Most people are either guilty of or aware of someone who hides their teeth before taking a photo. Teeth are among the first things that people notice, and having a bright smile certainly makes people think positively about you as a first impression.
Yellowing of the teeth is a common problem that most people experience. Yellow teeth occur due to the normal aging process, poor dental hygiene, habits such as smoking and the consumption of various types of food (tea and coffee included).
Professional tooth whitening at the dentist is normally the most effective tooth whitening procedure. However, there are several home remedies that can get you on track towards whiter teeth, either alongside or before professional teeth whitening.
Rinsing the teeth with oil
Also called "oil pulling", this technique involves rinsing the teeth with oil, such as sunflower or sesame oil. This method eliminates bacteria from the teeth, reducing the likelihood of plaque building up and discolouring the enamel.
Another useful oil to use is coconut oil. In addition to its pleasant taste, it kills bacteria and has been shown to reduce inflammation. 1 tablespoon of oil rinsed thoroughly in the mouth on a daily basis should get the job done.
Strawberries
Strawberries are also useful at whitening the teeth because they contain vitamin C. Vitamin C, along with malic acid, can remove discolouration from the teeth and make them appear whiter.
To use strawberries, grind them into a paste and rub them gently on the teeth twice a day. Strawberries can become even more effective at tooth whitening when used with baking soda. While the strawberries remove discolouration, baking soda acts as an abrasive that gets rid of stains.
Mix the two into a paste, and apply it on the teeth for a few minutes at a time. Rinse thoroughly and brush afterwards to keep the teeth clean.
Using hydrogen peroxide as a natural bleaching agent
Bleaching is one of the most effective ways of removing stains from the teeth and restoring their white glow. As a home remedy, you can use hydrogen peroxide to bleach the teeth and eliminate bacteria.
Prepare a solution of hydrogen peroxide, and use it as a mouthwash before brushing. You can also mix the peroxide with baking soda to make a special paste that you can use to brush your teeth.
Lemon with salt
Lemon also has bleaching properties that can get rid of tartar and plaque in the teeth. To use lemon, mix a few drops with salt and apply the paste on your teeth for a few minutes.
Make sure you vigorously scrub the paste on your teeth to ensure maximum efficiency. When done twice a day for about 14 days, you will begin to see results.
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