Tooth Whitening: Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth At Home

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White and bright teeth (along with pinkish gums of course) are a sign of a healthy mouth.

Whiten Your Teeth At Home

Today, more and more people are investing their time and money in whitening treatments for their teeth to fit in with the growing esthetic demand.

So, it is no surprise that the cosmetic dentistry market in the United States was valued at a whopping $3.99 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $8.14 billion by 2033.

But this does not mean that you have to pay hundreds of dollars for professional whitening procedures at a dental office to achieve your dream set of pearly whites.

You can simply whiten your teeth naturally using products that you can find in your pantry.

Read on to learn more about at-home whitening techniques if you’re looking to whiten your yellow or dull teeth.

What is tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening is a dental procedure by which you can whiten or bleach teeth to appear a few shades lighter and whiter. 

Discoloration can make your teeth look dull or yellow. These are typically of two types – extrinsic and intrinsic. 

Extrinsic or surface stains may be caused by the frequent consumption of highly pigmented foods like coffee, tomato sauce, or red wine. They coat the enamel of a tooth and are difficult to remove even if you brush your teeth regularly.

Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, extend below the enamel into the dentin or pulp. These are usually caused as a result of an underlying systemic condition or due to the use of tetracycline medications during childhood.

The American Dental Association informs that whitening treatments can help remove stains of both intrinsic and extrinsic nature.

Whitening Methods to Whiten Teeth Naturally At Home

If visiting your dentist for professional whitening is not accessible to you, you can make your natural teeth whiter using home remedies. These at-home solutions can help remove discoloration on your teeth and make them appear cleaner and whiter.

You can choose any of these remedies to naturally whiten your teeth from the privacy of your own home.

Baking Soda 

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a popular baking ingredient and a staple in most households. It is used extensively for numerous things ranging from curing heartburn to whitening pots and pans.

But did you know that baking soda is one of the most commonly employed ingredients for whitening teeth? Baking soda has whitening properties and is a mild abrasive that can scrub away surface stains on teeth.

Additionally, some studies have found that it has a positive effect on preventing dental decay as it creates an alkaline environment in the mouth, stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying.

To use this, you should mix 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water (5 ml) and brush your teeth with this paste. Brushing with baking soda a few times every week can help to whiten your teeth.

Alternatively, you can use a toothpaste containing baking soda for the same outcome.

Hydrogen Peroxide

People have been using hydrogen peroxide to whiten their teeth for many years. Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that is used as a mild antiseptic to treat burns or cuts. It has also been used as a mouth rinse to cure canker sores or gum infections.

The impressive thing about this compound is that it can partially penetrate the layers of the teeth to remove discoloration. It also has natural whitening properties, making it effective at whitening teeth.

Most commercial toothpaste or other teeth whiteners contain hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent to change the color of your teeth.

To use this remedy, you can add four tablespoons (2 ounces) of 3% hydrogen peroxide to four tablespoons of water (2 ounces) to make a mixture. Rinse your mouth with it daily for at least 2-4 minutes.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

You can also use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide as a paste. A study found that using a toothpaste combining sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide produced minimal side effects while removing stains and whitening teeth successfully.

Add two teaspoons (10 ml) of peroxide to 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda to create a thick paste. Apply this paste directly on your teeth with a toothbrush and let it sit on the teeth for a few minutes before rinsing it away with water.

Applying this paste to your teeth a few times per week can make them appear whiter. Overuse can erode the outer layer of your teeth and make them sensitive. Be cautious not to swallow this mixture as it can make you severely ill.

Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil

The use of coconut oil as a teeth whitening hack dates back to about 2,500 years ago in Indian traditional medicine. The act of oil pulling is based on the concept of Ayurveda and suggests both local and systemic effects with regular practice.

In this practice, you should swish coconut oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which reduces inflammation and kills bacteria. Using it can have a whitening effect on your teeth. Some may use other oils like sesame or sunflower oils.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is not only a popular salad dressing but an effective teeth-whitening ingredient. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

To use this, you can mix 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water to make a mouthwash. Rinse your mouth with this solution for 30 seconds. Follow it up with a plain water rinse. 

Many experts suggest that using this regularly can make your teeth whiter, however, adequate evidence is currently unavailable. You should also use this only for short durations as it can potentially erode your tooth enamel upon prolonged use.

DIY Teeth Whitening Products

If natural remedies do not work for you, you can turn to DIY whitening to do the job.

Some of the common at-home whitening products available in the market today are:

Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste contains mild bleaching chemicals like peroxides and abrasives to remove the surface stains while at the same time lightening the color of your teeth. You can gently brush your teeth at least twice with whitening toothpaste to whiten your teeth over time.

It may take repeated use, even weeks or months to show visible results and for your teeth to become whiter and brighter.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips also contain bleaching ingredients that can lighten your teeth by a shade or two. You should use whitening strips twice per day for at least two weeks to show desired results.

You usually need to leave them on for about 30 minutes at a time. Using strips repeatedly and leaving them on your teeth for long periods can cause sensitive teeth and may damage your teeth entirely.

Whitening Mouthwash

A study published in the American Journal of Dentistry found that commercial mouthwash containing 1.5% hydrogen peroxide was effective in noticeably lightening teeth after 4 weeks.

Whiten Teeth

Swish this mouthwash around in your mouth for 1 minute after brushing and then spit. Do not swallow the rinse. Use this at least twice a day for best results.

Best Practices for At-Home Teeth Whitening

Remember to continue to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth daily even after teeth whitening to keep your teeth healthy. You should also visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar

Limit the consumption of pigmented foods such as red wine, teas, and coffee. Smoking and tobacco can also stain your teeth which is why it is best to avoid it.

Conclusion

Home whitening may be able to whiten your teeth after repeated use. However, you should consult your dentist before indulging in such practices to assess the best way to whiten or bleach your teeth. 

Several habits can lead to yellow teeth. Maintain your oral health and oral hygiene to keep your teeth bright and your smile dazzling.

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