But before we start to whiten teeth, let’s talk about why your teeth look yellow.
What Causes Yellow Teeth?
There are several factors that can make your teeth appear dull and yellow. Certain foods can stain your enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Plaque buildup on your teeth can also make them look yellow.
The discoloration can be treated with regular cleaning and bleaching agents. Sometimes the teeth also look yellow because the hard enamel has eroded, exposing the dentin underneath. The dentin is naturally yellow bone tissue located under the enamel.
Here are six simple remedies to whiten your teeth
Practice oil pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional remedy that improves oral hygiene and removes toxins from the body. The practice involves rinsing oil in your mouth and removing the bacteria that can turn into plaque and cause your teeth to look yellow.
The most commonly used oil for pulling oil is sunflower and sesame oil. You can also use coconut oil, which is rich in lauric acid and known for its ability to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Studies show that daily oil pulling reduces bacteria in the mouth, as well as plaque and gingivitis.
Oil pulling with sesame oil reduces the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which is responsible for plaque and gingivitis.
To infuse oil, put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and push and pull the oil through your teeth. Oil pulling is a safe practice and can be done by anyone.
Brush with baking soda
Baking soda has natural whitening properties and is therefore an important ingredient used in toothpaste. It is a mild abrasive that can scrub away the stains on the teeth.
It also helps create an alkaline environment in the mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing. Science has not yet proven that baking soda can whiten your teeth, but studies have shown that baking soda toothpaste has a significant whitening effect.
To make use of this remedy, you can mix a teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with it. You can do it 2-3 times a week.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that also kills the bacteria in your mouth. Hydrogen peroxide has been used to clean wounds for centuries because of its ability to kill bacteria.
Studies have shown that a toothpaste with baking soda and 1 percent hydrogen peroxide can significantly whiten your teeth.
Another study found that toothpaste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide when used twice a day can lead to 62 percent whiter teeth in 6 weeks.
It should be noted that there are some questions regarding the safety of hydrogen peroxide. The diluted concentration is safe, thread concentration or overuse can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
If you plan to use hydrogen peroxide, provide a 1.5 or 3 percent solution to avoid side effects. You can also use it as a mouthwash before brushing your teeth.
You can mix it with baking soda and brush your teeth with it.
Eat fruits and vegetables
A diet high in fruits and vegetables is good for your overall health and for your teeth. Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables can help rub away plaque while you chew it. However, this is not a substitute for brushing your teeth. Strawberries and pineapple are two fruits that are said to whiten your teeth.
Prevent tooth stains
While your teeth turn yellow with age, you can prevent stains by doing a few simple things.
Limit your intake of coffee, red wine, soda and dark berries. These are all notorious for staining teeth. You don’t have to avoid these substances altogether, but you should limit their intake.
You can also drink beverages known to stain your teeth using a straw.
You should brush your teeth sooner after drinking such drinks.
Avoid chewing tobacco and cigarette smoking, as both can cause tooth discoloration.
Limit your sugar intake, as too much sugar can increase bacterial growth and cause plaque and gingivitis. Make sure to brush your teeth immediately after consuming sugary foods.
Eat calcium-rich foods such as cheese and milk to protect your teeth from enamel erosion.
Brush and floss regularly
Teeth discoloration is usually the result of plaque build-up. Regular brushing and flossing will keep your teeth white, reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent plaque buildup.