Are your teeth aching after whitening strips or a bleaching treatment? Say goodbye to sore teeth with these tips for whitening teeth naturally!
Every year Americans spend billions of dollars on teeth cleaning and whitening products. Although these products may leave you with white teeth, they pose serious risks to permanent damage. If your teeth ache after a treatment, it may be time to consider whitening teeth naturally.
What Causes Teeth To Turn Yellow?
As we age and use more products, our enamel that protects our teeth wears down. This happens from chewing, exposure to acids from food and drink, as well as using whitening products. Almost all of us will experience color changes to our teeth as we age. However, there are ways to protect and whiten teeth naturally!
Risks of Whitening Teeth With Chemicals or Treatments
When we use products or go for whitening treatments, the harsh chemicals that are used can cause permanent damage to our teeth. This leaves them much more susceptible to cavities, tooth decay and gingivitis. Here are some of the risks from whitening teeth with chemicals and treatments:
- Damage To Dental Enamel
- Gum Irritation
- Tooth Sensitivity
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening is a simple process that often consists of one of two bleaches. These bleaches are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These chemicals break stains down into smaller pieces. This then makes the color less concentrated and our teeth brighter.
10 Tips For Whitening Teeth Naturally
The biggest problem by using teeth whitening products is the permanent and irreversible damage. Our enamel doesn’t grow back and once it’s gone, there will be some serious issues. Instead of spending heaps of your hard earned money on whitening strips or treatments, here are some natural methods to try!
1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a tradition method for whitening teeth naturally that is used in Indian cultures. It helps improve oral hygiene and removes toxins from the mouth. The practice involves swirling oil around your mouth to remove bacteria and plaque. Popular oils to use are coconut, sunflower or sesame oil. Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Check out this Natural Coconut Oil Mouthwash!
2. Fruits
Eating a diet that has plenty of fruits is not only beneficial to your overall health, but can actually help whiten your teeth! Here are some fruits that help with whitening teeth naturally:
- Pineapple – pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain which acts as a natural stain remover. It can also help break up plaque that accumulates on our teeth.
- Strawberries – strawberries contain the enzyme malic acid which can help whiten teeth. Some people mix strawberry puree with a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda as a natural teeth whitening treatment.
- Apples – apples also contain malic acid which helps remove stains on the surface of your teeth and helps brighten the enamel.
3. Veggies
Eating your greens is important for your body and brain to function properly. However, they also help with whitening teeth naturally too! Here are some veggies that can help whiten your smile:
- Broccoli – broccoli is filled with minerals that boost the overall health and whiteness of our teeth. When eaten raw, it naturally breaks up plaque build up to restore a healthy smile.
- Celery – celery is like a natural stain remover. It helps whiten teeth by increasing saliva production which helps serve as a self-cleaning agent. Celery also kills bacteria linked the bad breath and their crunch helps scrub the teeth clean!
4. Limit Food & Drink That Causes Stains
Coffee, red wine, sodas and dark berries all are infamous for staining teeth. You don’t have to completely avoid them, but limiting their intake will definitely help you keep your smile bright. If you drink coffee daily, brush your teeth 30 minutes after consuming to help limit their staining effects. Additionally, stop smoking! Cigarettes and chewing tobacco will destroy your mouth.
5. Eat Less Sugar
An easy way to a healthier, brighter smile is by reducing your sugar consumption. A diet with lots of sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis. Always brush your teeth after eating something sugary.
6. More Calcium
Calcium is essential for strong bones and healthy teeth. When our teeth become discolored it’s often because our enamel is eroding. Strengthen your enamel and your teeth by consuming foods that are high in calcium. Here are some examples:
- Broccoli
- Dairy or Soy
- Kale
- Orka
Check out these Natural Calcium Supplements!
7. Brush & Floss Every Single Day
Don’t underestimate the power of brushing and flossing. Tooth discoloration happens naturally as a part of aging, and it’s largely due to plaque buildup. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day will help keep your mouth healthy by reducing bacteria and preventing plaque build up. Flossing is also an important part of gum health. It helps keep our gums strong and reduces the risk of receding gums and gingivitis.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Although there is no evidence that apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash will whiten your teeth, plenty of people believe in its effectiveness. It may help whiten teeth, but it can cause the enamel to weaken. However, Apple cider vinegar can help reduce plaque build up. If you choose to try this, don’t do it everyday and dilute the vinegar with water.
9. Orange or Lemon Peel Rubs
This is another method of whitening teeth naturally that isn’t scientifically proven. However, because orange and lemon peels contain vitamin C, pectin, and limonene, they are believed to help whiten teeth. Simply rubbing the peels on your teeth can help remove plaque and brighten your smile.
10. Charcoal
Charcoal is also not scientifically tested, but is soaring popularity. Activated charcoal pulls toxins from the mouth and helps to remove stains from teeth. Additionally, it also helps remove harmful bacteria that causes bad breath and tooth decay.
Check out this Activated Charcoal Toothpaste!
What If Whitening Teeth Naturally Doesn’t Work?
Whitening teeth naturally is a much safer route than going with the harmful bleaches and treatments. There are many ways to whiten your teeth naturally, from your diet to oil pulling. But what if none of these methods work? It may be time you go chat with your dentist and find out what your options are. They might be able to offer you a special type of treatment that can whiten and protect your teeth. There is also the option for veneers or dental implants. Speak to you dentist for more information!
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