Every year, Yonkers residents spend thousands of dollars on teeth-whitening products. In 2015, Americans spent more than $11 billion on teeth whitening products. While professional whitening in Yonkers is always a good idea, there are a few home remedies to try first. Here are a few tips to help brighten your teeth at home.
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1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an old practice that originated in India. It seeks to promote oral hygiene and get rid of toxins from your body. Swish some oil in your mouth, and it will help get rid of bacteria before it turns into plaque that makes your teeth look yellow. The most popular oils for oil pulling are sesame and sunflower oil. However, you can use other oils as well.
If you are looking for something that tastes better, coconut oil is a great choice. Also, it is rich in lauric acid, which is perfect for inflammation and fighting bacteria. While there are no scientific studies to prove that oil pulling can whiten your teeth, the practice has been around for a long time, and many people swear by it.
2. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Consider increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables to get whiter and brighter teeth. Although they cannot substitute the need to brush, crunchy fruits and vegetables are great for rubbing plaque away. Pineapples and strawberries are some of the most popular options.
The practice of using baking soda and strawberries for teeth whitening has become very popular. The malic acid in strawberries is said to help fight discoloration and remove stains. While it may not work as well as commercial whiteners, it makes a difference.
Studies suggest that toothpaste with bromelain, an enzyme present in pineapples, is great for removing minor stains. It works better than regular toothpaste.
3. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda has whitening properties, which explains why it is used in commercial toothpaste. Being a mild abrasive, it can scrape away surface stains. It also creates an alkaline environment that prevents the growth of bacteria in your mouth. When using baking soda, however, you need to know that it doesn’t have lasting effects. The whiteness may only last overnight. If you want lasting results, you’ll need to use it over an extended period.
4. Prevent the Stains
The most effective way to keep your teeth white and bright is by preventing discoloration before it happens. Reduce your intake of staining foods and beverages like red wine, dark berries, and coffee. While you don’t need to avoid them altogether, you’d be wise to limit the duration where they are in contact with your teeth. When drinking staining beverages, for example, consider using a straw. Brush your teeth about 30 minutes after consuming these foods and beverages.
There are many ways to whiten your teeth at home. However, they only remove surface stains. If you wish to remove deeper stains and achieve a brighter smile, schedule an appointment with a dentist. They use bleach to deal with severe discoloration that you may be unable to handle on your own.