Tips

Amazing Tips for Whitening Teeth at Home

There are many reasons why teeth can become yellow, but there are several ways you can slow down this process. Tips include avoiding certain types of food and occasionally brushing your teeth with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Administrator

28 February, 2024

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Change Your Eating Habits

Eliminate certain types of food that can cause additional stains. Foods and drinks that contain tannins, such as alcohol and tea, can stain your teeth. Coffee, dark-colored soda, and fruit juices can also stain your teeth. Acidic foods can make your teeth appear yellow due to enamel erosion. Those concerned about tooth discoloration should avoid consuming excessive amounts of oranges, grapefruits, coffee, and soda. Additionally, they should always brush their teeth after eating. Dentists typically advise waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing. Acid can weaken enamel, so brushing too soon can cause damage. Quitting smoking or using tobacco products can reduce the risk of nicotine stains. It can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can damage enamel and cause oral health problems.

Use Oil Pulling

Oil pulling can help remove debris, bacteria, and plaque. It cannot replace regular brushing and flossing, but some studies suggest that oil pulling with certain types of oil can help whiten teeth. To try this method, swish oil around in your mouth for about 20 minutes after brushing, then spit it out. Suitable oils to use include coconut oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil.

Brush with Baking Soda

Baking soda can gently brush away surface stains on teeth. Some people worry that baking soda is too abrasive and can erode enamel, but a study from 2017 found that it is a safe way to remove tooth stains. Baking soda can also help fight bacteria, indicating that it may reduce plaque and prevent tooth decay.

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Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that can help whiten stained teeth. For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1-2 minutes twice a day for one week. However, you should only do this about 1-2 times a week. Hydrogen peroxide can increase tooth sensitivity, so it is not suitable for long-term use, especially for those who already have sensitive teeth.

Whiten with Fruit

Papain and bromelain are enzymes found in papaya and pineapple, respectively, both of which can help whiten teeth. A 2020 study found that teeth whitening gel containing bromelain or papain has the potential to significantly whiten teeth. However, you should not rub the fruit directly onto your teeth, as the acid in the fruit can actually make your tooth color worse.

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Choose Fiber-Rich Foods

According to VOV

Frequently asked questions

Quitting smoking or using tobacco products is crucial. Nicotine stains are common among smokers, and quitting can significantly reduce this risk. Additionally, tobacco use is a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can damage enamel and lead to oral health problems.

Oil pulling is an ancient practice where you swish oil (such as coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil) in your mouth for about 20 minutes after brushing. It helps remove debris, bacteria, and plaque. While it’s not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, studies suggest that it can contribute to whiter teeth.

Yes, a 2017 study confirmed that baking soda is a safe and effective way to remove tooth stains. It gently brushes away surface stains and helps fight bacteria, potentially reducing plaque and preventing tooth decay.

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent, but it should be used sparingly. Brush with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1-2 minutes, twice a day, but only do this about 1-2 times a week. Overuse can increase tooth sensitivity.

No, while papaya and pineapple contain enzymes (papain and bromelain) that can whiten teeth, the acid in the fruit can actually worsen your tooth color. It’s best to use teeth whitening gels that contain these enzymes instead.

According to VOV, fiber-rich foods help scrub your teeth and gums, reducing plaque and promoting healthy gums. They also stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria and prevents tooth decay.