8 Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth at Home

Do you think your smile is not confident because your teeth are not white enough? 

We understand your situation and we understand how you feel about white teeth. Surely, white teeth are impressive. That’s why they are considered attractive. 

Before we share the secrets to whiten teeth at home, let us first help you understand why your teeth may seem to have lost their shine.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

• Food: The most common cause of tooth discoloration is the food you eat. Some food items and beverages like tea and coffee are notorious for leaving stains. Besides, all food items can cause plaque to build upon the outer surface of your teeth. 
• Poor Dental Hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but so is flossing and using good quality toothpaste and toothbrush.
• Erosion: Regular consumption of acidic substances like alcohol and tobacco can erode the tooth enamel. This exposes the dentin, which is the layer underneath the enamel. Dentin is naturally yellowish and so your teeth appear yellow.

Erosion may cause your teeth to become sensitive. In that case, you should opt for good quality teeth whitening products instead of trying home remedies.

Teeth Whitening Products

Statistics confirm that millions of Americans spend extensively on teeth whitening products annually. The teeth whitening market has also been forecasted to expand exponentially in the coming years.

There are so many types of teeth whitening products and a range of options available, that it’s natural for you to get confused.

You can choose from bleaching solutions, whitening strips, and teeth whitening trays. However, teeth whitening trays are a better choice than other whitening products. For example, Smile Brilliant’s at-home teeth whitening kit can be customized to fit your specific dental needs.

Teeth whitening products are convenient and give good results. But for any reason, if you’re not interested in buying teeth whitening products, you can always try some natural ways to whiten your teeth.

Natural Teeth Whitening Methods

Here are some effective ways to whiten your teeth at home in natural ways. These methods are not proven or dentist-recommended, so we advise you to embrace them with caution.

1. Oil Pulling 

The oil method may also be regarded as the traditional method of brushing teeth. It is widely followed by practitioners of yoga and ayurvedic sciences. 

For oil pulling, you would need plant-based oil like sunflower oil or coconut oil. Sunflower oil can be too pungent for new users, so it’s better to go for coconut oil.

You need to put about 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth and push and pull it around. Continue this action for about 5 mins before spitting the oil out. Gradually increase the time of oil pulling to 15-20 mins.

The natural properties of sunflower oil and coconut oil are considered to be effective in destroying harmful bacteria in your mouth and whitening your teeth. The pulling action makes the oil go through every nook and corner of your teeth and gives your mouth a deep cleanse.

2. Baking Soda Wash 

Oil pulling can be very easy for beginners and you may not see any results unless you time the pulling for at least 15 mins. A quicker way to get whiter teeth (at least the visible parts), is to use Baking Soda.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive and gently cleans stains on the tooth surface. Many toothpaste brands already contain baking soda as an active ingredient. If you’re not sure whether your toothpaste contains baking soda, you can make your own paste. Just mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts water, and you’re good to go.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is a popular bleaching agent. It also has powerful anti-bacterial properties. These attributes make it an ideal home remedy for dental treatments. 

You need to be careful with the use of hydrogen peroxide though. Use it in only a highly diluted state. Excessive use may lead to erosion of tooth enamel. 

4. Use Natural Herbs

There are several herbs of Indian origin that have been found useful for dental health and hygiene. These include Neem, Babul, and Holy Basil to name a few. You can find these herbs in powdered form at any local herbal and ayurvedic store. Just make a mix of these powders with rock salt and rub the mixture on your teeth with a brush or your finger. These herbal remedies have no side effects.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

The apple cider vinegar lying on your kitchen shelf has several applications. Teeth cleaning is one of them. It is a natural cleaning solution and has a mild bleaching effect on teeth.

Be cautious though. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can erode the tooth enamel if used too frequently or improperly. Use only diluted vinegar. Instead of directly brushing vinegar on your teeth, make a mouth wash of it.

6. Eating Fruits and Vegetables

If you pay attention to your diet you can get great results for your teeth too. Eating lots of raw fruits and vegetables can give a natural scrub to your teeth, besides giving you a healthy dose of essential vitamins.

7. Dental Hygiene

Don’t underestimate the value of good oral hygiene for restoring the natural beauty of your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing is the only way you can limit the plaque that builds up on your teeth daily. Visit your dentist regularly to preempt dental problems that can leave your tooth decaying or discolored.

8. Consider Your Diet

Be mindful of the calcium in your diet. Calcium goes a long way in preserving the health and whiteness of your teeth. 

Avoid food that leaves stains like cola, wine, tea, and coffee. Also avoid items like tobacco, acidic foods, and foods with high sugar content. If you consume these things, you run the risk of eroding tooth enamel.

Conclusion

These simple at-home methods can do a lot for cleaning your teeth without costing much. These are gentle methods to whiten teeth at home and can show results over time. 

Don’t lose patience. Pick a couple of these methods and include them in your daily routine.  You will notice changes gradually. However, if anything leaves you uncomfortable or causes sensitivity, stop immediately and consult your dentist.