8 Top Tips To Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

by Dr. Gursh Bajwa last updated -

A large percentage of people usually hide their teeth when they are laughing or even in photos. It is common to meet a person who covers their teeth especially when they are smiling or laughing. This is most probably because they are usually trying to hide the yellow or brown appearance of their teeth. It is very important to have good teeth since it plays an important role in boosting a person’s confidence. This is because the first noticeable thing about a person is their teeth and they are a sign of a person’s health. With the aim of getting that perfect smile, you may be wondering how to whiten your teeth.

So many people are now using white strips and whitening paste among other things, and this often leads to people asking what some of the best ways are to help achieve that perfect white smile. Before we consider how to whiten teeth, it is important to look at reasons why teeth don’t remain white in the first place.

Main Causes of Yellow, Beige or Brown Teeth

There are several reasons why a person might have teeth that do not look natural. These might either be brown, yellow, or beige. Some of the main causes of this problem include:

  • Drinking tea or coffee
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Lacking saliva, which leads to a dry mouth and that results in less protection of the enamel
  • Excess intake of fluoride especially from the early ages
  • Genetic disorders
  • Using your mouth to breathe which leads to a dry mouth, hence reduction of saliva.
  • Consumption of a poor diet and especially taking many processed foods that have a lot of acid contents.
  • Use of some antibiotics.
  • Tooth enamel becoming thin due to aging.

Why Has Teeth Whitening Become Such A Big Thing?

As alluded to above, the need to look and feel at our best is more important today than ever. This wasn’t always the case. An article in the British Dental Journal [volume 198, Page 514 (23 April 2005)] shows that traditionally the prospect of teeth whitening was feared, especially in Europe, because of safety fears. However, today teeth whitening is quite a popular practice. This is due in part to more affordable and accessible options. It has also become fashionable, thanks to the celebrities who have promoted it. [1]

Close-up of a smiling woman's teeth

Whiten your teeth naturally. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Best Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

These are the top 8 best ways to whiten your teeth and get that perfect smile.

Brushing after Meals

This is one of the easiest ways to make your teeth whiter. Brushing your teeth using the recommended toothpaste is the best way to get that perfect smile. It is very important to always brush your teeth after every meal even drinks. It takes a lot of discipline and at times it might be a little hard to perform but it is very important to remember brushing after all meals. As for coffee or tea lovers, this is almost certainly a requirement if you want to avoid staining of the teeth.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

This is an antibacterial chemical that works as a cleaner of the mouth especially by destroying germs. You can use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse. The best way to use this product is to mix half of it and half water then swish the mixture around in your mouth then rinse. Apart from whitening, hydrogen peroxide keeps the mouth smelling fresh by destroying bacteria in the mouth.

Oil Method

Coconut oil pulling (as it is called) can be used to whiten a person’s teeth. By applying a small amount of coconut oil on your teeth, it can make them white. You apply the oil after brushing or apply it to your toothbrush and brush your teeth.

Using Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is an absorbing product that works by trapping toxins that are in the body. It can be used to whiten your teeth since it absorbs any plaque and substances that cause teeth staining; however, it can have an abrasive effect. You can use this product when you are brushing and for better results, you should use it 2 to 3 times a week. [2]

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is an antibiotic and it can be used as a tooth and gum cleanser. It is very suitable for removing tough stains on your teeth. Mostly ACV helps remove stains that are caused by some of the common stain causes such as coffee and nicotine. The pH in ACV is such that it removes these teeth stains and it is a good way of whitening teeth.

Eating Healthy foods

It has been said for years that some fruits such as strawberries are used as teeth whiteners. Berries have some antioxidants and other chemical substances that are very beneficial to the teeth. You can use strawberries for this purpose by crushing them and rubbing them on your teeth. It is also important to note that the overall diet also determines the health of a person’s teeth. [3]

Lemon or Orange Peels

Lemon peels, orange peels, and lemon essential oils contain some beneficial acids and this can be used to whiten teeth. In general, these fruits are very healthy and beneficial to the body but you have to keep it in mind that it can wear away your enamel if used in large contents. After using them, it is important to rinse your mouth thoroughly.

Brushing using Baking Soda

This is a very simple method of whitening teeth. All you have to do is just wet a toothbrush, then dip it into the baking soda and brush your teeth, and then rinse your mouth.

Some of these methods are tried, tested and approved over the years but as with all home remedies, the extent to which they work from person to person does vary and we all suggest that in any case, you are best to get some advice before you go all DIY on yourself with important matters relating to help. Sometimes it has to be remembered that nothing replaces the work of a professional teeth whitening clean for a practicing dental clinic.

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About the Author

Dr. Gursh Bajwa is the principal dentist at Tamworth Dental & Implant Clinic based in Tamworth UK, serving the towns of Tamworth, Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield. Dr. Bajwa and his team strive hard to make the award-winning clinic offer professional, consistent, and friendly dental services to patients who are at the very heart of all their procedures.

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