A smile is one of the most important facial expressions that we have. It’s only natural that we want our teeth to look great when we flash our pearly whites.
You shouldn’t let stains or discoloration stop you from smiling. To get a brighter smile, try out some of these natural and conventional ways of whitening your teeth.
1. Brush and Floss Everyday
Your dentist doesn’t tell you to brush and floss your teeth just to torture you. While brushing your teeth twice per day can help prevent stains, flossing keeps your gums looking healthy. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush and avoid scrubbing your teeth too hard, as this can wear down your enamel.
2. Prevent Yellow Stains
Unfortunately, some of your favorite foods and drinks might be the cause of your yellow teeth. You can remove most of these surface stains after they’ve made their mark, but it’s best to prevent them before they happen. These foods and drinks are the worst offenders when it comes to stains:
- Coffee and tea
- Red and white wine
- Soda
- Berries
- Soy sauce
- Tomato sauce
You don’t have to cut these foods and drinks out of your life permanently, but you should try to adjust your diet to consume less of them.
3. Use Lemon, Banana, or Orange Rinds
Don’t throw out your peels! Rubbing your teeth with the inside of lemon, banana, or orange peels can help whiten them. Brush your teeth with toothpaste after using the peels, and you should notice results after a few weeks. Keep in mind that you should stop using this technique if you find your teeth getting more sensitive—the acid in the fruit peels can wear down your enamel.
4. Try Activated Charcoal Powder
You’ve probably used charcoal face wash to get rid of blackheads, but did you know that charcoal is also good for your teeth? Add a little activated charcoal powder to your toothbrush, and start brushing.
Activated charcoal attaches itself to the stains on your teeth, which allows you to easily brush away surface stains. Your teeth will become a scary shade of black as you brush, but don’t worry—some thorough rinsing will get your teeth back to normal.
5. Create a Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
You can create your own whitening toothpaste by mixing together one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Brush with this homemade paste to eliminate plaque and whiten your teeth. Thoroughly rinse your mouth afterward, and you’ll be on your way to getting whiter teeth.
6. Rinse With Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a wide array of uses, and that includes whitening your teeth. Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to a cup and dilute it with water. Swish it around in your mouth for up to 30 seconds to achieve a brighter smile.
Remember that apple cider vinegar is very acidic, so it’s crucial that you dilute it with water and avoid brushing your teeth after rinsing with it. Otherwise, it can cause damage to your enamel.
7. Use Whitening Toothpaste
In addition to natural remedies, whitening toothpaste can also help you get whiter teeth. Many kinds of toothpaste, like Crest 3D White, can reliably remove and prevent surface stains while also remaining gentle on your enamel.
8. Apply Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are usually a person’s go-to whitening method. Strips contain a peroxide gel that whitens your teeth, offering a quick fix for pesky surface stains. Try not to use whitening strips too much or leave them on for too long—the peroxide can erode your enamel, causing your teeth to become more sensitive.
Consider Upgrading Your Toothbrush
You don’t always have to see a dentist for an expensive teeth whitening treatment. Some of the best teeth whitening methods can be done from the comfort of your home.
Are you still using a manual toothbrush? Electric toothbrushes will give you much better results when it comes to cleaning your teeth. Invest in one of these electric toothbrushes for under $100, and you’ll get healthier teeth without breaking the bank.
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