Getting radiant white teeth is the Nirvana achievement for most people when it comes to oral healthcare. This is especially true for smokers and coffee addicts who will find no easy task in overcoming the challenge of yellow teeth. A lot of money is spent on teeth whitening products as there is a wide variety to choose from. The effectiveness of these products is often put under question and scrutiny. Apart from the question as to how well these products work, there is a certain degree of bleach included in the mixing, which raises concerns for many people. In this article we discuss options to whiten your teeth and avoid chemicals whilst at it.
First off, let’s discuss what makes your teeth look yellow. What makes teeth lose their beautiful sparkle and become yellow and bland? Apart from the obvious cigarettes and coffees, there are foods which stain your enamel and also plaque, which can develop between your teeth and make them appear yellow and dirty. A certain commitment for consistent oral hygiene is required to keep your teeth white and clean.
Oil
A traditional Indian remedy which promotes healthier teeth and gums, involves swishing oil around in your mouth, which eliminates bacteria, hence the development of plaque that makes teeth look yellow. Any oil will serve this purpose well, however, the Indians traditionally used sunflower and sesame oil. In this regard, coconut oil may be the most attractive choice due to its taste and health benefits. The high level of lauric acid is ideal in fighting bacteria. Although the oil swishing is not backed by science, there is no harm in trying as a significant number of people claim that their teeth are whiter and brighter following this approach.
Baking soda
Brushing your teeth with baking soda helps with removing stains. It is a popular ingredient in many toothpaste brands. The alkaline it creates in your mouth prevents the growth of bacteria. With that said, you should not expect immediate results here and you are likely to see the results over time. Toothpaste with the most baking soda report higher levels of teeth whitening when compared to those with less. It is also ideal in the removal of plaque. To apply, simply mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with the paste created.
Fruits and veggies
Apart from the significant body benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables, there are also advantages for your teeth. Raw and crunchy fruits help you remove plaque as you are chewing. In addition to this is the claim that strawberries and pineapples are conducive to teeth whitening. The bromelain found in pineapples is positively correlated with teeth whitening.
Avoid tooth stains
There are some food and beverage items that are more prone to stain our teeth. Although our teeth are more prone to become yellow as we age, there are a number of food and beverages we can avoid to delay the deterioration process. Examples of such beverages include coffee, red wine and soft drinks. Foods with high sugar levels also need to be avoided. In this regard, it would be ideal to ensure good levels of calcium in our diets. Such consumables may include milk, cheese and broccoli which are ideal in safeguarding the enamel.
Brush and Floss
Apart from these small tips, we can never underestimate the importance of maintaining your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth daily and flossing, whilst visiting your dentist once every six months.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that oral hygiene is a constant commitment and requires continued attention.
