Listly by monica-quinn-ny
Back in 2015, over $11 billion was spent on teeth whitening by fellow Americans, including more than $1.4 billion on at-home whitening products. When it comes to teeth whitening, there are tons of products to choose from. But you need to be careful since most whitening products use chemicals that may harm your teeth. If you want to whiten your teeth without the chemicals, then read our article for both safe and natural whitening methods.
Oil pulling is a traditional remedy aimed to remove toxins from the body and improve oral hygiene. You simply swish oil around in your mouth, which will remove the bacteria that causes plaque and turns your teeth yellow. A popular choice is coconut oil due to its pleasant taste and health benefits. But really, any oil will do.
Baking soda is a popular ingredient in today’s toothpaste because of its natural whitening properties. It’s able to also scrub away surface stains since it’s a mild abrasive. On top of all that, it creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, preventing bacteria from growing. You won’t be able to achieve teeth whitening overnight with it, but with time, you will definitely see an improvement.
Hydrogen peroxide is not only a natural bleaching substance it also kills bacteria in your mouth. It has been used for years to disinfect wounds because of its bacteria-killing properties. Most commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide. One study concluded that a toothpaste which contains 1% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is great at whitening teeth.
For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been used as a disinfectant and natural cleaning product. The main ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid, which is great at effectively killing bacteria. You can use it as a mouthwash by diluting some with water and swishing it around for several minutes in your mouth.
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits is not only good for your teeth but your overall health. Although they can’t substitute for brushing your teeth, raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables are great at rubbing plaque away as you chew them. Pineapple and strawberries, in particular, have been claimed to whiten your teeth.
As you age, your teeth naturally yellow, but you can help prevent stains on your teeth by doing a few simple things. Red wine, coffee, dark berries, and soda are notorious for staining teeth. Try limiting the amount of time they come in contact with your teeth. It’s also best to rinse your mouth after their consumption. Also, try to avoid chewing tobacco and smoking, since both cause tooth discoloration.
Although yellow teeth naturally come with age, the majority of it is caused as a result of plaque build-up. With regular brushing and flossing, you will help your teeth stay healthy and white by killing bacteria in your mouth and preventing plaque build-up. Getting regular dental cleanings is also great at maintaining clean and white teeth.