What Is The Best Way To Whiten Your Teeth?

Written by Shamita Dhingra
Last Updated on

Who doesn’t like warming up to a person with a gleaming set of pearly white teeth? A great smile is not just an asset to your personality; it is also an indicator of good health and personal hygiene. It adds to your confidence and increases your general appeal.

Are you wondering if getting whiter teeth is difficult? Well, not at all. You can try some tried and tested home solutions, and if needed, can also visit dentists and professionals who will give your teeth a great makeover.

Let us first look at the factors that influence the color of the enamel that coats our teeth. And also the factors that cause its discoloration.

1. Genes

The color of the enamel is white whereas the underlying layer of dentine is yellow. If the layer of upper enamel is thinner than the dentine layer, its yellowness is visible through the lighter enamel coating. It is related to toxins and nutrition levels during the stages of development of the tooth. Since nutrition (or food) habits are hereditary, it can affect the pattern of tooth formation through generations.

2. Food

2. Food
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Some food items can cause discoloration of your tooth enamel. They are tea and coffee, some types of berries like blueberries and blackberries, red and white wine, beverages containing soda, sweets, etc.

3. Internal Well-being

Internal infections or diseases can also cause discoloration and yellowing of teeth. Radiation from chemotherapy, antibiotics, syrups, certain antihistamines, and other drugs are some of the reasons why your teeth can turn yellow (1).

4. Drinks And Beverages

4. Drinks And Beverages
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As mentioned earlier, pigments and colors from hot and cold beverages and the components from wines are said to stain the teeth.

5. Bad Habits

5. Bad Habits
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Smoking or consuming tobacco can be detrimental to our teeth (2). The presence of substances like nicotine and tar not only erode and stain the teeth but can also cause oral cancer.

6. Poor Dental Hygiene

Not brushing or flossing your teeth properly can lead to bad oral hygiene. Certain mouth washes also contribute to teeth staining.

7. Irregular Check-ups

If you are suffering from yellowness or staining of teeth, it is better to consult a dentist and do the needful. If you are not being careful enough, then it can lead to further discoloration.

Teeth Whitening

Clean, white teeth are an integral part of a good, presentable personality. If you desire to get your teeth cleaned, you can always opt for home remedies or go for a professionally designed dental routine that suits you.

Try these five amazing things to whiten your teeth at home:

1. Strawberry Pulp

1. Strawberry Pulp
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Sounds odd, but strawberry pulp is very effective in reducing yellowness of the teeth. Just add some amount of baking soda to the crushed pulp of a strawberry. Mix well to form a smooth mixture. Take a brush and use it to spread the pulp mix onto your teeth. Leave it on for about five minutes. Then, brush your teeth with your usual toothpaste.

2. Pulp Of An Unripe Tomato

Crush the pulp of an unripened tomato and apply it on the teeth once every week. Since it is acidic in nature, we advise you not to overdo it.

3. Tea Tree Oil

3. Tea Tree Oil
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Tea tree oil is an excellent ingredient that helps whiten your teeth significantly. In this procedure, after you brush your teeth, you put a few drops of tree tea oil on the rinsed toothbrush and then massage your teeth with it. After brushing, rinse your mouth with water. You will feel very fresh and notice the change in just a few weeks.

4. Citrus Rinds

Applying the white rinds of citrus fruits like orange and lemon can have a mildly whitening effect on the teeth. However, experts warn that the acidic content of the fruits can also be harmful, so it is better to rinse your mouth right away and also try this procedure a bit sparingly.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

5. Hydrogen Peroxide
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Take a small spoon of baking soda and add to it 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Mix it to get a proper consistency. Put it on the toothbrush and brush your teeth with this mixture. You can do it twice a week. But, be cautious because hydrogen peroxide and soda are quite strong and can corrode the dental enamel. They also affect the mineralization process of the teeth.  Therefore, it is recommended that this method is used only for people above 18 years of age.

Healthy Habits For Healthy White Teeth 

  1. Food – Consuming fiber-rich food items like fresh fruits, coarse whole grains, and dairy products all help the teeth remain healthy and white.
  2. Beverages – Try to drink the stain-causing drinks like tea, coffee, wines, etc. in moderation. Or even better, stop consuming them for a while.
  3. Oral hygiene – Follow the habit of brushing and regular flossing to keep the enamel clean and shinning.
  4. Regular visits to the dentist – Visit the dentist regularly to ascertain that your teeth, enamel, and gums are healthy and strong.

Keeping your teeth clean, healthy, and white is not just about aesthetics, it also passes on to the next generation because good dental structure and color are hereditary. So, use the above tips to clean your teeth and enjoy optimum dental health.

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