Tooth colour is a concern for millions of people worldwide. The quest for perfectly white teeth is, however, a desire that may lead us to choose treatments that are harmful in the long term. So let’s take a look at what expectations we should have and some tips for whitening teeth naturally....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
As experts point out, the desire for perfect teeth can lead to excessive teeth whitening treatments. Although in isolation cosmetic treatments are not harmful, if undergone in excess they can work against the beauty of the smile. That is why in this case, we will only consider natural alternatives for teeth whitening.
Is it really possible to whiten teeth naturally?
Yes, it is possible. When we think of teeth whitening, the first thing that comes to mind is chemical treatments, but natural methods are actually safer in terms of preserving the tooth and achieving a more realistic tone.
But first of all, it will be good to clarify the colour of teeth. Every tooth is covered by a layer of coating known as enamel. If the enamel is white, the underlying layer of dentine has a yellowish hue. Because enamel is somewhat transparent, some of that yellowish coating is visible in almost every person.
Once the enamel is worn away, the teeth will appear more yellow because the underlying layer of dentine will be closer to the surface. Don’t worry though, because tooth enamel can be restored through specialised treatment, high fluoride toothpastes and of course with the help of a change in eating habits.
In any case, keep in mind that teeth with a slight yellowish tint are not a sign of poor hygiene, tooth decay or oral diseases. Keeping this in mind is very important, as the obsession with white teeth can make us forget this important detail.
Finally, as experts point out, most chemical teeth whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. In high concentrations, these substances cause deproteinisation and demineralisation of the teeth. Therefore, it is best to try natural teeth whitening first.
Five ways to whiten your teeth naturally
Now that we know that we need to redefine our idea of “white teeth” and that artificial treatments can damage the health of your teeth (at least when overused), let’s try whitening teeth naturally. At the end of the article you will also find some lifestyle tips that will help you preserve your bright smile for longer.
1. Natural oil rinses
These rinses include coconut, sunflower, sesame and olive oil. Coconut oil has been shown to have teeth-whitening properties. In addition, these oils may have antibacterial properties that can control the proliferation of oral bacteria.
The way to use them to our advantage is to rinse the mouth for 20 minutes. This should be done after brushing and flossing, not in place of them. The same applies to the other tips we are going to give you for whitening your teeth naturally, as brushing and flossing are irreplaceable.
2. Brushing with baking soda
Studies and research support the use of baking soda as a way to whiten teeth naturally. It is a safe and minimally invasive option that you can use to complement your daily tooth care routine.
It is more convenient to buy a baking soda toothpaste, although you can also make a homemade paste with water, baking soda and a drop of lemon to brush over your teeth. As this ingredient also controls the growth of bacteria, it’s a great alternative for preventing tooth decay.
3. Eat fruit
This is one of the least known and most controversial tips for natural teeth whitening. Studies and research indicate that eating fruits such as pineapple, papaya, strawberry and lemon can lead to moderate teeth whitening. You can therefore increase the consumption of these fruits in your daily diet.
4. Apple cider vinegar rinses
Experts suggest that although apple cider vinegar does not have the miraculous properties commonly attributed to it, it does contain antimicrobial and antifungal agents. You can rinse your mouth after brushing every day for at least 20 seconds. Keep in mind that the results are modest, so it will take several weeks to see results.
5. Brushing your teeth with turmeric paste
Turmeric is an ingredient that has been used for thousands of years for its antibacterial, antioxidant and astringent properties. Some experts have suggested using these qualities in dentistry, especially to control the bacterial flora that can cause stained teeth and bad breath.
To take advantage of this, you can make a paste with a little water and brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Then rinse your mouth very well to remove all traces and prevent it from staining other parts of your mouth. As with other natural teeth whitening remedies, avoid swallowing the ingredient during the process.
Other tips for naturally white teeth
In parallel to what we have seen, if you want to preserve the whiteness of your teeth, you will need to incorporate some changes into your lifestyle. As well as benefiting you from an aesthetic point of view, your overall oral health will also benefit:
Reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption.
Avoid excessive caffeine intake.
Reduce refined sugar products and sugary drinks of any kind.
Always floss.
Book an appointment with your dentist at least once a year.
Change your toothbrush regularly.
With these basic tips in mind, you can be sure that your enamel will not deteriorate, which in turn will help you maintain the white tone of your teeth. If you think you have a lack of enamel, however, consult your dentist to work out a plan to restore it.
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