various other benefits as well. In order to include oil pulling in your daily dental regime, you can take 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it inside your mouth, pushing and pulling the oil throughout your teeth. Coconut oil does not erode your enamel unlike other teeth whitening products hence it is safe to use daily.
3) Eat fruits and vegetables
Including more fruits and vegetables in your diet can help your body and teeth. Eating raw, crunchy vegetables can help remove plaque from your teeth. Strawberries and pineapples are two fruits that are claimed to whiten your teeth.
Strawberries along with baking soda are a popular remedy used by a lot of people. The malic acid in strawberries helps remove discolouration and the baking soda helps remove stains thus making your teeth appear whiter.
It is advised to not use this mixture excessively as it can cause abrasions. To use this method, smash a fresh strawberry, mix it with baking soda and apply it to your teeth. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse your mouth.
4) Prevention is better than cure
There are several steps that you can follow in order to prevent the yellowing of teeth. While it is true that as you age, your teeth get yellow, you can take certain steps to remove the stains from your teeth.
Limit the consumption of foods and drinks that cause yellowing. Certain food items such as coffee, red wine, and tea are known for causing yellowing of teeth. It's better to avoid such beverages or use a straw while consuming them.
You must also brush your teeth within 30 minutes of consuming these items in order to prevent the deposition of stains.
You must avoid smoking and drinking, as these can cause discolouration of your teeth.
Reduce your sugar intake - In order to avoid bacteria and plaque, you must reduce your sugar intake.
Make sure you brush your teeth soon after you have consumed sugary food.
Add calcium to your diet - Calcium helps strengthen your enamel and thus keeping your teeth white.
Calcium-rich foods such as milk, broccoli and cheese can help protect your teeth from enamel erosion.
There are many other home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide, activated charcoal, banana peels, etc that can whiten teeth. But, one must remember to be cautious as some of these remedies can cause damage to the enamel and erosion. Hence, it is important to prevent the yellowing of teeth in the first place. One can avoid yellow teeth by maintaining good oral hygiene and following daily practices for teeth whitening at home such as brushing teeth twice, using a mouthwash, flossing, avoiding smoking and alcohol etc.
The benefits of teeth whitening
The global market for teeth whitening is expected to be worth 7.5 billion dollars per year by 2024. This goes on to explain the increasing importance of teeth whitening throughout the world. Everyone appreciates a healthy and bright smile and the benefits that it can bring to one’s life.
Here are some of the benefits of teeth whitening that one can expect from professional teeth whitening services or products.
1) Self-esteem boost
Most people tie their self worth to the way they look. A better appearance means an increase in confidence. A brighter smile means more confidence while smiling, talking or being in front of people. This new confidence can make your time with others more pleasant and positive. You can be sure of a positive encounter with the people you meet with a better appearance.
2) Healthier mouth
Your oral health can impact your overall health hence it is important to take care of your oral hygiene. When you opt for teeth whitening products or procedures, you remove stains from your teeth which in turn helps remove bacteria-causing plaque. Thus, teeth whitening products and services can enhance your oral health.
3)Your hygiene and mental health will benefit.
Many people are judged on the basis of their personal hygiene. When you whiten your teeth, your personal hygiene gets reflected in a good way and leaves a lasting impression on those around you. Your mental health can also benefit if yellow teeth are a cause of worry. Continued stress around your appearance can lead to mental health issues in the future and being sure of your oral hygiene will only make your appearance better.
There are a lot of health benefits associated with teeth whitening that one must know. Some teeth whitening products may also incur a risk. Hence, in order to maximise results and ensure safety, you must consult your dentist before any cosmetic treatment or using any off the counter products.
Whitening Toothpaste
Amongst several whitening products available on the market such as teeth whitening strips, teeth whitening gel and teeth whitening powders, teeth whitening pastes are the most popular.
Whitening toothpaste whitens your teeth by removing stains, such as those caused by drinking tea, coffee or smoking. However, whitening toothpaste will not change the natural colour of your teeth. Also, the effect of using toothpaste will not be permanent. In terms of costs, teeth whitening cost is not a lot.
To remove the stains from your teeth, whitening toothpaste contain baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals that polish your teeth and remove stains. Whitening toothpaste when used 3-to 4 times a week can make your teeth whiter in two-three weeks such as Perfora’s lavender toothpaste which contains chamomile, strawberry, and cinnamon extracts and sodium bi-carbonate- all of which are great for teeth whitening.
Conclusion
There are several at-home remedies that you can try or use over the counter products for better results. Make sure you consult your dentist before using any products to know if those are suitable for you. Ensure that you maintain oral hygiene, eat fruits and avoid coffee, tea, alcohol and smoking in order to maintain your pearly whites.