There are several reasons why your teeth look dull and yellowish, some of which become more apparent with age. The first reason your teeth may look darker as you grow older is that the enamel is getting stained by the food you eat and some of the beverages you drink, such as coffee.
The second cause of dull or yellowish teeth is caused by the erosion of the enamel, exposing the dentin underneath the enamel. Dentin is a naturally yellow tissue found underneath the enamel.
Enamel erosion does not only cause teeth to be dull and yellowish. It also causes teeth and gum sensitivity, leading to bleeding or pain. If you experience these symptoms, contact a nearby Nolensville dentistry to have it checked out by a professional.
However, because you can’t stop consuming some of your favorite foods and beverages, and neither can you prevent yourself from aging, here are five (5) effective teeth whitening hacks for you to try at home.
Try Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a pretty old traditional Indian remedy to improve oral hygiene and cleanse the body by removing toxins. The technique involves swishing oil around your mouth in oil, thus revolving bacteria that may build up into plaque. Commonly used oils include sunflower oil, sesame seed oil, and coconut oil.
Brush With Baking Soda
Baking soda has natural teeth whitening properties. That is the reason why it is the main ingredient in most toothpaste. Baking soda removes plaque build-up, thus preventing the bacteria.
Brushing with baking soda may be an abrasive oral process, and therefore it is recommended that you only do so 2-3 days of the week.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda
Hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria in your teeth. The agent is commonly used in the medical fraternity to disinfect wounds. However, the safety of using hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitening agent has been questioned in the past. Hence, commercial teeth whitening products only contain a small percentage of the chemical.
A safer bet would be combining hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to make homemade toothpaste. The mixture will fight bacteria while also removing stains. The combination may cause gum sensitivity if used too often; hence, minimizing usage to 2-3 days a week is recommended.
Eat Fruit With Whitening Properties
Eat fruits with natural whitening properties such as strawberries, pineapples, and pawpaws. Some studies report the effectiveness of using the mixture of baking soda with either strawberries or pineapples.
Eat Calcium-Rich Food
Calcium is a natural element that protects teeth from enamel erosion. Most toothpaste brands use calcium chloride as the base of their paste. Food such as cheese, soya beans, and milk contain high calcium levels.
Eating crunchy vegetables also helps fight against plaque-causing bacteria; however, this is not a replacement for brushing your teeth. Make sure to regularly floss and brush your teeth at least once a day. Also, avoid anything that will intentionally stain teeth, such as chewing tobacco, drinking too much coffee, and consuming a lot of sugar.
As a parent, you probably feel inclined to prioritize your little ones’ oral health needs. But with this, you must lead by example and devote time towards keeping your teeth white and in good health as well.
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