Before you even learn how to whiten your teeth, you first have to learn why they become yellow. There are a number of factors that lead to this condition – including genetics, what you eat or drink and your overall oral hygiene. A human tooth is made up of 4 main tissues namely: dentin, enamel, pulp and cementum.
Every tissue has its own functions. Dentin is the tissue that supports the enamel and it also carries the nerves. Pulp is located at the center of the tooth and it contains lymph and blood vessels. Enamel is the white outer strong material that protects the tooth. Lastly cementum covers the tooth’s root.
Dentin and enamel are the main tooth tissues that play the main role in tooth color. There are drinks and foods that will stain the enamel directly. The most dangerous foods are those that slowly break down the enamel tissues and weakening it as the patient ages. As the enamel gets weaker, it exposes the yellow tissues called dentin.
These remedies are after whitening teeth that have already lost some part of the enamel. You should also look for remedies that will also strengthen the enamel. Prevention of enamel breakage is also a remedy too.
1. Lemon Juice And Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a common ingredient and it should not be a shocker to many. Sodium bicarbonate is its official name and it has some mild abrasive property that will gently rub on the teeth surface and remove stains on the surface.
Baking soda is also alkaline. This means that if you have an acidic mouth or you eat a lot of acidic foods, it will help you maintain your ph. This is very important because acid is also known to break down the enamel.
The alkalinity will also balance the acidity of the lemon juice used. Lemon juice is a natural bleach that is very effective. There are people who use baking soda with water and then on some day they will use a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. However, you should not overdo it.
2. Baking Soda, Strawberry And Salt Scrub
Strawberry is a fruit that is rich in Vitamin C which helps in breaking of plaque – a known cause of yellowing of the teeth. They also have a special enzyme called malic acid that helps in removing stubborn surface stains.
The added salts acts as the abrasive part and will physically rub on the surface stains. The baking soda is just an added ingredient that you can leave out if you want to. You will need around 1-3 strawberries, salt and a teaspoon of baking soda – this is optional.
3. Coconut Oil Rinse
This may sound crazy, but it is a remedy that has been used for a long time and people claim it is very effective. It is not very pleasant, but you should not mind about the taste. Coconut does not have a bleaching effect but the lauric acid in the oil gets rid of the plaque bacteria and hence reduces its destructive processes.
Coconut oil will also promote the overall gum health and will help you maintain a fresh breath in your mouth. You should use the rinse in the morning before you brush your teeth.
4. Eat Crunchy Foods
These foods will help in removing chemicals and sugars that remain in the teeth surface and they are known to cause cavities and surface stains. Sticky foods are the main criminals that you should fight most.
There is a saying that says, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. You should eat an apple a day and they contain malic acid – it is a chemical ingredient that is used to whiten teeth by dissolving stains.
There are some vegetables like carrots, celery and broccoli that are simple natural tooth whiteners. These foods are crunchy and they will keep the saliva going and this plays a role in lessening tooth stains.
You should also ensure that you rinse your mouth with plenty of water after you eat. This is a simple way to remove food residue and leftovers that may remain and cause tooth decay or staining.
You should be very careful when using baking soda. This product can eat your teeth away if incorrectly used.