Natural methods for tooth whitening at home

Find out which natural tooth whitening methods are adequate, ineffective, and why.

 

Do you want your teeth to be whiter without chemicals? In a survey conducted by the American Dental Association, respondents were asked what aspect of their smile they would like to change the most, and the most common response was to have whiter teeth. Even though there is evidence from the Journal of Evidence-based Dental Practice that professional teeth whitening with bleaching agents make a difference, many people are turning to natural solutions to get a brighter smile. Check out our article titled "Is Teeth Whitening Safe?" for additional information regarding the effects of teeth whitening on one's health.

 

Oral hygiene must be practised regularly to keep teeth and gums healthy and disease-free. Brushing your teeth will be a breeze with the help of our guide to the best electric toothbrushes, which may also improve the quality of your dental routine. You may also look at our guide on how to use an electric toothbrush to get the best results for more information on how to use an electric toothbrush.

 

You may hear claims regarding natural techniques to whiten teeth, even though the research supporting these claims is sometimes inadequate. To make matters even worse, some of the approaches may be harmful. It may be difficult to understand, but we've sought advice from professionals and investigated the science behind several ways to whiten teeth using natural methods, so you don't have to.

 

"See a dental professional, and don't take matters into your own hands," advises Dr Safa Al-Naher, the director and primary dentist of Serene Dental and Facial Aesthetics (opens in a new tab). A dentist can provide you with experienced guidance and tailored recommendations on how you can improve your smile's appearance.

 

In addition, were you aware that a natural smile is not white as snow but a shade of yellow most of the time? The enamel, dentin, and pulp comprise the three layers that make up our teeth. Dentin is the yellow layer that makes up the middle layer. When the enamel is thin, the dentin behind it can become visible. Learn more about this topic by consulting our reference guide. Do teeth naturally have a yellow colour?

 

Reduce your consumption of foods and beverages that can discolour your teeth.

 

To whiten your teeth naturally, you first need to learn about the factors contributing to tooth discolouration. According to the American Dental Association, the appearance of a person's teeth can be affected by intrinsic and extrinsic variables. [citation needed] . Your age and the state of your health are examples of intrinsic elements that can change the colour of your teeth. To achieve the desired result, a visit to the dentist would be necessary to receive a recommendation for teeth bleaching with a bleaching agent. Changes to your lifestyle can improve the appearance of your teeth, even if there are variables that are not intrinsic to the teeth, such as stains on the surface.

 

Al-Naher recommends avoiding anything that has an intense colour, including but not limited to tea, coffee, red wine, turmeric, various spices, and tomato sauces. Although avoiding these entirely is impossible, you should try to cut back on how much you take in.

 

Here's a neat approach that you can take if you don't want to give up drinking your favourite beverages altogether. Dr Manrina Rhode, an aesthetic dental surgeon and the owner of the DRMR clinic, recommends using a straw whenever you consume a coloured beverage to prevent the beverage from staining your teeth. The straw lessens the risk of discolouration by reducing the time spent in contact with substances that stain.

 

Have a look at our research on the topic of "is milk healthy for your teeth?" to get an idea of how consuming milk might improve your dental health.

 

Quit smoking

 

According to the American Dental Association, not only can give up smoking have a beneficial effect on a person's overall health, but it also has the potential to improve the appearance of a person's teeth. It's possible that getting a whiter smile will give you the motivation to kick the habit finally.

 

There are two different reasons why smoking causes discolouration. A yellow stain is produced when the nicotine comes into contact with oxygen. In addition, tar is a naturally dark substance that can cause discolouration if it comes into contact with other substances.

 

The oil drawing method is still being debated.

 

You may have heard of oil pulling through social media, even though it originates from traditional Ayurvedic medicine. This practice aims to eliminate microorganisms by swishing oil in your mouth and then spitting it out. A study published in 2009 in the Indian Journal of Dental Research revealed that oil pulling could lessen plaque accumulation on teeth. However, a study published in 2017 in the journal Dental Hypotheses concluded that the data supporting oil pulling was weak. The analysis cited that much of the research include small sample sizes or that the method is incorrect.

 

Because there is insufficient evidence about its efficacy and safety, the American Dental Association does not support the practice of oil pulling. You should consider flossing as an alternative to brushing your teeth if you are concerned about not cleaning areas of your mouth that are difficult to access.

 

Don't bother with the activated charcoal.

 

There is a lot of buzz surrounding using activated charcoal as a natural way to whiten teeth, but does the research support this? According to Medline Plus, which the National Library of Medicine maintains, activated charcoal has a porous structure that makes it capable of absorbing chemicals. However, there are worries among industry professionals over the safety of this approach.

 

The risks far outweigh the potential benefits of using natural materials like strawberries, lemons, charcoal, and baking soda. All these functions by removing the superficial discolouration on the teeth, which initially gives the impression that the teeth are whiter than they are. They will wear away the enamel if you use them frequently enough. It is impossible to regrow enamel after it has been lost. According to Rhode, the dentin, which lies beneath the enamel, is an even yellower and more sensitive layer.

 

If you have problems with sensitivity, you may find the information you need in our guide on the factors contributing to toothaches.

 

Avoid treating yourself at home with baking soda.

 

Many people claim that baking soda is an effective natural cure for whitening teeth, but what evidence is there to support this claim? Baking soda can scrape away surface stains and leave your smile looking bright and beautiful.

 

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry in 1998, the researchers found that using toothpaste containing baking soda resulted in whiter teeth compared to toothpaste that did not contain it. However, this is an outdated study, and there is no proof of the efficacy of therapies that may be done at home.

 

Some professionals are concerned that baking soda can be abrasive, particularly when used in large quantities. It could cause harm to the teeth and run the risk of being counterproductive because it risks exposing the yellow dentin beneath the enamel. Al-Naher recommends searching for a "toothpaste with a somewhat gritty consistency like a scrub for your teeth," which you can read more about here. It would help if you did not use any scrubs that you make at home. You should use toothpaste that has been developed especially for this objective.

 

Brush consistently

 

Never undervalue the significance of maintaining proper hygiene in your daily life. To keep your teeth and gums in good health, the American Dental Association suggests brushing your teeth for four minutes twice daily. The buildup of plaque can lead to discolouration of the tooth's surface. Plaque can be removed from your teeth, and the beauty of your smile can be improved if you brush your teeth regularly.

 

Take care not to push yourself beyond your limits in any way. According to Al-Naher, many people believe that if they wash their teeth too vigorously, they will be able to whiten them. However, what ends up occurring is that they wear away the enamel, and what's left is the yellow dentin that's underneath the enamel.

 

If you are looking for natural ways to whiten your teeth, brushing your teeth properly and reducing the amount of time you spend on things that stain your teeth are excellent places to start. Be aware that insufficient evidence supports specific procedures and that these methods may do more harm than help.

Article source : https://www.livescience.com/how-to-whiten-teeth-naturally-at-home

Image source   : https://pixabay.com/id/vectors/sikat-gigi-pasta-gigi-kebersihan-24232/

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