Natural Teeth Whitening at Home: Effective Methods and Tips
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A naturally white smile looks amazing. However, certain foods and beverages we consume can prevent us from achieving it. In fact, some foods are detrimental to the shade of tooth enamel, making it dull and yellowish. But does the opposite happen? Are there products and natural ways to whiten teeth?
In this material, we explore which products and techniques allow you to lighten tooth enamel at home. We also consider the most popular and budget-friendly natural methods to brighten enamel.
Benefits of Natural Teeth Whitening
Natural teeth whitening is a great way to improve the aesthetics of your smile from the comfort of your own home. Depending on the method used, at-home teeth whitening can lighten tooth enamel by several shades.
Compared to professional teeth whitening, natural methods are not as effective. They do not provide dramatic changes or the “Hollywood smile” effect. However, some teeth whitening hacks can still achieve quite good results, making your tooth enamel lighter by several shades.
Why patients are interested in safe teeth whitening at home
- It’s Simple: Simple daily steps allow you to improve the aesthetics of your smile and care for the beauty of your tooth enamel without resorting to complex professional techniques.
- It’s Inexpensive: Using affordable home remedies and products found in every kitchen, you can take care of your dental health and improve the beauty and color of your enamel without spending much.
- It’s Accessible: Home teeth whitening techniques allow you to transform your smile and whiten your tooth enamel by several shades without needing to make an appointment with a dentist or find time to visit one.
Next, let’s take a look at popular ways to whiten tooth enamel that are commonly used these days. Some of them may be familiar to you thanks to reviews from friends, advice from opinion leaders, and articles on the internet.
What to Use to Make Your Teeth White Naturally
Conventionally, all methods of home teeth whitening are reduced to three key effects: the effect of natural acids on tooth enamel, the removal of bacterial plaque which leads to the staining of enamel, and the surface abrasive effect of active agents and products on the enamel, resulting in a brightening effect.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
When talking about natural ways to whiten teeth, the first thing you may think of is baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. These two substances have actually been used for decades to lighten tooth enamel.
How the Technique Works:
One teaspoon of baking soda is mixed with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. The resulting mixture is then spot-applied to the surface of the teeth. In fact, such a mixture acts as a tooth powder. Due to the abrasive effect on the enamel surface, the baking soda particles, which have reacted with hydrogen peroxide, affect the tooth enamel, remove plaque embedded in the surface of the teeth, and remove bacteria. This brightens the smile and makes it look healthier and more radiant.
To achieve the desired effect, the procedure is repeated several times. However, it is important to note that applying baking soda and peroxide on the surface of the enamel can lead to damage and irritation of the oral mucosa.
Coconut Oil Pulling
Known in Ayurvedic medicine, the technique of rinsing the mouth with coconut oil has gained a lot of popularity as a way to whiten tooth enamel and brighten teeth.
How the Technique Works:
Coconut oil is used similarly to mouthwash, despite its thicker texture. To do this, a small amount of oil is placed in the mouth and slowly swished between the teeth so that the oil coats the tooth enamel well.
The technique shows considerable effectiveness in brightening the enamel and helps to remove bacterial plaque. For this reason, coconut oil is considered an excellent home option for improving the aesthetics of the smile and preventing tooth decay and gingivitis.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is not only a great addition to salads but also a popular method of home teeth whitening.
How the Technique Works:
Apple cider vinegar is used as a rinse to whiten tooth enamel. To do this, a small portion of vinegar is swished in the mouth, ensuring the liquid comes in contact with the enamel. After a couple of minutes, rinse the oral cavity with water to prevent irritation of the oral mucosa and gums.
Due to malic acid in the composition of vinegar, the surface layers of enamel are cleaned from ingrained plaque. However, it’s important to note that this whitening method should not be repeated more often than once every 7-10 days. Overusing mouthwash with apple cider vinegar can damage tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and potentially causing or worsening cavities.
Activated Charcoal
Speaking of popular methods of natural teeth whitening, it is also worth mentioning the use of activated charcoal. This ingredient is often found in toothpastes and is also used as an active ingredient in home teeth whitening.
How the Method Works:
To achieve the whitening effect, one or more activated charcoal tablets are mixed with water to form a homogeneous paste. It’s important that the resulting mixture has a paste-like consistency. After that, the paste is used to brush the teeth, carefully treating the surface of each tooth. Once the cleaning is complete, rinse the oral cavity with water.
Due to its abrasive and adsorbing action, activated charcoal removes plaque from the enamel surface and brightens the smile by several shades when used systematically.
Strawberries and Baking Soda
Another variant of home teeth whitening is the use of strawberries and baking soda. This technique has become popular due to the influence of opinion leaders on social networks.
How the Method Works:
Strawberries contain malic acid, which, combined with baking soda, acts on tooth enamel similarly to hydrogen peroxide combined with baking soda.
