Teeth yellow with age, but there are several ways that can halt or even reverse the process.
While most pharmacies provide teeth whitening kits, numerous natural methods can help eliminate stains and maintain tooth enamel.
Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth
The following methods may aid in tooth whitening:
- Making dietary adjustments
Foods that discolour the teeth can be avoided by avoiding them. Tannin-containing foods and beverages, such as wine and tea, can discolour the teeth. Coffee, as well as black drinks and beverages, can discolour them.
Acidic meals can discolour teeth by wearing away the enamel. People who are worried about the colour of their teeth should limit their intake of citrus fruits, coffee, and soda. Alternatively, they should wash their teeth immediately after having them.
Dentists often advise patients to wait 30 minutes after eating before cleaning their teeth. Because acids can degrade enamel, brushing too quickly might cause harm.
Quitting smoking or using tobacco products can help lessen the likelihood of nicotine stains. It can also help to avoid tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can erode the enamel and cause problems with your oral health.
- Experiment with oil pulling
The practise of cleansing the mouth with oil to remove dirt, germs, and debris is known as oil pulling. Although it is not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, some study indicates that cleaning the mouth with specific oils may help to whiten the teeth.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “there are no trustworthy scientific studies that suggest that oil pulling lowers cavities, whitens teeth, or improves oral health and well-being.”
To attempt this procedure, after brushing, rinse your mouth with oil for a minute and then spit it out.
The following oils are appropriate for oil pulling:
virgin coconut oil
sunflower seed oil
sesame seed oil
- Baking soda brushing
Baking soda may gently clean away surface spots on the teeth. Some individuals are concerned that baking soda is too abrasive and would grind away enamel, but a 2017 study found it to be a safe approach to remove stains.
Baking soda may also assist to combat germs, implying that it can decrease plaque and prevent tooth decay.
- Making use of hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help whiten discoloured teeth. For best results, brush with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1-2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this on rare occasions.
Because hydrogen peroxide might enhance tooth sensitivity, it is not recommended for long-term usage or for persons with sensitive teeth.
- Fruit-based whitening
Papain and bromelain, enzymes found in papayas and pineapples, respectively, may help in teeth whitening.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
The most essential thing a person can do to decrease tooth discoloration is to practise good dental hygiene.
Brushing and flossing on a regular basis maintains the enamel, reduces gum deterioration, and eliminates stains.
Good oral hygiene involves the following:
Brushing your teeth at least twice every day. Cleaning around the gums and the backs of the teeth is also important.
Making use of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride can help to prevent and even reverse tooth decay. Though some individuals are against using fluoride, dentists feel it is safe and healthy to teeth.
Flossing between the teeth to eliminate plaque.
Why do teeth yellow?
Teeth develop yellow for two causes, both of which worsen with age:
Thinning of the enamel
The exterior covering of teeth is made up of enamel, which is virtually white in colour and protects the deeper tooth structure. Dentin is a yellow-brown tissue layer that lies beneath the enamel. The teeth get darker when the enamel layer thins or wears away.
Acidic diets, gum disease, and ageing all have the potential to erode tooth enamel. Some folks also have naturally thinner enamel.
Stainsc
Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, can cause dental stains. Some foods that stain the teeth might also wear away the enamel, causing the yellowing to worsen.
Smoking and cigarette products, as well as some antibiotics, are other sources of stains.