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Everyone dreams of having shiny white teeth. However, not all of us are fortunate enough to have pearly white teeth. Stained yellow teeth can place you in embarrassing situations. In today’s competitive world, it is all the more important to look presentable to be successful in any field. Small glitches like stained yellow teeth which are so easy to fix must never come in your way of being successful in any aspect of your life.
If you are a person who once smiled with pearly white teeth, and now dislike your yellowing smile, here are some natural ingredients and methods of teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening Defined
The process wherein the color of the teeth is lightened is called tooth whitening. There are various reasons for teeth getting discolored. The main causes are stains from tea, tobacco, coffee, antibiotics, etc. These can be removed by tooth whitening. People who have sensitive teeth should not use teeth whitening. People with sensitive teeth would have more problems if they use teeth whitening solutions.
There are many tooth whitening treatments available, some of them are:
Bleaching Kits
Tooth bleaching solution is applied to the mouth tray and it is inserted into the mouth. After an hour or two or as mentioned in the kit the tray is removed. Most of them work for an hour. The solution contains peroxide, which bleaches the enamel. The carbamide peroxide content in the solution is normally ten, sixteen, or twenty-two percent. Some bleach is used twice a day for two weeks while others are used overnight for 1-2 weeks.
Laser Tooth Whitening
A solution is applied to the teeth. A wall made out of rubber is placed on the teeth and the laser is directed toward the teeth. The heat generated enters the teeth through the solution and the treatment takes an hour or so. After the treatment is completed you can see the changes.
Whitening Toothpaste
These kinds of toothpaste have special chemicals that remove stains. The main advantage of whitening toothpaste is it does not change the natural color of the teeth. Colgate Simply White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste is recommended.
Tooth Whitening Strips
These strips are placed on the teeth and are removed after 30 minutes. These are very effective and are recommended. They also contain peroxides.
If the above-mentioned ways of treatment are done properly then there won’t be any problem. However, there is no long-term data on the safety of these tooth-whitening treatments.
Activated Charcoal
Using charcoal as a teeth-whitening component is currently becoming a trend in wellness circles. They use activated charcoal as an ingredient in toothpaste and also as a capsule and powder. These can be purchased online, in drugstores, or in natural food stores.
Activated charcoal is a food-grade oxidized version of charcoal, which is made from coconut shells, wood, and other raw materials. It is oxidized under intense heat to make it into a fine powder. The capsule and powder forms are mixed with water to make a paste. Use it to brush your teeth and wait for 3 minutes, then rinse it and brush again using regular toothpaste.
The Pros and Cons of Activated Charcoal
It is used curatively because it is highly absorbable and can remove toxins. However, there is still no scientific evidence that it has a whitening effect on teeth. But it has a cleaning effect because it is slightly abrasive and can absorb surface stains, but not below the teeth’s enamel. To properly whiten your teeth, it has to work not only on the surface but also on deep-seated stains below your enamel.
Since charcoal is abrasive, it may not be good to use charcoal toothpaste every day. Your tooth enamel may wear out earlier and expose the dentin, the second layer of your tooth. Make sure you choose one with a Dental Association’s Seal of Approval because it is safe, beneficial, and will not cause damage to your enamel.
Other Natural Teeth Whitening Options
In case you are not inclined to use activated charcoal as a teeth whitener because it can be messy, here are some other natural teeth whitening solutions you can choose from.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is a well-known home remedy to whiten teeth. It can remove stains because it is acidic. Before swishing, dilute one teaspoon of ACV in a small cup of water. Gargle it for 3 minutes, then rinse your mouth. Only use diluted, and not too often, as the acid can attack tooth enamel.
Baking Soda
Also known as Sodium Bicarbonate, this can gently scrub away stains. Dip the toothbrush into it or brush with toothpaste and baking soda together. You can use it alone but avoid brushing too hard and make small circular movements to keep your gums safe from damage. Just add water and make it a paste before rubbing it on your teeth for two minutes and rinse.
Epsom Salts
Gargling Epsom salt mixed in warm water for a few minutes kills bacteria that stain and damage the teeth. You can also brush your teeth with it by dipping your toothbrush in the Epsom salt first.
Keep Your Teeth Whiter and Brighter
There are also foods that people use to help keep their teeth naturally whiter and healthier. Apples are one most of us know about. Crunching on an apple helps clean the teeth but can also assist in keeping them whiter. Other watery and fibrous foods can also be effective.
Here are a few more for you to try.
Banana Peels – One byproduct, which you don’t normally eat, is the banana peel. It has been proven to help whiten teeth and reduce stains. You can use the peel from a ripe but not discolored banana. Just rub the insides of the peel on your teeth for a few minutes. Then brush your teeth afterward.
Celery – Consuming fresh celery and other crunchy veggies can help prevent discoloration. Their texture rubs your teeth’ surface and cleans the gaps of little particles. The water content in vegetables washes inside your mouth.
Guava Leaves – Guava leaves contain beneficial components such as flavonoids and phenols. Aside from reducing plaque-causing bacteria and swelling, they lighten tooth stains. Wash the leaves first, crush them to make a paste, and then apply them to your teeth. Wait a minute and rinse.
The Last Word
Nonetheless, if you try these natural teeth whitening remedies, carefully follow the instructions and ensure that the item is not too rough or too acidic because it may damage your enamel. Also, stop smoking and limit the consumption of foods and beverages that can stain your teeth such as red wine, coffee, and tea.
Not all teeth respond to natural whitening. If they don’t, consult a dentist who can help you with a solution. Severely stained or damaged teeth may not whiten. It will not be effective on crowns, filling, or veneers.
Also, be patient! Results won’t appear overnight.
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