To whiten teeth using this method, it is recommended to mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a couple of strawberries to obtain a homogeneous paste. Then, apply the paste to a toothbrush and use it to clean the surface of the enamel. Some users suggest leaving the mixture on the teeth for 3-5 minutes before rinsing the mouth with water. As in previous cases, the effectiveness of this method has not been tested or confirmed by research.
These are popular methods of home teeth whitening used today. Some show good effectiveness in achieving a beautiful smile and improving the color of tooth enamel without leaving home. However, it’s important to note that many home methods can be harmful to dental health if used frequently and intensively. Therefore, regardless of the method you choose, avoid excessive use of home remedies.
Additional Tips for Maintaining White Teeth
Natural teeth whitening methods are optional extras that allow you to take care of the beauty of your smile. However, the best and most effective way to preserve the natural shade of enamel that is given from birth is to take care of your tooth enamel on a daily basis.
Here are 5 steps to maintain the color of your tooth enamel and whiteness of your teeth:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth in the morning and at night is a great way to remove bacterial plaque and food debris, which are the main causes of changes in the natural shade of enamel. Additionally, you can periodically use whitening toothpaste as well as fluoride toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste helps remove plaque from the surface layers of enamel, thereby brightening your smile. Fluoride toothpaste strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to staining from colorful foods.
- Flossing is another key step for maintaining a whiter smile. This simple practice allows you to remove food debris from between your teeth and along the gumline, preventing bacterial plaque buildup that can discolor enamel and improving overall oral health.
- Using a mouth rinse is also beneficial for a healthy and beautiful smile. Use it after brushing your teeth and even between meals. Mouthwash helps maintain gum health and removes residue from staining foods and drinks.
- Rinse your mouth with water after meals. Taking a couple of sips of water after a meal should not be underestimated. It is the easiest way to cleanse your mouth, tongue, and tooth enamel surface of food particles, coffee, and tea, and to reduce (or prevent) the effects of pigments that can stain tooth enamel.
- Special diet and avoidance of bad habits also play a significant role. The shade of tooth enamel often reflects what we eat and our habits. For example, people who consume turmeric and other oriental spices may develop yellow enamel. Those who enjoy drinking wine may notice a grayish-blue or red tint to their enamel. Smokers often have a characteristic yellowish-gray plaque on their teeth. Therefore, an important step toward achieving a snow-white smile is to evaluate your diet and avoid harmful habits. If eliminating these habits is challenging, maintain thorough oral hygiene.
Also worth noting is professional teeth cleaning and whitening. Sometimes home techniques are not enough to achieve a truly dramatic brightening of tooth enamel. In such cases, professional dental services such as dental hygiene cleaning and professional teeth whitening can be very effective.
Regular systemic oral health checkups, professional teeth cleaning at the dentist’s office, and, if desired, professional teeth whitening—all these simple but systematic actions allow you to significantly improve the aesthetics of your smile and noticeably enhance the whiteness of your teeth.
It’s important to note that natural teeth whitening at home offers simple techniques that can lighten the shade of tooth enamel by a couple of tones. These changes are noticeable but not as dramatic in achieving the aesthetics of a “Hollywood smile.” For more significant changes and a “Hollywood smile” effect, a professional dentist can provide specialized treatments.
Natural Teeth Whitening: the Most Common Questions
How can I remove yellow teeth naturally?
There can be many reasons why tooth enamel turns yellow, including smoking, consuming colorful foods, or taking certain medications. The most effective way to remove the characteristic yellow plaque is through professional cleaning or whitening treatments.
If you prefer to use natural home remedies to remove plaque, start by reducing the consumption of colorful foods and giving up bad habits. Additionally, you can try natural whitening methods such as hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, or activated charcoal.
How can I whiten my teeth super fast at home?
The most effective and fastest natural ways to lighten enamel include using baking soda and lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide. However, it’s important to note that the best way to lighten enamel is through prevention, which includes systematic oral hygiene, using whitening toothpaste, flossing, and mouthwash.
Do natural teeth whitening work?
The effectiveness of most techniques considered popular home whitening methods today has not been clinically proven or confirmed by research to date. However, there are numerous positive testimonials from individuals who have experienced the effectiveness and positive effects of methods such as whitening teeth with baking soda, coconut oil, and even baking soda combined with strawberries.
Can lemon whiten teeth?
Some people note the effectiveness of whitening tooth enamel using lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking soda. However, as in other cases, clinical trials and studies on the effectiveness of such techniques have not been conducted to date.
It should be noted that lemon juice, like any other fruit acid, can penetrate the superficial layers of tooth enamel, which may lead to tooth whitening. However, it can also cause tooth sensitivity.
Additional Resources
The 6 list: At-home dental trends to avoid – Dentistry IQ
Recommendations for take-home whitening products and whitening toothpaste – Dentistry IQ
